Missed Period and Negative Pregnancy Tests: Your Symptoms

Menstruation is three days late, and two pregnancy tests have returned negative results?

On September 1, September 2, and September 5, I engaged in some intimate touching with my boyfriend, but he did not remove his pants.
Later, I rubbed against his outer pants with my hand, and there was a small amount of discharge, about the size of a one-dollar coin, but it was not very wet (I did not touch my own private area afterward).
My boyfriend then touched me slightly, but he also touched other areas, like rubbing his own hand, and his fingers were no longer wet.
After that, he continued to stimulate me and inserted his fingers into my vagina.
I asked friends around me, and they all said that this would not lead to pregnancy, especially since there was no ejaculation and I was not in my ovulation period.

However, I am very worried.
I took two pregnancy tests on September 12 and the morning of September 13, with urine collected after more than four hours and without drinking much water.
Yesterday, I went to see a doctor about swollen lymph nodes in my left armpit, and the doctor said it might be due to hormonal changes before menstruation.
This time, my premenstrual syndrome is severe; my breasts are very swollen and painful with lumps, but now the breast pain is not as noticeable and is less swollen.
I feel a dull pain in my abdomen, especially in the lower left and right sides, and my lower back is a bit sore (the pain comes and goes, and I am very scared and anxious, which makes me feel a bit nauseous and lose my appetite, but when I relax, the symptoms are not as pronounced).

I would like to ask the doctor if the chances of pregnancy are high.
I have taken two pregnancy tests, and both showed a clear single line, even after a while.
My menstrual cycle is usually regular, but in July, it came about six days early.
Last month (August), I took medication to induce menstruation due to a trip.
I am very anxious and wonder if various factors are affecting my delayed menstruation.
My period was supposed to start on September 10, but I have had increased discharge and lower abdominal pain, feeling like my period is about to come but hasn’t.
The abdominal discomfort is very annoying, and the more anxious I get, the more I experience dry heaving and nausea.
I am very anxious and hope the doctor can take the time to respond.
Thank you very much for your hard work.

Xiao Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/13

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not very high.
However, as long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy regardless of the method.
It is advisable to take appropriate contraceptive measures, and if necessary, consult a physician for evaluation.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/09/13

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of anxiety regarding your missed period and the possibility of pregnancy. Let’s break down your situation and address your concerns.

From what you’ve described, you engaged in sexual activity that involved some level of genital contact, but there was no ejaculation, and you mentioned that it was not during your ovulation period. This is an important factor because the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly lower when there is no ejaculation and when intercourse occurs outside of the fertile window. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, but without ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy is minimal.

You have taken two home pregnancy tests, both of which returned negative results. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly, especially if taken after a missed period. The fact that you waited until after your expected period to test is a good practice, as it increases the accuracy of the results. If the tests consistently show a single line, it indicates that you are not pregnant.

Your symptoms, such as breast tenderness, abdominal discomfort, and mood changes, could be attributed to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or hormonal fluctuations, especially since you mentioned that your menstrual cycle has been somewhat irregular recently. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate these symptoms, leading to a cycle of worry that can make physical symptoms feel more intense.

You mentioned that you have experienced some lymph node swelling, which your doctor attributed to hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle. This is not uncommon and can occur due to the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels that happen before your period.
It’s also worth noting that lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet, and exercise, can impact your menstrual cycle. If you have recently taken medications to induce your period, this could also affect your cycle's regularity.
Given that your period was expected on September 10 and it has not arrived, it might be beneficial to wait a few more days and then retest if your period does not start. If you continue to experience symptoms or if your period does not arrive within a week, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to check for pregnancy and evaluate any other underlying issues that may be affecting your menstrual cycle.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy exists in any sexual encounter, the circumstances you've described suggest a low likelihood. Your symptoms may be related to hormonal changes or stress rather than pregnancy. If your anxiety persists or your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step to ensure your overall health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Missed Period with Negative Pregnancy Test: What Could It Mean?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my situation. My menstrual cycle has always been regular, with a maximum delay of 1-2 days, but this time it is 5 days late and still hasn't arrived. I have had sexual intercourse and took a pregnancy test on the fifth day (using morning ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the early stages of pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment. It is recommended to take a pregnancy test about a week after a missed period. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chang

Menstrual Delay: Understanding Causes When Pregnancy Tests Are Negative

Your period is 18 days late, and a pregnancy test has come back negative. You have taken medication to induce menstruation, but it has been 7 days and you still haven't gotten your period. What could be the issue?

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If your period is overdue and you have not used any contraception, the first thing to consider is whether you might be pregnant. A negative pregnancy test only indicates that the hormone levels may not be high enough to detect pregnancy at this time. Therefore, unless your period...

Missed Period After Negative Pregnancy Tests: What's Going On?

Hello, doctor. Recently, my menstrual cycle has been irregular. I had sexual intercourse with ejaculation inside, and my period is a week late. I have taken two urine pregnancy tests, and both results were negative. However, why hasn't my period arrived yet? Am I still pregn...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle makes it difficult to determine whether your intercourse occurred during the ovulation period. Additionally, urine tests cannot detect pregnancy immediately after implantation. It is advisable for you to consult a physician for an e...

Missed Period but Negative Pregnancy Test: What Should I Do?

Doctor, I was supposed to get my period today, but I took a pregnancy test (using morning urine) 18 days after my last sexual intercourse, and it showed negative. Can I feel reassured?

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can rest assured with the response. If you still have concerns, you can seek medical examination. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.