Pseudomenstruation: Could You Be Pregnant?

Pseudomenstruation

On October 16, I had sexual intercourse with a condom.
However, the condom did not come out with me after finishing, and I am worried about semen leaking out, which could lead to pregnancy.
My menstrual cycle is about 28 days, and it usually lasts 6-7 days with heavy flow.
This time, my period started on October 27 with a small amount of brownish discharge, followed by a small amount of bright red blood on October 28.
On the morning of October 29, there was a significant amount of bright red blood with clots, but by that evening, it had almost stopped.
After that, I experienced intermittent light brown discharge, mostly when using the restroom, and I hardly needed to use sanitary pads.
I am concerned whether this is a false period or a real one.

On November 2, I visited a doctor who performed a pregnancy test, which indicated that I am likely not pregnant.
An ultrasound was also normal, but the doctor mentioned that my uterine lining is thicker than usual and advised me to take a home pregnancy test a week later if I am still worried.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? I took a pregnancy test on November 5 (20 days after the intercourse), and it was negative, but I occasionally feel slight cramping in my lower abdomen.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? I am very anxious about this.

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

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of using condoms correctly throughout intercourse is still about 5%.
As long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
Additionally, vaginal bleeding is not always a menstrual period; some individuals may mistake early pregnancy bleeding for menstruation.
It is not possible to determine whether one is pregnant based solely on subjective symptoms.
If you are uncertain whether your bleeding is a true menstrual period or if you are concerned that your symptoms may indicate pregnancy, it is recommended that you take a urine pregnancy test after November 10, or consult a gynecologist for evaluation.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/11/06

More Info

Understanding the complexities of pregnancy and menstruation can be quite challenging, especially when faced with unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your menstrual cycle. Based on the information you've provided, it seems you are experiencing some confusion regarding your menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy.

Firstly, let's clarify what pseudomenstruation is. Pseudomenstruation refers to bleeding that resembles a menstrual period but is not caused by the normal hormonal fluctuations associated with a menstrual cycle. This can occur for various reasons, including hormonal imbalances, implantation bleeding (which can happen when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining), or other medical conditions.
In your case, you mentioned having unprotected sexual intercourse on October 16, with concerns about potential semen leakage from the condom. It's important to note that while condoms are generally effective in preventing pregnancy, no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. If there was a failure in the condom, there is a possibility of pregnancy, but it is not guaranteed.

Your menstrual cycle, which you describe as being approximately 28 days long, typically results in menstruation starting around October 27. The bleeding you experienced on October 27, which was described as a mix of coffee-colored and bright red blood, could be interpreted in several ways. The presence of blood clots and the variation in color and flow could indicate a normal menstrual period, but they could also suggest other factors at play, such as hormonal fluctuations or even early pregnancy symptoms.

You mentioned visiting a doctor on November 2, who conducted a pregnancy test that returned negative and noted that your ultrasound was normal but indicated a thicker uterine lining. A thickened endometrial lining can sometimes suggest pregnancy, but it can also occur due to other reasons, such as hormonal changes or conditions like endometrial hyperplasia.
Given that you took a pregnancy test on November 5, which also returned negative, it is less likely that you are pregnant, especially if the test was taken correctly and at the appropriate time. However, it is essential to consider that some women can experience false negatives, particularly if the test is taken too early or if there are irregularities in hormone levels.

The intermittent lower abdominal pain you are experiencing could be related to ovulation, menstrual cramps, or other benign causes. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out, the negative pregnancy tests and the timing of your menstrual cycle suggest that it is more likely you are experiencing a normal menstrual period rather than pseudomenstruation. If your symptoms continue or if you have further concerns, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for additional testing or evaluation. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your individual health history and current symptoms.

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