Pregnancy Concerns: Testing and Symptoms Explained - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Pregnancy issues


Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about pregnancy testing two months after sexual intercourse (on May 6), during which there was no sexual activity.
I tested negative for pregnancy on July 1, July 7, and July 11.
An ultrasound also showed no signs of pregnancy.
However, on the morning of July 7, I received an injection to induce menstruation, and less than half an hour later, I experienced bleeding.
After an hour, the blood on the pad was brownish, resembling the end of a menstrual period, and I continued to have brown discharge in the afternoon.
Is this normal? (1) Is there a possibility of pregnancy? (2) Is the color of the discharge normal? Thank you, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/11

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptives, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
If you are uncertain whether the bleeding is menstrual, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for appropriate examinations to confirm the situation.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2022/07/11

More Info


Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding your pregnancy concerns. It’s completely normal to have a lot of questions and worries during this time, especially when it comes to testing and symptoms. Let’s break down your concerns step by step.

1. Possibility of Pregnancy: Given that you had sexual intercourse two months ago and have taken multiple pregnancy tests since then, it’s important to consider the timing of ovulation and the sensitivity of the tests you used. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which typically becomes detectable about a week after conception. If you have taken tests on 7/1, 7/7, and 7/11 and all returned negative results, it is unlikely that you are pregnant, especially if you have not had any sexual activity in between. However, if your menstrual cycle is irregular or if you ovulated later than expected, it could potentially lead to a false negative result.
2. Bleeding After a Trigger Injection: The bleeding you experienced after receiving a trigger injection (likely to induce menstruation) is not uncommon. The fact that it started as a brownish discharge can indicate old blood, which is often seen at the end of a menstrual period. This type of bleeding can occur as a result of hormonal changes induced by the injection. It’s important to monitor the flow; if it becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe pain, you should consult your healthcare provider.

3. Color of Discharge: The color of your discharge being brown is generally considered normal, especially if it is light and not accompanied by any foul odor or significant discomfort. Brown discharge often indicates that the blood is older and has taken longer to exit the body, which can happen at the end of a menstrual cycle or after hormonal treatments.

4. Next Steps: If your bleeding continues or if you have any other concerning symptoms (such as severe pain, fever, or an unusual odor), it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may suggest further testing, such as a blood test for hCG, which can provide more definitive results regarding pregnancy.

5. Emotional and Physical Well-being: It’s also important to take care of your emotional health during this time. Pregnancy and the associated concerns can lead to anxiety and stress. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, consider discussing your feelings with a trusted friend or a mental health professional. They can provide support and coping strategies.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems less likely that you are pregnant given the negative tests and the timing of your symptoms. The brown discharge following the injection is likely a normal response to the hormonal changes. However, always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.

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