Are you pregnant?
Doctor, I must be a bit of a fool because I am currently abroad and unable to visit your clinic for a consultation.
I really want to return to my home country, but due to the pandemic, I cannot take a flight or go to a hospital in the United States, so I have to keep searching for answers online.
Doctor, I was diagnosed with bilateral fallopian tube obstruction in July 2019, and the doctor at Mackay Memorial Hospital directly advised me to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), but I do not want to give up on natural conception, so I switched to traditional Chinese medicine for treatment.
However, I moved to the United States in August of the same year.
I want to believe that home pregnancy tests are accurate, but the different symptoms my body is exhibiting make me question the possibility of being pregnant, as I have never experienced these symptoms before.
I wonder if they are related to the fallopian tube obstruction.
[Self-record]
2/16: First day of last menstrual period
3/1: Afternoon engaged in sexual activity
3/4-3/5: Suddenly felt cold
3/9-3/13: Continuous dull pain in the abdomen
3/10: Noticed white discharge
3/11: Dull abdominal pain, light pink blood, lower back pain
3/13: Menstruation started (lasted about three to four days)
3/22: Began experiencing persistent abdominal pain, daily fatigue and sleepiness, elevated body temperature, and significant lower back pain, feeling sore after standing for a short time
3/25: Suddenly felt cold in the evening and experienced bleeding, used two panty liners, bleeding stopped the next day
3/26: Pregnancy test negative
3/27 to present: Noticed breast enlargement, only slight pain in the nipples, daily fatigue and sleepiness, frequent lower back pain, and continuous dull abdominal pain
I usually have good stamina and am not working; to avoid the pandemic, I stay at home every day and do not engage in much physical labor.
I wake up feeling exhausted and want to sleep early at night.
I have inexplicable lower back pain and continuous dull abdominal pain up to today, and my breasts also swell during ovulation (which typically occurs about a week before menstruation)...
Most of the symptoms make me want to believe I am pregnant, but I had a menstrual period in February, and the pregnancy test did not show positive results.
Is there a possibility of something other than pregnancy?
Su Xiaomei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/06
Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you are pregnant, testing in mid-April should be sufficient, and you can observe for now.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2020/04/06
More Info
Understanding pregnancy symptoms can be quite complex, especially when you are trying to conceive and experiencing a range of physical changes. From your description, it seems you have been through a lot, including the diagnosis of bilateral fallopian tube blockage and your desire to conceive naturally. It’s important to remember that many factors can influence your body and symptoms, and not all of them are directly related to pregnancy.
Firstly, the symptoms you are experiencing—such as abdominal pain, fatigue, breast tenderness, and changes in your menstrual cycle—can be indicative of various conditions, not just pregnancy. For instance, hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort, especially around ovulation or menstruation. Additionally, stress and anxiety, particularly during challenging times like a pandemic, can also lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue and abdominal pain.
You mentioned that you had a menstrual period in March, which typically indicates that you are not pregnant, as a missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. However, it is also possible to experience bleeding during pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding, but this usually occurs around the time your period is due and is typically lighter than a regular menstrual flow. The fact that you had a normal menstrual cycle in March and a negative pregnancy test on March 26 suggests that you may not be pregnant at this time.
The symptoms you are experiencing could also be related to the underlying condition of your fallopian tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes can sometimes lead to pelvic pain or discomfort, and if there are any associated conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, these could also contribute to your symptoms. It’s essential to consider these factors when evaluating your health.
Given your situation, it would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider, even if it’s through telemedicine, to discuss your symptoms in detail. They can provide a more thorough evaluation and may recommend tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your reproductive health. If you are considering natural conception, they might also discuss options for monitoring your ovulation and timing intercourse to increase your chances of conception.
In terms of your emotional well-being, it’s crucial to acknowledge the stress and anxiety that can accompany trying to conceive, especially when faced with medical challenges. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as mindfulness, yoga, or talking to a counselor, can be beneficial. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can support your overall health and potentially improve your chances of conception.
Lastly, while home pregnancy tests can be quite accurate, they are not infallible. If you continue to experience symptoms that concern you or if your period remains irregular, it may be worth repeating the test after a few days or consulting a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can provide a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy.
In summary, while your symptoms may suggest a possibility of pregnancy, they could also be attributed to other factors, including hormonal changes or underlying medical conditions. Consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to address your concerns and explore your options for conception.
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