Could Low Menstrual Flow and Cramps Indicate Pregnancy?

Light menstrual flow! Lower back pain and menstrual cramps! Am I pregnant?

On September 3rd, I accidentally touched my vaginal opening with fingers that had semen on them.
My period did not come in September (from the 12th to the 17th).
However, I had my period from October 9th to 17th, November 12th to 20th, December 16th to 23rd, and January 17th to 22nd.
In December and January, the flow was light or nearly absent after the second and third days.
On January 22nd, my period stopped, but I experienced mild abdominal pain from the 23rd to the 25th.
This month, my period was due on February 19th, but it hasn't arrived yet.
On February 12th and 13th, I noticed a small amount of brown discharge (possibly blood).
Yesterday, I visited a gynecologist, but I only mentioned that I had abdominal pain after my period ended in January and that my period was one day late this month (today is the second day).
The doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound but did not confirm whether I was pregnant; they only mentioned that I have a retroverted uterus and possibly slight endometriosis.
The doctor prescribed medication for my period, but since it is two days late this month, they advised me to wait for my period to come before taking the medication.

I have a few questions:
1.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy based on what I described?
2.
If the ultrasound did not indicate pregnancy, does that mean I am not pregnant?
3.
Is a retroverted uterus related to a missed period?
Thank you for your help.

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/22

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Thank you for your question.
To determine if someone is pregnant, urine tests should be the primary method, as ultrasound cannot detect pregnancy in the very early stages.
A retroverted uterus is not related to whether menstruation occurs or not.

Reply Date: 2020/02/22

More Info

Low menstrual flow and cramps can indeed raise questions about potential pregnancy, but they can also be attributed to various other factors. In your case, it seems that you have experienced irregular menstrual cycles and some unusual symptoms, which can be confusing. Let’s break down your questions and provide some clarity based on medical knowledge.

1. Could the symptoms indicate pregnancy?
The symptoms you describe, such as a missed period and light bleeding, can be associated with early pregnancy. However, they can also be signs of other conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or even conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The fact that you had unprotected contact with semen does raise the possibility of pregnancy, but the absence of a confirmed pregnancy test makes it difficult to conclude definitively. If you suspect pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test, ideally a week after your missed period, for the most accurate result.

2. Does the ultrasound indicate pregnancy?
An ultrasound is a valuable tool in confirming pregnancy, but it is not always definitive in very early stages. If the ultrasound was performed too early, it might not show a developing embryo even if you are pregnant. Typically, a transvaginal ultrasound can detect a pregnancy as early as 4-5 weeks after the last menstrual period. If your doctor did not mention any signs of pregnancy during the ultrasound, it could mean that either you are not pregnant or that it is too early to detect. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further testing if your period does not arrive.

3. Is a retroverted uterus related to missed periods?
A retroverted uterus, or a tilted uterus, is a common anatomical variation and is usually not associated with menstrual irregularities. Most women with a retroverted uterus have normal menstrual cycles and can conceive without issues. However, if there are underlying conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, they could potentially affect menstrual flow and cycles. If your doctor noted slight endometrial abnormalities, it might be worth investigating further, especially if you continue to experience irregularities.

In summary, while low menstrual flow and cramps can indicate pregnancy, they can also be caused by various other factors. It is essential to consider the entire clinical picture, including your menstrual history, any other symptoms, and the results of your ultrasound. If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to have symptoms, I recommend following up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include blood tests to check for pregnancy or hormone levels, and possibly a repeat ultrasound.
Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing your concerns and ensuring your reproductive health is monitored effectively.

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