Missed Period After Recent Menstruation: Should You Be Concerned?

Menstruation has not yet arrived?

On October 17th, I had sexual intercourse, and then my period started on the 21st, lasting for 7 days.
I would like to know if this means I am unlikely to be pregnant, as I have read that it is possible to have a period even when pregnant, which confuses me.
This month, my period has not come yet (and I have not had any sexual intercourse).
Previously, I would experience breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort as part of my premenstrual syndrome, but this time I have not had those symptoms; I only feel slight abdominal discomfort and a sensation of something coming out.
I have no other symptoms, and it has been several days now.
Is this normal? I have been feeling more stressed and anxious due to exams and competitions in the past few days.
Could this be the reason for my delayed period? Should I see a doctor since my period has not arrived?

Jia, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On October 17th, I had sexual intercourse, and then my period started on the 21st and lasted for 7 days.
I would like to know if this means I cannot be pregnant, right? Answer: I have seen information suggesting that one can still have a period while being pregnant, so I'm not very clear on this.
This month, my period has not come yet (and I haven't had any sexual intercourse).
I usually experience breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort as part of my premenstrual syndrome, but this time I haven't had those symptoms; I just feel a slight discomfort in my abdomen and feel like something is coming out.
I have no other symptoms, and it has been many days now.
Is this normal? Answer: It’s not very normal.
In the past few days, I have been stressed and anxious due to competitions and exams.
Could this be the reason? Answer: It’s possible.
Should I see a doctor since my period still hasn’t come? Answer: Observe for another 7 days.

Reply Date: 2018/11/24

More Info

When it comes to missed periods and concerns about pregnancy, it's important to understand the biological processes involved and the factors that can influence menstrual cycles. Based on your description, you had sexual intercourse on October 17th, followed by a menstrual period that started on October 21st and lasted for seven days. This is a crucial detail because having a period after a sexual encounter typically indicates that you are not pregnant.
In general, if a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, the onset of menstruation following unprotected intercourse usually means that fertilization did not occur. However, it is essential to note that some women may experience what is known as "implantation bleeding," which can occur around the time their period is due, but this is typically lighter and shorter than a regular period. Since you had a full menstrual period after the sexual encounter, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.

Now, regarding your current situation of having missed your period this month, there are several factors to consider. Stress is a significant factor that can affect menstrual cycles. High levels of stress, such as that from exams or competitions, can lead to hormonal imbalances that may delay or even temporarily stop menstruation. This is known as amenorrhea, which can be caused by various factors, including stress, significant weight loss, excessive exercise, or underlying health conditions.

You mentioned experiencing some abdominal discomfort and a sensation of "flowing" without any other symptoms. This could be related to hormonal fluctuations or other benign conditions, but it is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle due to stress or lifestyle changes.
If your period does not arrive soon, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you have any doubts. These tests are generally accurate if taken after a missed period. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, or if you continue to experience discomfort, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a more thorough evaluation, including checking for any underlying conditions that might be affecting your menstrual cycle.

In summary, based on the information provided, it is unlikely that you are pregnant since you had a regular period following the sexual encounter. However, stress and other lifestyle factors can certainly influence your menstrual cycle. If your period does not return soon or if you have any concerns about your health, seeking medical advice is always a good step. Remember, your health and peace of mind are important, and a healthcare professional can provide the guidance you need.

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