Could You Be Pregnant? Symptoms and Timing

Is your period about to start?

Hello doctor, on May 25th, I had intimate contact, starting with manual stimulation, followed by using a tissue to wipe before putting on a condom.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this scenario? My menstrual cycle is irregular, but I expect my period around June 11th, and it is now about 5 days late.
Is this accurate? Is there a possibility of pregnancy? In the past couple of days, I have occasionally felt a slight pulling sensation in my abdomen; could this indicate that my period is approaching? Is this considered premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or could it be a sign of pregnancy? If I undergo an abdominal ultrasound under the current circumstances, will it be able to detect if I am pregnant, or is there a negligible chance of pregnancy?

Yoo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/16

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On May 25, there was intimate contact, starting with manual stimulation, followed by wiping with tissue before putting on a condom.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low.
My menstrual cycle is irregular, but I expect my period around June 11, which is about 5 days late.
Is this accurate? Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Answer: Since there was manual stimulation followed by wiping with tissue before using a condom, there is no possibility of pregnancy.
I occasionally feel a slight pulling sensation in my abdomen; does this mean my period is coming soon? Is it related to premenstrual syndrome, or could it be pregnancy? Answer: It is likely that your period is approaching.
If an abdominal ultrasound is performed under the current circumstances, can it determine if there is a pregnancy, or is there no possibility of pregnancy at all? Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy at all.

Reply Date: 2019/06/16

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, understanding the symptoms and timing is crucial. Based on your description, you had intimate contact on May 25, and your menstrual cycle is expected around June 11, which means you are currently about five days late. This delay in your period can indeed raise questions about whether you might be pregnant.

Firstly, let's address the mechanics of your intimate encounter. You mentioned that you used your hands and then wiped with tissue before putting on a condom. While the risk of pregnancy from this method is generally low, it is not entirely absent. Sperm can be present on the hands or in pre-ejaculatory fluid, and if any of that came into contact with the vaginal area, there is a slight chance of pregnancy. However, if the condom was used correctly and did not break, the likelihood of pregnancy decreases significantly.

Now, regarding your symptoms: a light pulling sensation in the lower abdomen can be associated with both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. PMS symptoms can include bloating, cramping, and mood swings, which can feel similar to early pregnancy symptoms. Other common early signs of pregnancy include nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue. However, these symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and not everyone experiences them.

Since you are five days late, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test for a more definitive answer. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Testing too early may yield a false negative, so waiting until at least the day of your expected period can provide more accurate results.

As for an abdominal ultrasound, it is generally not the first method used to confirm pregnancy, especially in the very early stages. A blood test measuring hCG levels can provide a more definitive answer. If you are indeed pregnant, an ultrasound can typically detect the pregnancy around six weeks after your last menstrual period, which may be a week or two after your expected period.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. If the test is positive or if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Remember, every individual’s body is different, and symptoms can vary widely, so it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical advice when needed.

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