Delayed Menstruation: Herbal Remedies, Pregnancy Concerns, and More

Delayed menstruation?

Hello, doctor.
Between May 15 and 20, my family gave me traditional Chinese medicine or supplements.
After taking them, I experienced an increase in discharge, similar to the feeling before my menstrual period, so I stopped taking them, and that feeling and the increased discharge went away (all of this happened before any intimate activities).
I had intimate contact with my boyfriend on May 21 and May 24.
On May 21, it was through clothing with no genital friction, and on May 24, his hand entered my vagina after having come into contact with semen, but it was rinsed off with water beforehand.
My last menstrual period started on April 30 and lasted for 7 days.
My menstrual cycle is usually irregular, ranging from 32 to 40 days, and now it has been 38 days without a period.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Can traditional Chinese medicine or supplements cause my menstrual period to come earlier or later? 2.
If I experienced increased discharge after taking them, will stopping suddenly affect my menstrual cycle? 3.
Is a certain amount of semen necessary for pregnancy to occur? Given that his hand was rinsed with water, is there still a chance of pregnancy? (I have not engaged in sexual intercourse, so am I still considered a virgin?) Can a virgin still become pregnant?

Jessica, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/08

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Between May 15 and 20, my family gave me traditional Chinese medicine or supplements.
After taking them, I experienced an increase in discharge, similar to the feeling before my period, so I stopped taking them, and that feeling and the increased discharge went away (all of this happened before any intimate activity).
I had intimate relations with my boyfriend on May 21 and May 24.
On May 21, it was through clothing with no genital friction, and on May 24, his hand entered my vagina after having come into contact with semen, but it had been rinsed off with water.
My last period started on April 30 and lasted for 7 days.
My menstrual cycle is usually irregular, ranging from 32 to 40 days, and now it has been 38 days without a period.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Can taking traditional Chinese medicine or supplements cause my period to come early or late?
Answer: It is possible for them to cause your period to come early or late.
2.
If I experienced increased discharge from taking them and then suddenly stopped, could that affect my menstrual cycle?
Answer: It is possible that it could affect your menstrual cycle.
3.
Is a certain amount of semen necessary for pregnancy? Since my boyfriend's hand was rinsed with water, can I still get pregnant?
Answer: You cannot get pregnant.
4.
If I have not engaged in sexual intercourse, am I still considered a virgin?
Answer: Yes, you are considered a virgin.
5.
Can a virgin still get pregnant?
Answer: A virgin cannot get pregnant.

Reply Date: 2019/06/08

More Info

Understanding delayed menstruation can be complex, especially when considering factors such as herbal remedies, pregnancy concerns, and individual health conditions. Let's break down your questions and provide a comprehensive understanding.

1. Impact of Herbal Remedies and Supplements on Menstrual Cycle: Herbal remedies and dietary supplements can indeed influence the menstrual cycle. Certain herbs are known to have effects on hormonal balance, which can either delay or advance menstruation. For instance, some herbs may stimulate the uterus or affect estrogen levels, potentially leading to changes in menstrual timing. However, the exact impact can vary widely depending on the specific herbs used, the dosage, and individual body responses. If you experienced increased discharge while taking these remedies, it could indicate hormonal changes, but stopping them abruptly may also lead to fluctuations in your cycle. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any herbal treatments, especially if you have irregular cycles.

2. Effects of Stopping Herbal Remedies on Menstrual Cycle: Stopping herbal supplements suddenly can lead to a variety of effects on your menstrual cycle. If your body had begun to adjust to the herbal treatment, discontinuing it might cause a temporary imbalance, potentially delaying your period. The body often takes time to readjust after any significant change in routine, including dietary or supplement changes. If your menstrual cycle is already irregular, this could further complicate the situation. It’s advisable to monitor your cycle closely and consult a healthcare professional if your period does not arrive soon or if you experience significant discomfort.

3. Pregnancy Concerns and Semen Exposure: Regarding your concerns about pregnancy, it’s important to understand how conception occurs. Pregnancy typically requires the presence of viable sperm to fertilize an egg. In your case, while there was exposure to semen, the likelihood of pregnancy from indirect contact (such as through a hand that was rinsed) is extremely low. Sperm can survive outside the body for a short time, but washing hands with water significantly reduces the chances of sperm viability.
Additionally, the concept of virginity is often defined by the presence or absence of penetrative sexual intercourse. If you have not engaged in penetrative intercourse, many would consider you a virgin, regardless of other forms of sexual activity. However, it’s crucial to remember that pregnancy can occur from any form of sexual activity that involves the transfer of sperm to the vaginal area.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing a delayed menstruation of 38 days, it may be beneficial to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test is negative and your period does not arrive soon, consider consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can help determine if there are underlying issues affecting your menstrual cycle and provide guidance on safe herbal remedies or treatments. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your menstrual health and any concerns you have is vital for your overall well-being.

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