Am I Pregnant? Your Symptoms and Next Steps - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Are you pregnant?


Hello, doctor.
I had my first sexual encounter with my boyfriend on July 8th, and the condom slipped off, which made me worried about sperm entering my body.
I took an emergency contraceptive pill three hours later.
My period started on July 15th and lasted about eight days, with some blood clots.
I visited a gynecologist on July 9th to confirm that I was not pregnant.
Since I hadn't had my period for about three months prior, the doctor mentioned a high possibility of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
As of August 22nd, my period still hasn't arrived, and I bought a home pregnancy test, which showed one line.
Could you please tell me if this means I am not pregnant? Do I still need to go to the clinic for further examination?

Beibei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


On July 8, I had intercourse with my boyfriend for the first time, and the condom slipped off, raising concerns about potential semen entering my body.
I took an emergency contraceptive pill three hours later.
My period started on July 15 and lasted about eight days, during which I experienced blood clots.
On July 9, I visited a gynecologist to confirm that I was not pregnant.
Prior to this, I had not had my period for about three months, and the doctor mentioned a high possibility of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
As of August 22, my period still has not arrived.
I purchased a home pregnancy test and it showed one line.
Could you please advise if this means I am likely not pregnant? Should I still go to the clinic for further examination? Answer: Consider taking another home pregnancy test.

Reply Date: 2019/09/01

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of uncertainty and concern regarding your potential pregnancy, especially given your recent sexual activity and the use of emergency contraception. Let's break down your situation and clarify your symptoms, as well as the next steps you should consider.

From what you've described, you had unprotected intercourse on July 8, and you took emergency contraception shortly afterward. You then experienced a menstrual period starting on July 15, which lasted about eight days and included blood clots. This is a significant point because a withdrawal bleed after taking emergency contraception can often occur, and it may not be a typical menstrual cycle.
You mentioned that you had previously been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause irregular menstrual cycles and may complicate your ability to predict ovulation or menstruation accurately. Given that you had not had a period for three months prior to this incident, it is possible that your body is still adjusting to hormonal changes associated with PCOS.

On August 22, you noted that your period had not arrived, and you performed a home pregnancy test, which returned negative. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly, especially if taken after a missed period. The fact that you received a negative result suggests that you are likely not pregnant. However, it is important to consider a few factors:
1. Timing of the Test: If you took the test too early, it might not have detected the pregnancy hormone (hCG) if you were indeed pregnant. However, since you had a period after taking emergency contraception, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.

2. Irregular Cycles: With PCOS, your menstrual cycles can be unpredictable. It is not uncommon for women with PCOS to experience missed periods or irregular bleeding, which can lead to confusion about whether they are pregnant.

3. Follow-Up: If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to have symptoms that concern you (such as persistent nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than a home urine test and can provide a definitive answer.

4. Consultation: Given your history of irregular periods and the potential for PCOS, it would be beneficial to consult with a gynecologist or an endocrinologist. They can help you manage your symptoms and provide guidance on your reproductive health.

5. Mental Health: It's also important to address any anxiety or stress you may be feeling about this situation. If you find yourself overwhelmed, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide support and coping strategies.

In summary, based on the information you've provided, it seems unlikely that you are pregnant, especially since you had a withdrawal bleed and a negative home pregnancy test. However, due to your history of irregular cycles and PCOS, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind. They can help you understand your menstrual cycle better and discuss any necessary treatments or lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms effectively.

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