Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Causes and Concerns

On the first day of menstruation, there was a small amount of brown discharge, but there was no bleeding the following day?

Hello, doctor.
My period started from May 9 to May 13.
On May 19, I had unprotected intercourse for a brief moment, then withdrew and used a condom to finish.
(My menstrual cycle usually occurs around the 7th to 9th of each month.) The following month, my period came in June, but it lasted for eight days (from June 8 to June 15).
The first five days were like a normal period, but the last three days were just a little bit of blood.
Then on July 6, I had intercourse using a condom the entire time, and it did not break.
According to the usual cycle, my period was expected on July 8, and it did come, but it was just a little bit of brown blood (I was using a pad at that time).
In the afternoon and evening, I noticed two instances of about 1 cm of brown blood, with slightly more in the evening.
The next morning, there was no bleeding.
(The day before the brown discharge, I had a headache, and a week prior, I experienced breast tenderness.
When it came, I had a little bit of abdominal pain.)
Q1: Is it possible that I could be pregnant from the sexual activity on May 19? (I checked online for the safe period, and the website estimated that May 19 was the last day of the safe period, with the next day being the start of the risky period.)
Q2: Is it normal for my period in June to last for eight days?
Q3: After the intercourse on July 6, I masturbated to climax on July 7.
Could this be the reason for the small amount of brown discharge on the first day of my period? (Around July 4, I had inflammation in my gums due to my wisdom teeth and took anti-inflammatory medication.)
Q4: What could be the reason for not having any bleeding on July 8?

Miss Wang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/09

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
It's important to note that even if ejaculation does not occur during intercourse, there is still a chance of conception, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
The failure rate of condoms as a contraceptive method is over 5%.
If your symptoms persist or if you are uncertain about a possible pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for an examination to confirm.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/07/09

More Info

Understanding irregular menstrual cycles can be complex, and several factors can contribute to changes in menstrual patterns. Let's address your questions one by one while also providing some context regarding menstrual health.

Q1: Is it possible to be pregnant from the sexual encounter on May 19?
Based on your description, if the sexual encounter on May 19 was at the end of your "safe period," there is a possibility of pregnancy, albeit a lower one. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulated shortly after May 19, there could be a chance of conception. However, if your menstrual cycle is typically regular and you had your period in June, it is less likely that you are pregnant. If you are concerned about pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test after a missed period can provide clarity.

Q2: Is it normal for the June period to last eight days?
Menstrual cycles can vary significantly from person to person and even from month to month. A typical menstrual period lasts between three to seven days. An eight-day period can be considered longer than average but may not necessarily indicate a problem, especially if it is not accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe pain or heavy bleeding. Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, changes in weight, or even illness can affect the duration of your period. If this becomes a recurring issue or if you experience other symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider.

Q3: Could the orgasm on July 7 cause the first day of the period to have a small amount of brown blood?
The color and consistency of menstrual blood can vary widely. Brown blood often indicates older blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus. It is common for the first day of a period to start with lighter, brownish discharge before transitioning to brighter red blood. The act of masturbation and reaching orgasm is unlikely to directly affect the color of your menstrual flow. However, hormonal fluctuations, stress, or other factors could contribute to changes in your menstrual cycle.

Q4: What does it mean that there was no bleeding on July 8?
The absence of bleeding on July 8 could be due to several reasons. It is possible that what you experienced on July 7 was the beginning of your period, and it may have been lighter than usual. Alternatively, it could be a sign of an irregular cycle, which can happen for various reasons, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in lifestyle. If your period is typically regular and you notice significant changes, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

In summary, menstrual cycles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, stress, and physical health. If you continue to experience irregularities or have concerns about your menstrual health, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and support. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle, including the flow, duration, and any accompanying symptoms, can be helpful information to share with your doctor.

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