Persistent High Fever After Bleeding: Could It Indicate Pregnancy?

Persistent high fever eight days after bleeding?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend had her menstrual period from July 29 to August 24.
We had intercourse on August 7 and August 14 (but the condoms broke both times, and there was no ejaculation; we cleaned up immediately and did not take emergency contraception).
From August 21 to August 27, she experienced bleeding (which I'm unsure if it was her period).
From August 30 to September 7, her body temperature has been consistently around 37 degrees Celsius.
Is there a possibility that my girlfriend is pregnant, or could there be other issues?

Gao Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/08

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Vaginal infections can cause abnormal discharge, itching, fever, and lower abdominal pain, which are among the most common symptoms in women.
The causes are varied, and treatment methods require comprehensive patient education.
It is recommended to consult a gynecologist for evaluation in an outpatient setting.

2.
For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation "4 weeks after sexual intercourse."

Reply Date: 2020/09/08

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, several factors need to be considered, especially in the context of your girlfriend's recent menstrual cycle and symptoms. Based on the timeline you've provided, it appears that your girlfriend had her last menstrual period from July 29 to August 24, with sexual intercourse occurring on August 7 and August 14. The subsequent bleeding from August 21 to August 27 raises some questions about whether this was a normal menstrual period or something else, such as implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, which typically happens about 6 to 12 days after conception. This could potentially explain any unusual bleeding that occurs after the expected menstrual period. However, the timing of your girlfriend's bleeding seems to coincide closely with her regular menstrual cycle, which complicates the assessment.

Regarding the persistent body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), this is generally considered a normal body temperature. However, slight fluctuations in body temperature can occur during different phases of the menstrual cycle, particularly during ovulation and the luteal phase. If your girlfriend's temperature remains elevated beyond the expected time of her next period, it could be an early sign of pregnancy, but it is not definitive on its own.

Given that there were instances of condom failure during intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if ovulation occurred around the time of those encounters. The best way to confirm or rule out pregnancy is through a home pregnancy test, which can typically detect pregnancy hormones in urine about a week after a missed period. If the test is positive, it would be advisable for your girlfriend to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care.

If the bleeding your girlfriend experienced was unusually heavy, prolonged, or accompanied by severe pain, it could indicate other issues, such as a hormonal imbalance or even a miscarriage, especially if she was pregnant. It's essential to monitor any symptoms closely and consult a healthcare provider if there are concerns about her health or the possibility of pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the bleeding and the normal body temperature suggest that it could also be a regular menstrual cycle. A home pregnancy test would provide clarity, and if there are any concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial.

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