Pregnancy Testing: Delayed Period and Confusing Symptoms

Pregnancy status: Questions about pregnancy testing?

Menstruation is delayed, and two pregnancy tests showed one line (the testing date is more than a month after intercourse).
Last menstrual period: June 17 (42 days apart) and August 13 (58 days apart).
The last sexual intercourse occurred on September 14-15 (withdrawal method without a condom), which was the 33rd day after the last menstrual period (August 13).
There was bleeding on September 24, which was brown and minimal, not enough to saturate half a cotton swab.
Discharge from October 1 onward (exact dates are a bit unclear) lasted about one to two weeks and was clear and watery.
From October 12 to the current date, October 22, it has been dry.
The time from the last menstrual period on August 13 to October 22 has exceeded 70 days, and menstruation has not arrived.
The bleeding on September 24 is suspected to be either ovulation bleeding or implantation bleeding, with minimal brown discharge not saturating half a cotton swab.
Dates of sexual intercourse: September 14-15.
Pregnancy test dates: October 12 and 15.
On October 12 (27 days after the sexual intercourse on September 14), the test showed one line.
The evaporation line was only clearly visible the next day.
On October 15 (one month after the sexual intercourse on September 14), the test clearly showed one line, with no evaporation line, indicating only one line from the start of absorption.

Body condition: At the beginning of October, I felt hot for about a week, experienced bloating and burping, and have had no unusual symptoms recently.
According to the gestational weeks from the last menstrual period on August 13, I should be around 10 weeks pregnant.
Is it possible not to feel anything at 10 weeks of pregnancy? I also want to know what it feels like to be 10 weeks pregnant.
The first two pregnancy tests were more than a month apart and showed one line.
If the third pregnancy test also shows one line, does that mean the likelihood of being pregnant is even lower?

Xiao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, all pregnancy tests are negative, so the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/10/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding delayed periods and the potential for pregnancy, it's essential to consider various factors that can influence menstrual cycles and the accuracy of pregnancy tests. Based on your situation, you have experienced a significant delay in your menstrual cycle, with your last period on August 13 and no menstruation since then, which is now over 70 days. You also mentioned having sexual intercourse on September 14 and 15, and you have conducted two pregnancy tests on October 12 and 15, both of which returned negative results.

Firstly, it's important to understand that a missed period can be caused by several factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and underlying medical conditions. In your case, the extended delay in your menstrual cycle could be attributed to one of these factors, especially since your previous cycles were irregular, with intervals of 42 and 58 days.

Regarding the pregnancy tests, they are generally reliable when used correctly. However, the timing of the test is crucial. The tests you conducted on October 12 and 15 were performed more than a month after the last sexual encounter, which typically should provide enough time for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to build up in the body if pregnancy has occurred. The fact that both tests returned a single line suggests that you are likely not pregnant.
The occurrence of light brown discharge on September 24 could be indicative of several things. It might be implantation bleeding, which can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, but given the negative pregnancy tests, this seems less likely. It could also be a sign of hormonal fluctuations or an early menstrual cycle that did not fully develop.
As for your physical symptoms, such as feeling hot and experiencing bloating, these can also be attributed to hormonal changes rather than pregnancy. Many women experience premenstrual symptoms that can mimic early pregnancy signs, including breast tenderness, mood swings, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

If you take another pregnancy test and it also shows a single line, the likelihood of pregnancy diminishes further. At this point, if your period does not arrive, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than home pregnancy tests and can provide a definitive answer regarding pregnancy. Additionally, they can investigate other potential causes for your delayed period, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out without further testing, the negative results from your pregnancy tests and the timeline of your menstrual cycle suggest that it is less likely. If you continue to experience irregular cycles or other concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. A healthcare provider can offer guidance, perform necessary tests, and help you understand your reproductive health better.

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