Delayed Menstruation: When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Menstrual delay

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycles for the past four months have been on 1/26, 2/24, 3/25, and 4/22, each lasting about six days.
According to my regular cycle, my period should have started on 5/20, but it hasn't arrived yet.
(I am planning to get pregnant, so I have not been using contraception and have had sexual intercourse every weekend.) For the past three days, I have been experiencing constipation and severe bloating.
Should I go directly to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a pregnancy test, or should I first use a home pregnancy test tomorrow morning? Thank you.

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a direct pregnancy test is simpler.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding delayed menstruation and determining whether you might be pregnant, there are several factors to consider. Based on your menstrual history, it appears that your cycles have been relatively regular, with an average cycle length of about 28-30 days. Since your last period was due on May 20 and you have not yet experienced menstruation, it is reasonable to suspect a potential pregnancy, especially given that you have been trying to conceive and have had unprotected intercourse.

In general, the best time to take a home pregnancy test is after a missed period. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This hormone typically becomes detectable in urine about one week after a missed period. However, some sensitive tests can detect hCG a few days before your expected period. Since you are already a few days past your expected period, using a home pregnancy test now could provide you with a reliable result.

Given your symptoms of constipation and severe bloating, these could also be early signs of pregnancy, as hormonal changes can affect digestion and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to other factors such as dietary changes, stress, or other health conditions. Therefore, while these symptoms may suggest pregnancy, they are not definitive indicators.

If you choose to take a home pregnancy test, it is advisable to do so with the first urine of the morning, as this is when hCG levels are typically highest. If the test is positive, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, it would be prudent to consult with a gynecologist for further evaluation. They may conduct a blood test to measure hCG levels, which can provide more accurate results than a urine test, especially in early pregnancy.

In summary, I recommend that you take a home pregnancy test first thing in the morning. If the result is positive, follow up with your healthcare provider. If it is negative and your period does not start within a week, make an appointment with a gynecologist to explore other potential causes for your delayed menstruation. Regular monitoring of your menstrual cycle and being aware of your body’s signals is crucial, especially when trying to conceive. Good luck, and I hope for a positive outcome for you!

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