Pregnancy Concerns: Testing and Symptoms Explained

Pregnancy issues

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about pregnancy testing two months after sexual intercourse (on May 6) when there was no sexual activity in between.
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 within half an hour, I experienced bleeding.
After an hour, the blood on the sanitary pad was brown, resembling the end of a menstrual period.
I also had brown discharge in the afternoon.
Is this normal? (1) Is there still 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, lesions of the uterus or cervix, 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 cause.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2022/07/11

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your pregnancy concerns, particularly about testing and symptoms. Based on your description, let's break down your situation and address your concerns systematically.

1. Pregnancy Testing: You mentioned that you had sexual intercourse two months ago and have since taken multiple pregnancy tests (on July 1, July 7, and July 11) that returned negative results. Additionally, you underwent an ultrasound that did not indicate pregnancy. Given that you have not had any sexual intercourse since the initial encounter, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced, especially with consistent negative test results. Home pregnancy tests are generally quite reliable, especially when used after a missed period. However, if you suspect that you might still be pregnant despite the negative tests, it may be worthwhile to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, including a blood test for beta-hCG, which can detect lower levels of the hormone than urine tests.

2. The Effects of the Injection: You mentioned receiving a menstrual induction injection (催經針) on July 7. This type of injection is typically used to stimulate menstruation and can lead to bleeding shortly after administration. The bleeding you experienced, particularly the coffee-colored discharge, is likely related to the effects of the injection rather than an indication of pregnancy. It is common for the bleeding to be lighter and of a different color when it is influenced by hormonal treatments.

3. Discharge Color and Consistency: The presence of brown or coffee-colored discharge can often be normal, especially in the context of hormonal changes or after receiving an injection. This type of discharge usually indicates older blood that is being expelled from the body, which can happen at the end of a menstrual cycle or as a result of hormonal treatments. If the discharge is not accompanied by severe pain, foul odor, or other concerning symptoms, it is generally not a cause for alarm. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or if the discharge persists or changes significantly, it would be advisable to seek medical attention.

4. Possible Pregnancy: While the chances of pregnancy seem low given your negative tests and the timing of your injection, it is important to remember that no method of contraception or testing is 100% effective. If you continue to have concerns about potential pregnancy, especially if your menstrual cycle does not normalize after the injection, it is best to follow up with your healthcare provider for further assessment.

5. Next Steps: If you are still uncertain about your situation, consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly additional blood tests or imaging, to provide clarity on your reproductive health status.

In conclusion, while the symptoms you describe seem to align more with the effects of the menstrual induction injection rather than pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance. Your health and peace of mind are important, and a medical professional can help guide you through this process. Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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