Can Stress Affect Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Chances?

Avoiding the fertile window, using condoms throughout the intercourse, and withdrawing before ejaculation—are these sufficient preparations to prevent pregnancy?

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has a longer menstrual cycle, and sometimes due to emotions and stress, her cycle can be a bit irregular, but it is generally around 35 days.
Her last period was from April 27 to May 1.
We engaged in protected intercourse on May 2 and May 29.
During these encounters, I felt ejaculation and immediately withdrew, and afterwards, we checked the condom by filling it with water, and there were no holes or leaks.
We also washed our hands with body wash before any contact.
On the 20th, I noticed that she had an increase in vaginal discharge with some stretchiness, which leads me to believe that ovulation occurred around the 18th to 22nd.
Based on my description, is the likelihood of pregnancy very low? We initially expected her next period to start on June 1, but as of today, June 4, it has not arrived.
On May 29, she experienced slight breast tenderness, and since then, her emotions have been somewhat unstable, her appetite is normal, there is a slight increase in vaginal discharge, and she feels easily fatigued (though she tends to get tired easily).
Although it has not been more than a week past her expected period, we are quite worried due to the length of her cycle.
I would like to ask if stress and emotions could also affect the timing of her period?

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/04

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/06/04

More Info

Stress can indeed have a significant impact on the menstrual cycle and the chances of pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, and stress can disrupt this balance. When a person experiences stress, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. This disruption can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, including delayed periods, longer cycles, or even missed periods altogether.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend has a longer menstrual cycle, averaging around 35 days, and that her periods have been somewhat irregular due to emotional stress. This irregularity can be attributed to the stress she is experiencing, which may be affecting her hormonal balance and, consequently, her menstrual cycle. It's important to note that emotional and physical stressors can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, and this is a common occurrence for many individuals.

Regarding the chances of pregnancy, you indicated that you had unprotected sexual intercourse on two occasions, with the last one being on May 29. Given that her expected period was around June 1, and she has not yet started her period as of June 4, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, it is also essential to consider that stress can delay the onset of menstruation, which may explain the missed period.

The symptoms you described, such as increased vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, and emotional fluctuations, can also be associated with both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. However, these symptoms alone are not definitive indicators of pregnancy. The best way to confirm whether your girlfriend is pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test, which can provide accurate results if taken after a missed period.

If the pregnancy test is negative and her period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can help determine if there are underlying issues contributing to the irregular cycle, such as hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. Additionally, if stress is a significant factor, exploring stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, exercise, or counseling, may be beneficial for her overall well-being and menstrual health.

In summary, stress can affect the menstrual cycle and potentially impact pregnancy chances. While there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of your sexual encounters, it is crucial to confirm this with a pregnancy test. If her period remains absent or if there are ongoing concerns about her menstrual health, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step.

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