Menstrual Irregularities and Pregnancy Concerns - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Menstruation? Pregnancy?


Hello doctor, I took emergency contraception from June 19 to June 23, and I had sexual intercourse on June 22 (with a condom and no ejaculation).
From June 30 to July 5, I experienced medium flow of deep red blood (is this my period?).
If I have my period on June 30, is there still a possibility of pregnancy from June 22? Can I rule out the possibility of pregnancy, or do I need to wait until my next menstrual cycle to confirm? Is there a chance that taking emergency contraception could affect my future menstrual cycle? (I have a history of polycystic ovary syndrome.) From July 22 to July 28, I had a small amount of brown discharge (odorless, just needing a panty liner).
Does this indicate that my period is approaching, or is it ovulation, or could it be related to a potential pregnancy from June 22? Should I take a pregnancy test? What is the likelihood of pregnancy from June 22? What could be the cause of the brown discharge? Is it abnormal for it to last a week?

11, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/28

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, on June 30th, it could be the start of your menstrual period.
If that’s the case, the likelihood of pregnancy on the 22nd is low, but you will need to wait until next month’s cycle to be 100% certain.
Emergency contraception may affect one or two menstrual cycles, but generally, the impact is not long-lasting.
The presence of light brown discharge from July 22 to July 28 may indicate menstrual irregularity, but if it resolves on its own, it should not be a concern.
You have been worried about the possibility of pregnancy, but you will only know for sure after a missed period and a urine test.
However, since you mentioned using a condom and there was no ejaculation inside, the chances of pregnancy are extremely low.

Reply Date: 2019/07/28

More Info


Understanding menstrual irregularities and pregnancy concerns can be quite complex, especially for individuals with a history of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In your case, the timeline and symptoms you've described raise several important points to consider.

Firstly, you mentioned taking medication to delay your menstrual cycle from June 19 to June 23, and then having unprotected sexual intercourse on June 22. Although you used a condom, it's important to remember that no contraceptive method is 100% effective. However, since you did not experience ejaculation inside the condom, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced.
You then reported experiencing a deep red discharge from June 30 to July 5, which you believe to be your menstrual period. If this bleeding was consistent with your typical menstrual flow in terms of duration and volume, it is likely that this was indeed your period. Menstrual bleeding typically occurs about 14 days after ovulation, which would align with your cycle if you ovulated around June 22.
To address your question about the possibility of pregnancy: if you had a normal menstrual period following the intercourse on June 22, the likelihood of being pregnant is very low. However, if your menstrual cycle is irregular due to PCOS or other factors, it can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint ovulation accurately. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test after a missed period would be advisable.

Regarding the coffee-colored discharge you experienced from July 22 to July 28, this could be due to several factors. It may represent old blood that is being expelled from your body, which can occur at the end of a menstrual period. Alternatively, it could be related to hormonal fluctuations, especially considering your history of PCOS. This type of discharge can also occur during ovulation or as a result of implantation bleeding if pregnancy were to occur. However, since you had a menstrual period after the potential ovulation date, it is less likely to be related to pregnancy.

In terms of the impact of the medication you took to delay your period, hormonal treatments can sometimes cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. This can include changes in the timing and flow of your periods, especially if you have a history of irregular cycles. It is not uncommon for individuals with PCOS to experience fluctuations in their menstrual cycles, and the use of hormonal medications can further influence this.

If you continue to experience irregularities or have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice, conduct necessary tests, and help you understand your reproductive health better.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems unlikely that you are pregnant if you had a normal menstrual period following the intercourse. However, if you have ongoing concerns or irregularities in your cycle, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action.

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