Delayed Menstruation: Causes and Concerns for Women

Delayed menstruation?

Doctor's advice: My girlfriend's menstrual period was from October 2 to October 8, and her cycle is 35 days.
If I engaged in foreplay with her on October 12, and my hands had come into contact with fluid from masturbation (I did not ejaculate), and then I helped her with manual stimulation (not deep, just a little, since she is a virgin), is there a chance of pregnancy? Answer: There is no chance of pregnancy.
As of now, my girlfriend's body shows no abnormalities, but her period is due on November 5, and she experienced a brief sharp pain in her abdomen on November 2.
Is this normal? Answer: It is relatively normal, and her discharge is the same as before, with only an increase during ovulation (she also experiences sharp pain during ovulation).
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or are we just overthinking? Answer: You are overthinking.
Doctor, regarding my previous question, my girlfriend has been feeling bloated and nauseous these days (she visited a doctor yesterday who said it was viral gastroenteritis).
This week, her breasts have become firm, and today she has menstrual-like cramps, but her period has not started yet.
It was originally due on November 5, and it hasn't come yet.
Could the delay in her period be due to us overthinking and causing too much stress? Are these symptoms normal?

B, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In the past few days, my girlfriend has been feeling bloated and has had nausea (she saw a doctor yesterday who said it was viral gastroenteritis).
This week, her breasts have become firm, and today she is experiencing cramping similar to menstrual pain, but her period has not started yet.
Her period was originally due on November 5th, and it still hasn't arrived.
Doctor, could the delay in her period be due to us overthinking and experiencing too much stress? Answer: Yes, it is likely due to stress.
Doctor, are these symptoms normal? Answer: Generally, they are normal.

Reply Date: 2019/11/06

More Info

Delayed menstruation can be a source of concern for many women, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. In your case, your girlfriend's menstrual cycle has been regular, and now she is experiencing a delay. There are several factors that can contribute to this situation, and understanding them can help alleviate anxiety and provide clarity.

Firstly, it’s important to note that menstrual cycles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in routine, and even physical health issues. Stress is a significant factor that can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which regulates the menstrual cycle. Emotional stress, anxiety about potential pregnancy, or even changes in lifestyle can lead to delayed menstruation. In your girlfriend's case, if she has been feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, this could contribute to her menstrual irregularity.

Regarding the specific activities you mentioned, the likelihood of pregnancy from the actions described is very low. Sperm must be deposited in the vagina for pregnancy to occur, and while pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, the risk is significantly reduced if there was no ejaculation and if penetration was minimal. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the chances of pregnancy from the situation you described are minimal.

As for the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness, these can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other non-pregnancy-related conditions. PMS can cause a range of symptoms, including bloating, cramping, and mood changes, which can sometimes mimic early pregnancy symptoms. The fact that she has been feeling nauseous and has been diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis could also explain some of her symptoms, as gastrointestinal issues can lead to discomfort that may be mistaken for menstrual cramps.

The delay in her period could also be attributed to the stress of the situation, especially if she has been preoccupied with thoughts about potential pregnancy. It is not uncommon for women to experience a delayed period due to psychological stress, even if there is no physiological reason for it. If her menstrual cycle is typically regular, a delay of a few days can be normal, especially in the context of recent stressors.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to be concerned about delayed menstruation, it is essential to consider the broader context of physical and emotional health. If your girlfriend's symptoms persist or if her period does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe, it may be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can conduct appropriate tests to rule out pregnancy or other underlying health issues. In the meantime, encouraging her to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and open communication about her feelings can be beneficial.

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