Am I Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Tests

Are you pregnant?

In June, after having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend using a condom, I had my period.
Was that my period? After my period, there was external ejaculation but no ejaculation inside.
At the beginning of August, I had my period, but it lasted about 15 days with only a little bleeding.
I went to a gynecologist, and the doctor examined me and prescribed medication to stop my menstruation.
By the end of September, my period still hadn't arrived, so I bought a pregnancy test and it showed one line.
Not feeling reassured, I took another test a week later, and it still showed one line.
After that, feeling very anxious, I went back to the gynecologist, who also tested me with a pregnancy test, which showed one line with no signs of pregnancy.
The doctor then prescribed me medication to induce menstruation, but my period still hasn't come, and my lower abdomen has slightly enlarged.
Am I pregnant?

Nimingren, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In June, after having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend while using a condom, I had my period.
Was this my period? Answer: It should be my period.
After my period, there was external ejaculation but no ejaculation inside.
At the beginning of August, I had my period, but it lasted about 15 days and was very light.
I went to a gynecologist, and the doctor examined me and prescribed medication to stop my period.
By the end of September, my period still hadn't come, so I bought a pregnancy test and it showed one line.
Still not feeling reassured, I took another test a week later, and it also showed one line.
After that, I was very anxious and went back to the gynecologist, who also tested me with a pregnancy test, which showed one line with no signs of pregnancy.
The doctor then prescribed me medication to induce my period.
My period still hasn't come, but my lower abdomen is slightly enlarged.
Am I pregnant? Answer: No, you are not pregnant.

Reply Date: 2019/10/06

More Info

Based on the information provided, it appears that you are experiencing a complex situation regarding your menstrual cycle and potential pregnancy. Let's break down the key points and provide clarity on your concerns.

1. Understanding Menstrual Cycles: Your menstrual cycle can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and physical health. Irregular periods can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction. In your case, it seems that your menstrual cycle has been inconsistent, with periods lasting longer than usual and experiencing lighter flow. This can be a sign of hormonal fluctuations.

2. Pregnancy Testing: You mentioned that you have taken multiple pregnancy tests, all of which have shown a negative result. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly, especially if taken after a missed period. The hormone detected by these tests, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), typically becomes detectable in urine about 7 to 10 days after conception. If you are testing too early, it may not show a positive result even if you are pregnant. However, since you have tested multiple times and received negative results, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.

3. Symptoms and Signs: You noted experiencing some symptoms such as a slightly enlarged abdomen and breast tenderness. These symptoms can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or hormonal changes rather than pregnancy. It's important to remember that many women experience physical changes in their bodies that can mimic pregnancy symptoms, especially when they are anxious or stressed about the possibility of being pregnant.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: Since you have already consulted a healthcare provider who has conducted tests and prescribed medication to regulate your cycle, it is advisable to follow their guidance. If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to have concerns about your symptoms, a follow-up appointment may be necessary. Your doctor may recommend further testing, such as blood tests to measure hCG levels or an ultrasound to assess your reproductive health.

5. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Anxiety about potential pregnancy can exacerbate physical symptoms and lead to further irregularities in your menstrual cycle. It’s important to address these feelings, as stress can significantly impact your overall health and menstrual regularity. Consider discussing your concerns with a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member.

6. Next Steps: If your period does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe, or if you experience any unusual symptoms (such as severe pain or heavy bleeding), it is crucial to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can offer more personalized advice and treatment options based on your specific situation.

In summary, while your symptoms and irregular periods may be concerning, the negative pregnancy tests suggest that you are not pregnant. However, continued monitoring of your menstrual cycle and symptoms, along with professional medical advice, will be essential in addressing your health concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Testing: What to Know

Hello, doctor. I apologize for taking up your time. My menstrual cycle has been very irregular. I had sexual intercourse twice on May 20th; once with protection and once without, but I can confirm that there was no ejaculation during either encounter. My period was supposed to st...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Regarding your concerns, here is a summary of the response: If you are still feeling uncertain, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test again. You also mentioned that your menstrual cycle has always been irregular, which makes it more difficult to determine the non-fertile...

Am I Pregnant? Understanding Irregular Periods and Testing

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle has been very irregular; sometimes it comes every month and a half, and sometimes it takes two months. In January and February, it was consistently on the 23rd. I had intercourse with my boyfriend on March 7, and we used a condom, but I'm not...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
What you need is not medical consultation but rather a remedial course in sexual education. For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Happiness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Ad...

Can You Trust Pregnancy Tests with Irregular Periods?

Hello doctor, my last menstrual period was on August 26 (my periods are irregular; sometimes I have them for several consecutive months and then not at all, and sometimes they are spaced out). I did not have a period in September, and as of today, October 29, I still have not had...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesion...

Am I Pregnant? Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Signs

Hello, I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle, which has always been irregular and easily affected by external stress. I have a cold constitution. In the past few months, the first days of my menstrual period were on 4/7, 5/18, 6/22, 7/25, no period in August, and 9/12. I a...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: (1) Based on your menstrual dates, your menstrual cycle is relatively regular, although it is on the longer side, occurring approximately every 35 to 45 days. (2) Current pregnancy tests are quite sensitive, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in urine above 25-5...