Is It Menstruation or Implantation Bleeding? Your Cycle

Is this considered menstruation, or is it bleeding due to pregnancy?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my irregular menstrual cycle.
My recent periods were from August 8 to August 14 and from October 1 to October 7.
However, on October 31, I had intimate relations with my boyfriend, and we used condoms throughout; I checked afterward with water to ensure they did not break! I also took a pregnancy test on November 7, which was negative.
According to my mobile app, my ovulation period was from November 1 to November 7, and I expect my period to arrive between November 20 and November 26.
Before this, I experienced vaginal discharge and symptoms I usually have before my period, such as abdominal bloating, lower back pain, and acne.

On November 5, I noticed brown discharge and thought my period was starting, but the next day there was nothing, just intermittent brown discharge until yesterday, November 8, when I found blood while using the restroom.
I thought my period had started, so I used a sanitary pad, but there was no significant bleeding, just a small amount of brown discharge.
In the afternoon, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doctor nearby and explained my situation.
The doctor said I have uterine weakness and coldness, which is preventing menstrual blood from flowing out, and prescribed warming herbal medicine for me.

Last night, I noticed a little blood on the sanitary pad, which had a blood odor, but today, November 9, there has been no blood during restroom visits or wiping, only brown discharge.
I would like to ask, does this count as my period, or could it be implantation bleeding? Additionally, why does my period tend to be delayed in the month when I have intimate relations with my boyfriend?

Fish, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/09

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
It is advisable to observe for a few more days to see if menstruation occurs.
If the bleeding remains light, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/09

More Info

When it comes to distinguishing between menstruation and implantation bleeding, several factors need to be considered, especially given your irregular menstrual cycle and recent intimate experiences.
Firstly, let's clarify what implantation bleeding is. It occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, which can happen about 6 to 12 days after conception. This type of bleeding is usually light and can be brown or pink in color, often lasting for a few hours to a couple of days. On the other hand, menstrual bleeding is typically heavier, lasts longer (usually 3 to 7 days), and is accompanied by other symptoms such as cramping.

In your case, you mentioned having a history of irregular menstrual cycles, with your last periods occurring from August 8 to August 14 and October 1 to October 7. You had intimate relations with your boyfriend on October 31, using protection throughout, which is a significant factor in reducing the risk of pregnancy. You also noted that you took a pregnancy test on November 7, which returned negative. This is a good indication that you are not pregnant, especially since it was taken about a week after your potential ovulation period.

The coffee-colored discharge you observed starting on November 5 could be due to several reasons. It might be a sign of hormonal fluctuations, especially considering your irregular cycles. Stress, changes in weight, or even dietary changes can affect your menstrual cycle and lead to spotting or unusual discharge. The fact that you experienced some abdominal discomfort and other premenstrual symptoms (like back pain and acne) suggests that your body might be preparing for a menstrual cycle, but it could also indicate that your cycle is simply out of sync.

The intermittent nature of the discharge, along with the absence of a full flow of menstrual blood, raises the possibility that this could be related to hormonal imbalances rather than implantation bleeding. Since you have been experiencing irregular cycles, it is not uncommon for your body to exhibit unusual patterns of bleeding or spotting.

Regarding your concern about why your period might be delayed after being intimate with your boyfriend, it is essential to understand that stress or anxiety about potential pregnancy can also delay menstruation. The body can react to emotional and physical stressors, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle.

In conclusion, based on the information provided, it seems more likely that the coffee-colored discharge you are experiencing is not implantation bleeding but rather a result of hormonal fluctuations or stress related to your irregular cycle. If the discharge continues or if you have further concerns about your menstrual health, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including hormonal assessments, to help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment or reassurance.

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