Menstrual Issues: Could Your Symptoms Indicate Pregnancy? - Family Medicine

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Menstrual issues. Could you please take the time to answer my questions, doctor? Thank you?


Hello Doctor, my last menstrual period started on October 5 and ended on October 11, and the one before that was from September 7 to September 11.
I would like to ask if there is a possibility of pregnancy, as I have been experiencing discomfort when touching my breasts, an increase in discharge, and some abdominal discomfort.
On October 17, my hand came into contact with my boyfriend's prostate fluid and, after it dried, I did not wash my hands before touching my genital area, approximately 20 seconds later, which was around my ovulation period.
I received the BNT vaccine on September 29.
That evening, I noticed brown discharge, which stopped after October 18.
Given the above, is there a chance of pregnancy? What is the likelihood of being pregnant, or could this just be premenstrual syndrome due to my anxiety? Thank you, Doctor!

Ma Fan Yi Shi Jie Da, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/31

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine


Hello! If you have any concerns about potential details being overlooked, I recommend visiting a gynecologist for an examination.

Reply Date: 2021/10/31

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a range of symptoms that are causing you concern, and it's understandable to want clarity about whether these could indicate pregnancy. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down your symptoms and the potential implications.

Firstly, the symptoms you mentioned—breast tenderness, increased discharge, and abdominal discomfort—can indeed be associated with early pregnancy. Breast tenderness is a common early sign due to hormonal changes, particularly the increase in estrogen and progesterone. Increased vaginal discharge can also occur as the body prepares for a potential pregnancy, and abdominal discomfort may be related to implantation or other hormonal shifts.

Regarding your specific situation, you mentioned that you had contact with your boyfriend's pre-ejaculate fluid. While the likelihood of pregnancy from this type of contact is lower than from direct ejaculation, it is still possible, especially if it coincided with your ovulation period. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, so if you were indeed ovulating around that time, there is a chance of conception.

The brown discharge you experienced on October 17 could be indicative of several things. It might be related to implantation bleeding, which can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. However, it could also be a sign of your menstrual cycle preparing to start or even a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Given that your last menstrual period ended on October 11, it is also possible that your body is simply adjusting to the hormonal changes that occur in the luteal phase of your cycle.

Considering your recent vaccination (the BNT vaccine), it's important to note that vaccines do not affect your menstrual cycle or the likelihood of pregnancy. However, stress and anxiety about potential pregnancy can also lead to physical symptoms that mimic those of PMS or early pregnancy.

To determine whether you are pregnant, the most reliable method is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you take a test and it is positive, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care.

If the test is negative and your symptoms persist, it may be worth discussing with your doctor, as they can help determine if there are other underlying causes for your discomfort, such as hormonal imbalances or other gynecological issues.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest a possibility of pregnancy, they could also be attributed to other factors, including hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle or anxiety. Taking a pregnancy test will provide you with more definitive information, and if you have ongoing concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good step. Remember, it's important to take care of your mental health as well during this time, as anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms.

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