Pregnancy Chances: Factors Affecting Menstrual Delay and Testing

Probability of Pregnancy

1.
The last menstrual period was from August 12 to August 16, with the ovulation period estimated to be from August 23 to August 29.
Intercourse occurred on August 14, 15, and 19 (withdrawal method), avoiding the potentially fertile days.
Additionally, there was intercourse without protection on September 2, 4, and 10.
The app indicates that the next period should have started on the 11th, but it is already 6 days late.
Pregnancy tests taken on September 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17 have all been negative.
The menstrual cycles in previous months have been quite regular, around 29 or 31 days.
Recently, there has been a sensation of discharge.
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation.
2.
I visited a clinic for urethritis on August 16, and it seems they prescribed antibiotics.
I would like to know if taking antibiotics or weight loss medications can cause a delay in menstruation.
3.
I have researched that if menstruation is delayed, acupressure points such as Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, Xuehai, and Zhiyu can be massaged.
Can this be verified or is there any real benefit to this?
4.
How long after using a pregnancy test (stick, cup, or strip) are the results considered invalid? For example, if a line appears in the morning and two lines appear in the evening, is that result invalid?

Ms. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/17

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
It seems that the chances of pregnancy are low.
If your period is delayed beyond the expected date, you can take a pregnancy test to confirm.

2.
No, it won't.

3.
Some acupressure points have been proven to be helpful.

4.
Generally, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Reply Date: 2022/09/17

More Info

Understanding pregnancy chances and the factors affecting menstrual delay can be quite complex, especially when considering various health conditions and medications. Let's break down your questions one by one.

1. Pregnancy Chances: Based on your menstrual cycle and the timing of your sexual activity, it appears that you had intercourse during your fertile window, which increases the chances of conception. However, the fact that you have tested negative for pregnancy multiple times, especially after a missed period, suggests that pregnancy may not be the cause of your delayed menstruation. It's important to remember that home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when used after a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is typically regular, a delay of six days could be concerning, but it does not definitively indicate pregnancy, especially with negative test results.

2. Impact of Medications: Antibiotics can sometimes affect menstrual cycles, but this is not common. The most significant concern would be if the antibiotic interfered with hormonal balance or if the underlying condition (like a urinary tract infection) was affecting your cycle. Weight loss medications can also impact hormonal levels, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities. If you have concerns about how these medications might be affecting your cycle, it would be wise to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

3. Acupressure and Menstrual Delay: There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that acupressure may help stimulate menstrual flow, but scientific support for this is limited. Points like San Yin Jiao (三陰交), Guan Yuan (關元), Xue Hai (血海), and Zhi Wu (制汙) are often referenced in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential benefits in regulating menstrual cycles. While some individuals report positive effects, it's essential to approach such methods with caution and consider them as complementary to conventional medical advice rather than a primary treatment.

4. Validity of Pregnancy Tests: Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. If you see a positive result, it is generally considered valid. However, if a test shows a negative result and then later shows a positive result, it could indicate a few things: the test may have been taken too early, or the urine concentration may have changed. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the timing of the test and to check for results within the specified time frame. If you suspect a false negative, waiting a few days and testing again can provide more clarity.

In summary, while your chances of pregnancy seem plausible given your sexual activity during the fertile window, the negative pregnancy tests and the delay in menstruation could be attributed to various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or the effects of medications. If your period does not arrive soon or if you continue to have concerns, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend additional testing or examinations to determine the underlying cause of your menstrual irregularity.

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