Could I Be Pregnant? Delayed Periods and Pregnancy Tests

Are you pregnant?

I would like to inquire...
My normal period was expected on July 6 or July 7.
Since it coincided with a planned trip, I visited a gynecologist who prescribed me medication to delay my period.
I took a pregnancy test on July 7, which was negative.
I started taking the delay medication on July 8 and continued until July 10.
During this time, I had unprotected sexual intercourse.
It has been two days since I stopped the medication, and my period still hasn't arrived.
Today, I took a pregnancy test and saw two lines.
Is there a chance I could be pregnant, or is it possible that the delay medication affected the accuracy of the test?

C, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/13

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear C,
It is usually recommended to take a pregnancy test one week after your missed period for more accurate results, as testing too early may yield a negative result.
However, if you do get a positive result, it is advisable to promptly schedule an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist to check whether the implantation is occurring within the uterus.
Further management can then be discussed with the gynecologist.
(Typically, two lines on the test indicate a positive pregnancy result.)
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/07/13

More Info

When it comes to understanding delayed periods and the possibility of pregnancy, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the use of contraception, and the effects of medications like norethindrone, which is often prescribed to delay menstruation.

In your case, you mentioned that your expected period was around July 6 or 7, and you took norethindrone starting on July 8. Norethindrone is a synthetic form of progesterone that can be used to delay menstruation. It works by maintaining the hormone levels in your body that prevent the shedding of the uterine lining. After stopping the medication, it can take some time for your body to resume its natural menstrual cycle, which may explain the delay in your period.

You also indicated that you had unprotected sexual intercourse during this time. If you had a positive pregnancy test after taking norethindrone, it is indeed possible that you could be pregnant. However, the timing of the test is crucial. Home pregnancy 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 tested too early, it might not have been able to detect the pregnancy, leading to a false negative result.

Given that you took norethindrone, it’s important to note that this medication can sometimes affect the accuracy of pregnancy tests. If you took the test shortly after stopping the medication, it might not reflect your true hormonal status. Therefore, if you suspect you could be pregnant, it is advisable to wait a few days and take another test, preferably using the first morning urine, which is typically more concentrated and can provide a more accurate result.

If your period does not arrive within a week after stopping the medication, or if you continue to receive positive pregnancy tests, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home tests and can provide a definitive answer.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given your circumstances, the use of norethindrone and the timing of your tests complicate the situation. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help determine whether your delayed period is due to the medication, a potential pregnancy, or another underlying issue.

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