Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing Accuracy - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Could you please provide more details about your situation or symptoms so I can better assist you in determining if you might be pregnant?


Hello, doctor.
My last menstrual period started on December 17, and my cycle is usually about 30 to 33 days, which has been quite regular.
The last sexual intercourse was on December 28 and January 6, both times with condom use and checked for integrity.
On January 9, I noticed brown spotting on my underwear in the morning.
I visited a gynecologist that day, who said it was due to hormonal imbalance.
Later, on January 12 and January 17, I took home pregnancy tests out of concern, and both showed negative results.
The next day, on January 18, I saw a doctor who also performed a urine pregnancy test, which was also negative.
Therefore, the doctor administered a medication to induce menstruation.
However, in the past few days, I have occasionally felt nauseous, and my breasts have been swollen and painful, but they feel soft to the touch.
Previously, I would experience breast swelling and pain several days before my period, and they would feel firm.
This time, I am unsure why the swelling and pain started on the day my period was due.
I would like to ask if it is possible to have breast swelling and pain and still test negative for pregnancy while actually being pregnant? Is there a possibility that I am pregnant, or could this be due to stress and irregular lifestyle causing a delayed period?

Tina, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, it is likely that you are not pregnant, and it is also possible that stress is causing your missed period.
Just monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/01/19

More Info


Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you are experiencing some confusion regarding your menstrual cycle, potential pregnancy, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns.

First, it's important to note that the timing of your menstrual cycle is typically around 30 to 33 days, and you mentioned that your last period started on December 17. Given that you had sexual intercourse on December 28 and January 6, the timing of these events in relation to your ovulation cycle is crucial. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period, which would place it around January 1 to January 3 for a cycle starting on December 17. If you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, there could be a possibility of pregnancy.

However, you also mentioned that you used condoms during intercourse, which significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy when used correctly. The fact that you checked for pregnancy on January 12 and again on January 18, both yielding negative results, further suggests that pregnancy is unlikely. Home pregnancy tests are generally quite accurate when used correctly and at the right time, typically after a missed period.

Regarding the symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and nausea, these can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and changes in your routine. It is not uncommon for women to experience breast tenderness or other premenstrual symptoms that can vary from cycle to cycle. The fact that your breast tenderness is occurring later than usual in your cycle could be related to the hormonal changes that can occur due to stress or other factors, including the administration of a hormone injection (like the one you received to induce your period).

The presence of brown discharge you noted on January 9 could also be a sign of hormonal imbalance or the onset of your period, rather than an indication of pregnancy. Brown discharge often occurs when old blood is expelled from the body, which can happen at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle.

In summary, while it is theoretically possible to have a negative pregnancy test and still be pregnant, especially if the test is taken too early, the likelihood in your case seems low given the negative results and the use of condoms. The symptoms you are experiencing could be related to stress, hormonal changes, or the effects of the injection you received.

If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to experience unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may suggest further testing or evaluation to rule out any underlying issues. In the meantime, try to manage your stress and maintain a healthy routine, as these factors can significantly impact your menstrual cycle and overall well-being.

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