Delayed Menstruation After Intercourse: Could It Be PCOS or Pregnancy?

Delayed menstruation?

After two instances of sexual intercourse, my menstrual periods have been delayed for a month and a half.
This could be related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but both cycles have been relatively consistent at 43 and 45 days.
The flow is similar to my previous menstrual cycles.
Can I confirm that this is indeed menstruation? It has been three months since the sexual activity, and my body has not shown any unusual signs; my abdomen has not enlarged.
However, I have been feeling hungry at times but not eating much, which I wonder might be due to prolonged hunger.
My weight has remained stable, and I have even lost a little.
Recently, I have also experienced some drowsiness.
The sexual activity involved outercourse, with no penetration or ejaculation, although I was concerned that fingers might have come into contact with bodily fluids.
Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant?

Mao Mao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

After sexual intercourse, my two menstrual periods were delayed, both coming after one and a half months.
This might be related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the cycles were relatively consistent at 43 days and 45 days.
The flow was the same as my previous menstrual periods.
Can I confirm that this is menstruation?
It's been three months since the sexual activity, and my body hasn't shown any unusual signs; my abdomen hasn't enlarged.
However, I've been feeling hungry at times but can't eat much, which I don't know if it's due to prolonged hunger.
My weight has remained stable, and I might have even lost a little.
Recently, I've also experienced some drowsiness.
The sexual activity involved outercourse, with no penetration or ejaculation, and although I was wearing pants, I am concerned that my fingers might have come into contact with bodily fluids.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant?
Answer: It is not possible to be pregnant.

Reply Date: 2019/11/06

More Info

Delayed menstruation can be a source of anxiety, especially when there is a history of irregular cycles or conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In your case, it seems that you are experiencing delayed menstruation after engaging in sexual intercourse, and you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy despite the nature of the intercourse.

First, let's address the potential for pregnancy. In cases where there is no penetration and no ejaculation, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that pregnancy can still occur if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, even if it is through clothing or fingers. This is often referred to as "pre-ejaculatory fluid," which can contain sperm. Given that you mentioned the intercourse involved only finger contact and no direct ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy remains low but is not entirely absent.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, PCOS is known to cause irregularities in menstruation. Women with PCOS often experience delayed or missed periods due to hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation. The fact that your cycles have been relatively consistent at 43 and 45 days suggests that your body is functioning, albeit possibly under the influence of PCOS. The menstrual flow you experienced, which you described as being similar to your previous cycles, could indeed be a normal period, especially if it aligns with your cycle length.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as increased hunger, slight weight loss, and occasional sleepiness, could be attributed to various factors, including stress, changes in diet, or hormonal fluctuations associated with PCOS. These symptoms alone do not definitively indicate pregnancy, particularly if you have not experienced any other common signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or significant changes in appetite.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm or rule it out is through a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If you take a test and it shows a negative result, it is likely that you are not pregnant. However, if your period continues to be delayed and you have a positive test, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy in your situation appears low, it is not impossible. The irregularities in your menstrual cycle could be attributed to PCOS, and the symptoms you are experiencing may not necessarily indicate pregnancy. If you have any lingering doubts or if your symptoms change, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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