Irregular Periods: Should You Test for Pregnancy?

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that?

Following up on the previous article, my ex-girlfriend's menstrual cycle has never been particularly regular; sometimes it comes, and sometimes it doesn't.
However, since there was some foreplay this time, I wanted to ask.
She took medication to induce menstruation in April, and after her period ended on June 21, she still hasn't gotten her period in July.
After the foreplay in May, there has been no intimate contact since.
Should she take a pregnancy test again, or can we completely rule out the possibility of pregnancy and attribute the irregularity solely to stress?

A-Liang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend's menstrual cycle has never been particularly regular; sometimes it comes, and sometimes it doesn't.
However, I am asking this question because there was some foreplay this time.
She took medication to induce her period in April, and after her period ended on June 21, she still hasn't gotten it in July.
Since the last foreplay in May, there has been no intimate contact.
Does she need to take a pregnancy test again? Answer: No, there is no need; the possibility of pregnancy can be completely ruled out.
It's purely due to stress that her menstrual cycle has become irregular.
Answer: It's just stress.

Reply Date: 2019/07/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding irregular menstrual cycles and the possibility of pregnancy, it's important to consider several factors. Irregular periods can be caused by a variety of reasons, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and underlying health conditions. In your case, it seems that your girlfriend has a history of irregular menstrual cycles, which can complicate the situation.

Given that your girlfriend has not had her period since June 21 and considering that she had taken medication to induce menstruation in April, it is possible that her cycle is still adjusting. Stress is a significant factor that can affect menstrual regularity, and if she has been under stress, this could be a contributing factor to her missed period.
Regarding the intimate contact you mentioned, if there was no penetration and ejaculation did not occur, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if there was any direct contact with the vaginal area, there is a small chance of pregnancy.
If your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms that could suggest pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are quite sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as a week after a missed period. Since she has not had her period for an extended time, it would be reasonable to test again.
If the test comes back negative and her period still does not arrive, it may be beneficial for her to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can perform a more sensitive blood test to confirm or rule out pregnancy and can also evaluate her menstrual irregularities. They may recommend lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, or further testing to identify any underlying health issues.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy may be low given the circumstances you described, it is still advisable to take a pregnancy test for peace of mind. If the result is negative and her period does not return, seeking medical advice would be the next best step to ensure her reproductive health is monitored and managed appropriately.

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