Menstrual Changes and Pregnancy Symptoms: Your Questions Answered

Menstruation, Pregnancy, Discharge

At the beginning of February, close to the ovulation period (February 3), I had friction with my boyfriend through clothing (previous menstrual period was from January 22 to January 28).
There was secretion of pre-ejaculate fluid that seeped through my pants, but there was no ejaculation.
After that, my period was delayed by about 10 days and arrived around March 2 to March 7.
Then, around March 14, I started experiencing bleeding (small amount, brownish) along with abdominal pain and diarrhea symptoms.
The bleeding lasted for about a week, and the abdominal pain persisted (cramping, with a frequent urge to use the restroom).
My lower abdomen has become enlarged, and I have a constant urge to urinate.
In the past two days, I have noticed some clear discharge (with a smell, but not foul, just the smell of the discharge).
I took pregnancy tests on February 28 and March 16, both showing one line.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? 2.
What could be the reason for the bleeding? Could it be ovulation bleeding? 3.
Is the abdominal pain just regular pain or could it indicate pregnancy? 4.
Is the enlargement of the lower abdomen due to pregnancy, bloating, or weight gain? 5.
Is the discharge normal? Why is it occurring? 6.
If both pregnancy tests are negative, does that mean I am not pregnant?

Nìmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/23

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

At the beginning of February, close to the ovulation period (February 3), there was friction with my boyfriend through clothing (last menstrual period was from January 22 to January 28).
There was secretion of pre-ejaculate fluid that seeped through the pants, but there was no ejaculation.
Afterward, my period was delayed by about 10 days and arrived around March 2 to March 7.
Then, around March 14, I started experiencing bleeding (small amount, brownish) along with abdominal pain and diarrhea symptoms.
The bleeding lasted for about a week, while the abdominal pain persisted (cramping, with a frequent urge to use the restroom), and my lower abdomen became enlarged, with a constant urge to urinate.
In the last two days, I started noticing some clear discharge (with a smell, but not foul, just the smell of the discharge).
Pregnancy tests taken on February 28 and March 16 both showed a single line.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy.

2.
What is the reason for the bleeding? Is it ovulation bleeding?
Answer: It could be ovulation bleeding.

3.
Is the abdominal pain just regular pain or could it be related to pregnancy?
Answer: It is just regular abdominal pain.

4.
Is the lower abdominal enlargement due to pregnancy, bloating, or weight gain?
Answer: It is likely bloating.

5.
Is the discharge normal? Why is there discharge?
Answer: It is physiologically normal discharge.

6.
If both pregnancy tests are negative, does that mean pregnancy is not possible?
Answer: Yes.

Reply Date: 2019/03/23

More Info

When it comes to understanding menstrual changes and pregnancy symptoms, it is essential to consider various factors that can influence these experiences. Based on your description, let's address your questions one by one.

1. Is there a possibility of pregnancy?
Given that you had a sexual encounter close to your ovulation period, there is a possibility of pregnancy, even if ejaculation did not occur. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if it came into contact with the vaginal area, it could potentially lead to fertilization. However, since you have taken two pregnancy tests that returned negative results, it is less likely that you are pregnant, especially if they were taken after your expected period.

2. What could be the reason for the bleeding?
The bleeding you experienced around March 14, which was a week after your period, could be due to several reasons. It might be implantation bleeding, which can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, but this is less likely given the negative pregnancy tests. Alternatively, it could be a sign of hormonal fluctuations, an early menstrual cycle, or even a sign of ovulation bleeding, which can occur in some women. If the bleeding was light and brownish, it might indicate old blood, which is often not a cause for concern.

3. Is the abdominal pain a sign of pregnancy?
Abdominal pain can be attributed to various factors, including menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal issues, or even early pregnancy symptoms. Since you mentioned experiencing cramping and a desire to use the restroom, it could be related to digestive issues, especially if you also experienced diarrhea. If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

4. Is the bloating in the lower abdomen due to pregnancy or other factors?
Bloating can occur for numerous reasons, including hormonal changes, dietary choices, or weight gain. It is not a definitive sign of pregnancy. If you are experiencing increased bloating along with other symptoms, it may be worth considering your diet and lifestyle. If pregnancy is a concern, monitoring your symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider would be beneficial.

5. Is the discharge normal, and why is it occurring?
Vaginal discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle and can be influenced by hormonal changes. Clear or slightly cloudy discharge is generally normal, especially if it does not have a foul odor. The presence of discharge can increase during ovulation or due to other factors such as stress or changes in routine. If the discharge changes in color, consistency, or odor, it may warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.

6. If both pregnancy tests are negative, does that mean pregnancy is not possible?
While negative pregnancy tests are a strong indicator that you are not pregnant, they are not infallible. Testing too early can yield false negatives, especially if your menstrual cycle is irregular. If you continue to experience symptoms or if your period does not arrive, it would be advisable to retest after a few days or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there are possibilities of pregnancy based on your timeline, the negative pregnancy tests suggest that it is less likely. The symptoms you are experiencing could be attributed to hormonal changes, digestive issues, or other non-pregnancy-related factors. If you have ongoing concerns or if symptoms persist, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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