Delayed Period and Ongoing Diarrhea: Could Pregnancy Be the Cause?

Menstruation is delayed, there is no abdominal pain, but there is persistent diarrhea?

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend had her period from August 5 to August 8, with ovulation occurring on the 19th.
We had unprotected intercourse on August 14, but I only penetrated a few times and withdrew without ejaculating.
Then, on August 24, we had intercourse again, and I ejaculated inside her.
It had been a while since I last had sex, so the volume was significant.
On August 17, she experienced stomach pain and diarrhea after eating something bad and went to see a doctor.
After finishing her medication, the pain subsided, but she continued to have diarrhea, with her stools being watery and unformed.
According to her cycle, her period was due on September 2, but as of September 4, it is already three days late.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Is it normal for her to have diarrhea without abdominal pain? She has had health issues in the past, and her menstrual cycle has always been irregular, often being late.
She believes that as long as she doesn't have pain, it's not a concern.
Additionally, she has previously had a pregnancy terminated.

Mr. Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/04

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you suspect you are pregnant, a pregnancy test should suffice.
However, if you are experiencing persistent diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/09/04

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, especially in the context of a delayed period and ongoing diarrhea, several factors must be taken into account. Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, the timing of sexual intercourse, and her health status all play crucial roles in determining whether she might be pregnant.

Based on the information provided, your girlfriend's last menstrual period was from August 5 to August 8, with ovulation occurring around August 19. You mentioned that there was unprotected intercourse on August 14, where withdrawal was practiced, and then again on August 24, where ejaculation occurred inside her. Given that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, the timing of these events relative to her ovulation is significant. If she ovulated on August 19, the intercourse on August 24 could potentially lead to pregnancy, as sperm from that encounter would still be viable.

Now, regarding her delayed period, which is now three days late as of September 4, this could indeed be a sign of pregnancy. However, it is essential to consider that her history of irregular menstrual cycles may complicate the situation. If her cycles are typically inconsistent, the delay might not be solely attributed to pregnancy.
The ongoing diarrhea is another important factor. Diarrhea can be caused by various issues, including gastrointestinal infections, food intolerances, or stress. While pregnancy can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal symptoms due to hormonal changes, the fact that she experienced diarrhea after eating something that upset her stomach suggests that this may be the primary cause of her current symptoms. If the diarrhea persists, it could lead to dehydration, which is a concern during pregnancy, as it can affect both maternal and fetal health.

Given her history of irregular periods and previous pregnancy termination, it is advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to determine if she is pregnant. These tests are generally reliable and can provide clarity. If the test is positive, she should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative and her period does not start soon, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare professional to investigate the underlying causes of her delayed menstruation and ongoing gastrointestinal issues.

In summary, while the delayed period and ongoing diarrhea could suggest a potential pregnancy, they could also be influenced by her irregular menstrual cycle and gastrointestinal health. A home pregnancy test followed by a consultation with a healthcare provider would be the best course of action to address these concerns comprehensively.

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