Irregular Menstrual Symptoms and Pregnancy Chances

Pregnancy probability

Hello Doctor: My last menstrual period was from February 24 to February 29.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on March 3 (internal).
On March 9, I noticed pink discharge, which I initially thought was light bleeding due to ovulation, but this symptom persisted for five days (when I strained during bowel movements, there was brown discharge with some blood).
The amount resembled the end of my period on the fifth day (during these five days, I experienced symptoms similar to menstruation, including lower back pain and abdominal discomfort).
On March 13, I visited a gynecologist, who said it didn't look like menstruation or ovulation bleeding and suggested it might be inflammation (a pregnancy test was negative).
I was prescribed hemostatic medication, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and antibiotics.
The next day, I noticed the pink discharge was gone, so I stopped the hemostatic medication.
After taking the antibiotics and painkillers for three days, my symptoms improved, so I stopped taking them.
However, I started experiencing lower back pain and abdominal discomfort again, sometimes with cramping, especially after standing for long periods or lifting heavy objects.
My period was due on March 21, but it has been delayed by six days.
I still had some of the previous medication left, but only took painkillers without improvement.
On March 25, I went for another check-up; the doctor tested for pregnancy again, but it was negative.
During the internal examination, there was a lot of discharge, and normally, the medication should have improved my abdominal discomfort, but it did not! I consistently have symptoms of menstruation (in fact, when I checked at home again, there was one clear line and one very faint line that was hard to see), but the hospital test was negative.
I continue to have symptoms of menstruation, including lower back pain and abdominal discomfort (with a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement).
I feel like my body temperature is elevated, but when I check, it's normal.
I'm really unsure how to proceed.
The doctor suggested starting menstrual regulation medication, but I said to wait a bit longer.
So what is going on?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
If your period doesn't arrive in another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/03/27

More Info

Understanding irregular menstrual symptoms and the chances of pregnancy can be quite complex, especially when experiencing unusual bleeding or discomfort. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with a combination of symptoms that could be indicative of several conditions, including hormonal fluctuations, potential pregnancy, or even an underlying infection.

Firstly, let's break down the timeline and symptoms you provided. You mentioned that your last menstrual period (LMP) was from February 24 to February 29, and you had unprotected intercourse on March 3. The pinkish discharge you observed starting on March 9, which lasted for five days, could be attributed to several factors. While it is common for some women to experience light spotting around the time of ovulation, the duration and nature of your discharge suggest that it might not be typical ovulation bleeding.
The fact that this spotting was accompanied by symptoms such as lower back pain and abdominal discomfort could indicate that your body is undergoing some hormonal changes. It is also worth noting that stress, changes in routine, or even illness can affect your menstrual cycle and lead to irregular symptoms.

When you visited the gynecologist on March 13, the assessment that your symptoms did not align with typical menstrual or ovulation bleeding is significant. The doctor’s suspicion of inflammation could point to a possible infection or another gynecological issue that may require further investigation. The medications prescribed, including anti-inflammatory and antibiotic treatments, were likely aimed at addressing any underlying issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

The delay in your menstrual cycle, which you noted on March 21, could be a sign of pregnancy, especially considering the timing of your intercourse. However, the negative pregnancy tests you received at the clinic and the faint line on your home test suggest that if you are pregnant, it may be very early, or there may be another reason for the symptoms you are experiencing.
It is also important to consider that hormonal imbalances can lead to symptoms that mimic those of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. The fact that you have been experiencing these symptoms consistently, along with the irregular bleeding, could indicate that your body is reacting to hormonal changes rather than confirming a pregnancy.

Given your ongoing symptoms and the lack of clarity regarding your pregnancy status, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional testing, such as a blood test for pregnancy, which can provide more accurate results than a home urine test, especially in early pregnancy. Additionally, they may want to conduct further examinations to rule out any infections or other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest a potential pregnancy, they could also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations or an underlying condition. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for further evaluation and treatment. Keeping track of your symptoms and any changes in your menstrual cycle will also be beneficial in managing your health during this time.

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