Can I Rule Out Pregnancy After Negative Test and Normal Ultrasound? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can pregnancy be ruled out?


The first day of menstruation was on July 31.
On August 21, I had sexual intercourse using a condom without ejaculation (but I'm not sure if the condom broke).
By September 11, my period had not arrived, so I went to see a doctor for a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
An ultrasound was also performed, and the doctor said everything looked normal.
On September 12, I experienced bleeding for 7 days, which should be my period.
Can I rule out pregnancy in this case? I have been experiencing frequent urination for a month, and I also took antibiotics for a few days.
Am I just too anxious, or could there be other possibilities?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The first day of menstruation was on July 31.
Engaged in sexual intercourse with a condom on August 21, but there was no ejaculation (though I'm not sure if the condom broke).
By September 11, my period had not arrived, so I went to see a doctor for a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
An ultrasound was performed, and the doctor said everything was normal.
I experienced bleeding for 7 days starting September 12; could this be my period?
Answer: It should be.
May I ask if this means I can rule out pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, you can.
I have been experiencing frequent urination for a month, and I also took antibiotics for a few days.
Am I just overly anxious, or could there be other possibilities?
Answer: A urine test is needed.

Reply Date: 2019/09/28

More Info


Based on your description, it seems that you have undergone a thorough evaluation regarding your potential pregnancy, including a negative pregnancy test and a normal ultrasound. Given these results, it is reasonable to conclude that you are likely not pregnant. However, let's delve deeper into the factors at play and discuss some relevant medical knowledge.

Firstly, pregnancy tests, whether urine or blood tests, detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If your pregnancy test returned a negative result, it suggests that hCG levels in your body are below the threshold that the test can detect. Additionally, a normal ultrasound, especially if conducted after the expected date of your period, would typically show signs of pregnancy if it were present. Therefore, both of these findings strongly indicate that you are not pregnant.

The bleeding you experienced on September 12, which lasted for seven days, is consistent with a menstrual period. If this bleeding had the usual characteristics of your menstrual cycle (such as flow, color, and duration), it further supports the conclusion that you are not pregnant. It's important to note that some women experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles due to various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in lifestyle.

Regarding your concern about frequent urination, this symptom can be attributed to several factors. While frequent urination is a common early sign of pregnancy, it can also occur due to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can be exacerbated by antibiotic use. If you have been taking antibiotics, it is possible that they could have disrupted your normal urinary function or led to a UTI, especially if you experienced any other symptoms such as burning during urination, urgency, or lower abdominal pain.

Stress and anxiety can also manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as increased urination. If you have been feeling particularly anxious about the possibility of being pregnant, this could contribute to your symptoms. It is essential to manage stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or other supportive measures.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as pain, fever, or changes in your urinary habits, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions, such as a UTI or other urinary issues.

In summary, based on the negative pregnancy test and normal ultrasound, it is reasonable to rule out pregnancy. The bleeding you experienced aligns with a menstrual cycle, and the frequent urination could be attributed to various factors, including stress or a potential UTI. If you have ongoing concerns or symptoms, seeking further medical advice is always a good approach to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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