Missed Period: Could It Be Pregnancy or Other Causes?

Missed period, could it be pregnancy?

On September 3, 2008, 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).
Subsequently, I had my period from October 9-17, November 12-20, December 16-23, and January 17-22.
However, the flow was light or almost nonexistent on the second and third days of December and January.
On January 22, my period stopped, but I experienced mild abdominal pain from the 23rd to the 25th.
This month, my period was due on February 19, but it has not arrived yet.
On February 12 and 13, I noticed a small amount of brown discharge (possibly either discharge or blood).
I visited a gynecologist on February 22, but I only mentioned that I had abdominal pain after my period ended in January and that my period was four days late this month (today, February 24, marks the fourth day of delay).
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 to take when my period arrives, but since my period is two days late this month, they advised me to wait for my period before taking the medication.

I have the following questions:
1.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy based on the above information?
2.
If the ultrasound did not indicate pregnancy, does that mean I am not pregnant?
3.
Is a retroverted uterus related to missed periods?
4.
If pregnancy is ruled out, what other reasons could there be for the delay?
Thank you for your help.

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/24

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
In the early stages of pregnancy, there may not be specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
It is recommended that if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2020/02/24

More Info

When it comes to missed periods, there are several potential causes, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, stress, and underlying medical conditions. Based on the information you provided, let's address your questions one by one.

1. Could you be pregnant?
Given that you had a situation where semen could have come into contact with your vaginal area, there is a possibility of pregnancy, albeit a low one if there was no direct intercourse. However, the absence of a missed period and the presence of light brown discharge could indicate other factors at play. The best way to confirm pregnancy is through a urine or blood test. If you have already taken a home pregnancy test and it was negative, it may be too early to detect pregnancy, or you may not be pregnant at all.

2. Does an ultrasound mean you are not pregnant?
An ultrasound can help visualize the uterus and any potential pregnancy. If the doctor did not mention seeing a gestational sac or embryo, it is likely that they did not find evidence of pregnancy. However, early pregnancy may not always be detectable via ultrasound, especially if it is very early. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can complicate the timing of when a pregnancy might be detectable.

3. Is a retroverted uterus related to missed periods?
A retroverted uterus, or a tilted uterus, is a common anatomical variation and is generally not associated with menstrual irregularities. Most women with a retroverted uterus have normal menstrual cycles. However, if there are other underlying conditions, such as endometriosis or fibroids, these could potentially affect your menstrual cycle.

4. What other reasons could explain a missed period?
If pregnancy is ruled out, several other factors could contribute to a missed period. These include:
- Hormonal imbalances: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt normal hormonal levels and lead to irregular periods.

- Stress: High levels of stress can affect the hypothalamus, which regulates hormones that control the menstrual cycle.

- Weight changes: Significant weight loss or gain can impact your cycle.

- Thyroid issues: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities.

- Medications: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, can affect your menstrual cycle.

In your case, since you have experienced some abdominal pain and light brown discharge, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as blood tests to check hormone levels or additional imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your missed period and any associated symptoms.

In conclusion, while pregnancy is a possibility, there are many other factors that could explain your missed period. It is essential to keep in close contact with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and receive appropriate care. If your period does not arrive soon, or if your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

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