Irregular Periods: Is It Menstruation or Something Else?

Irregular menstruation

On the 17th, I finished a 6-day course of progesterone (prescribed by my gynecologist to induce menstruation due to irregular periods).
Today, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and there was no bleeding immediately afterward.
However, I experienced some pain when I went to the bathroom, which I believe is due to prolonged friction.
About an hour later, I noticed a small amount of pinkish blood, and now there is a small amount of bright red bleeding that is ongoing.
Is this my period, or could it be caused by the sexual activity? I was hesitant to mention the sexual activity during my visit to the gynecologist, although I did have an ultrasound.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy from unprotected ejaculation? My irregular periods have been a long-standing issue, and they are not caused by sexual activity.
Is it true that irregular periods make it harder to conceive? Should I take a pregnancy test?

tang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/19

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.

2.
The menstrual cycle is influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 42 days, and the duration of menstruation varies by age, typically lasting between 3 to 10 days.
If your cycle consistently falls outside of this normal range, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for examination and evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/10/19

More Info

Understanding irregular periods can be quite complex, especially when considering factors such as hormonal treatments, sexual activity, and the body's natural responses. Based on your description, it seems you recently took a course of progesterone (luteal hormone) to induce menstruation due to irregular cycles. After completing this treatment, you engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, which raises several questions regarding the potential for pregnancy and the nature of your current bleeding.

Firstly, the bleeding you are experiencing could be attributed to a few different factors. Since you recently took progesterone, it is possible that the bleeding is a result of your body adjusting to the hormonal changes. Progesterone is often prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles, and after stopping it, some women may experience withdrawal bleeding, which can sometimes be light and may appear as spotting or a more substantial flow. The initial pinkish discharge followed by a brighter red flow could indicate the onset of your period, especially if it aligns with the timing of your hormonal treatment.

Regarding the sexual activity, while the risk of pregnancy exists with any unprotected intercourse, the likelihood can vary based on several factors, including your menstrual cycle timing and the regularity of your periods. If you have irregular cycles, predicting ovulation can be challenging. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, but with irregular cycles, this can be unpredictable. If you were not ovulating at the time of intercourse, the chances of conception would be lower. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulate shortly after intercourse, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

As for your concern about whether you should take a pregnancy test, it is advisable to wait until your period is late or to take a test about two weeks after the date of intercourse for the most accurate result. If the bleeding you are experiencing continues or changes in character, or if you have any other concerning symptoms (such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection), it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider.

Regarding your question about irregular periods and fertility, it is true that irregular menstrual cycles can sometimes make it more challenging to conceive. Irregular cycles may indicate underlying hormonal imbalances, which can affect ovulation. However, many women with irregular periods can and do conceive, especially with appropriate medical guidance and treatment.

In summary, the bleeding you are experiencing could be related to the hormonal treatment you received, and it may or may not indicate the start of your menstrual cycle. The risk of pregnancy exists with unprotected intercourse, but the likelihood depends on various factors, including your ovulation status. If you have ongoing concerns about your menstrual irregularities or potential pregnancy, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice and support.

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