Pregnancy Concerns: Irregular Periods and Symptoms Explained

Pregnancy? Irregular menstruation?

From October 27 to November 2, I had my period.
On November 11, I had intimate relations in warm water (without a condom and no ejaculation, as it wasn't for long and the male partner did not climax).
Afterward, I drank a bottle of rose herbal drink.
On November 12, I fell down the stairs but did not see any bleeding, just some soft tissue pain.
By November 27, my period still hadn't arrived (in the days leading up to November 27, I experienced lower abdominal discomfort, itchy nipples, occasional sharp pain in my breasts, and increased sensitivity in my vagina that was sometimes painful).
On December 9, I had intercourse without full protection (only penetrated about 50 times before using protection).
From December 5 to December 13, I was drinking herbal soup (when I drank it, my stomach didn't hurt; when I didn't, it did).
From December 10 to December 13, my period still hadn't come, but I felt like it was about to arrive (lower abdominal discomfort, faint brownish discharge, and painful sensations in my vagina).
On the morning of December 13, I used a pregnancy test, which showed one line (in the afternoon, I drank butterfly pea flower tea and did not see any bleeding).
Is it possible that I could be pregnant, or is it just due to stress causing my period to be delayed? P.S.: My menstrual cycle has never been regular.

Hanna, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/13

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

From October 27 to November 2, I had my menstrual period.
On November 11, I engaged in intimate activities in warm water (without a condom and no ejaculation, as it didn't last long, and the male partner did not reach climax).
Afterward, I drank a bottle of rose herbal drink.
On November 12, I fell down the stairs but did not see any bleeding, just some soft tissue pain.
By November 27, my period had not yet arrived (in the days leading up to November 27, I experienced lower abdominal discomfort, itchy nipples, occasional sharp pain in my breasts, and increased sensitivity in my vulva, which was also painful).
On December 9, I had sexual intercourse without full protection (only penetrated about 50 times before starting to use protection).
From December 5 to December 13, I was drinking a herbal remedy (when I drank it, my stomach pain subsided; when I didn't, it would hurt).
From December 10 to December 13, my period still hadn't come, but I felt like it was about to arrive (with lower abdominal discomfort, faint brownish discharge, and painful sensations in my vulva).
On the morning of December 13, I used a pregnancy test, which showed one line (in the afternoon, I drank butterfly pea flower tea and did not notice any bleeding).
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or is it just due to stress causing my period to be delayed?
Answer: It's likely just stress causing your delayed period.

P.S.: My menstrual cycle has never been regular.

Reply Date: 2018/12/13

More Info

When it comes to pregnancy concerns, particularly regarding irregular periods and associated symptoms, it's essential to understand the various factors that can influence menstrual cycles and the early signs of pregnancy. Based on the timeline and symptoms you've provided, let's break down the situation.

Firstly, irregular menstrual cycles can be quite common and may be influenced by various factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, or underlying health conditions. In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle has not been regular, which could be a contributing factor to the uncertainty surrounding your current situation.

The symptoms you described, including lower abdominal discomfort, breast tenderness, and sensitivity, can be indicative of several things. These symptoms are often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or early pregnancy. The presence of brown discharge or spotting can sometimes occur during early pregnancy, often referred to as implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. However, it can also be a sign of hormonal fluctuations or other non-pregnancy-related issues.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy, the fact that you had unprotected intercourse, even if it was brief, does raise the question of whether conception could have occurred. The use of a pregnancy test is a reliable method to determine pregnancy, but it's important to note that testing too early can lead to false negatives. Since you tested on December 13 and received a negative result, it might be advisable to wait a few days and retest, especially if your period does not arrive.

Stress can significantly impact your menstrual cycle, potentially causing delays or irregularities. If you have been experiencing stress, it could be a reason for your missed period. Additionally, the physical activity you mentioned, such as falling down the stairs, could also contribute to temporary changes in your body, although it seems you did not sustain any serious injury.

In summary, while your symptoms and the timing of your activities suggest the possibility of pregnancy, they could also be attributed to stress or hormonal changes. If your period does not arrive soon, consider retesting for pregnancy or consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide guidance based on a comprehensive assessment of your health history, current symptoms, and any necessary tests. It's crucial to listen to your body and seek support when needed, as both physical and emotional well-being are vital during this time.

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