Menstrual Cycles: Safety Period and Pregnancy Concerns

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

I would like to ask the doctor.
After my period just ended, I inserted my finger into my vagina and I'm concerned about the presence of pre-ejaculate fluid or similar bodily fluids.
Some people say that this fluid can contain sperm, but the doctor said it's impossible to get pregnant.
I had taken medication to induce my period, and my cycles have been 33-35 days for the past three months.
The sexual activity occurred on the second day after my period ended.
Is this considered a safe period? Today is the 41st day, and my period still hasn't arrived, but I feel like my abdomen is getting bigger, and my breasts hurt when pressed.
The last time my period came, there were no warning signs, and I had a similar feeling before the previous period as well.
I've heard that early pregnancy symptoms can feel similar to the onset of menstruation.
Doctor, is this an indication that my period is about to come? Should I just wait patiently for my period to arrive?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

When menstruation has just ended, inserting a finger into the vagina raises concerns about the presence of pre-ejaculate fluid or similar bodily fluids.
Some people say that this fluid contains sperm, but doctors state that pregnancy is not possible.
Prior to this, medication to induce menstruation was taken, and the menstrual cycle has been consistently 33-35 days over the past three months.
The sexual activity occurred on the second day after menstruation ended.
Is this considered a safe period?
Answer: Not necessarily.
Today is the 41st day, and menstruation has not yet arrived.
However, there is a feeling of abdominal enlargement, and there is pain in the breasts when pressure is applied.
The last menstrual period came without warning, and a similar sensation was experienced before the previous cycle.
It is said that early pregnancy symptoms can resemble the feeling of an impending menstrual period.
Is this an indication that menstruation is approaching?
Answer: It is uncertain.
Should one simply wait for menstruation to arrive?
Answer: Yes.

Reply Date: 2019/09/05

More Info

Understanding menstrual cycles and the associated safety periods is crucial for individuals who are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. The menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring roughly in the middle of the cycle. The days leading up to and following ovulation are considered fertile, while the days immediately after menstruation are generally regarded as a safer period for those avoiding pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that sexual activity occurred on the second day after your menstrual period ended. This timing can be considered relatively safe, especially if your cycle is longer (33-35 days), as ovulation is likely to occur later in the cycle. However, it’s important to note that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you were to ovulate earlier than expected, there could still be a risk of pregnancy.

Regarding your concerns about pre-ejaculate fluid (often referred to as pre-cum), it is true that this fluid can contain sperm, although the concentration is typically lower than in ejaculate. Therefore, while the risk of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate is lower, it is not zero. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period does not arrive within a week of when you expect it.

You mentioned that today is the 41st day of your cycle, and your period has not yet arrived. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as abdominal swelling and breast tenderness, can indeed be indicative of early pregnancy, but they can also be signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The overlap of symptoms between early pregnancy and the onset of menstruation can make it challenging to determine what is happening without further testing.

If you are experiencing significant changes in your body or if you have concerns about a potential pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can provide you with a clearer understanding of your situation. If the test is positive, or if you continue to have symptoms without menstruation, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the timing of your sexual activity may have been in a safer period, the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out due to the nature of sperm survival and the unpredictability of ovulation. Monitoring your symptoms and taking a pregnancy test will be the best course of action to clarify your situation. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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