Pregnancy Probability and Progesterone
Hello Doctor, my last sexual intercourse with a condom was on July 24.
I had my period from July 29 for 6 to 8 days, and again from August 31 for 6 to 8 days (with a lot of blood clots).
On September 16, September 30, and October 1, I engaged in manual sexual activity with my partner.
I was expecting my period on October 3, but it has not arrived yet.
I would like to ask about the likelihood of pregnancy.
My app predicted ovulation on September 18, but I noticed cervical mucus resembling egg white on September 25 and 26.
Could this indicate a delayed ovulation? On October 5, I used a pregnancy test, which showed one line, and on October 6, I visited the gynecologist for a pregnancy test, which also showed one line.
An ultrasound showed no signs of pregnancy.
The doctor prescribed progesterone for me, and on the first day, I felt strong uterine contractions.
Is it normal to feel nothing on the second day of taking the medication? On October 7, I had another ultrasound, and the endometrial thickness was 0.6 cm.
Does this mean my period is still far away?
Ye, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/08
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 contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, miscarriage, and breastfeeding, among others.
Other descriptions are difficult to assess.
It is recommended that if symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a gynecologist to check for hormonal imbalances or other causes.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.
Reply Date: 2022/10/08
More Info
Understanding the chances of pregnancy and the use of progesterone in women is a multifaceted topic that involves understanding menstrual cycles, ovulation, and hormonal treatments. Based on your situation, let's break down the key elements.
Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation
Your menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring approximately 14 days before your next expected period. In your case, you mentioned that your app predicted ovulation around September 18, but you experienced cervical mucus changes on September 25 and 26, which could indicate a delayed ovulation. This is not uncommon, as various factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances can affect the timing of ovulation.
Pregnancy Chances
Given that you had unprotected sexual activity around the time of your predicted ovulation, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, since you experienced a menstrual period on July 29 and another on August 31, it suggests that you were not pregnant at those times. The absence of your expected period in October, along with the negative pregnancy tests on October 5 and 6, indicates that you may not be pregnant at this time. The ultrasound confirming no gestational sac further supports this.
Role of Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining pregnancy. It is often prescribed to women who have irregular cycles or who are experiencing issues related to low progesterone levels. In your case, the doctor prescribed progesterone after the negative pregnancy tests, likely to help regulate your cycle and prepare your uterine lining for a potential pregnancy in the future.
The strong sensations you felt in your uterus after taking progesterone could be attributed to the hormone's effects on the uterine muscles. It is not unusual for women to experience varying sensations when starting hormonal treatments. The absence of symptoms on the second day of taking the medication does not necessarily indicate a problem; hormonal responses can vary significantly from day to day.
Uterine Lining Thickness
The measurement of your uterine lining at 0.6 cm (or 6 mm) is relatively thin for the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where a thicker lining (typically above 8 mm) is expected to support a potential pregnancy. However, this thickness can change with hormonal treatments, and your doctor may monitor this in subsequent ultrasounds.
Next Steps
1. Monitoring: Continue to monitor your menstrual cycle and any symptoms you experience. If your period does not arrive, follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
2. Follow-Up: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of continuing progesterone or other treatments if you are trying to conceive. They may suggest further testing if you experience recurrent issues with your menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Consider lifestyle factors that can affect your menstrual cycle and fertility, such as stress management, nutrition, and exercise.
In conclusion, while there is a possibility of pregnancy based on your cycle, the negative tests and ultrasound findings suggest otherwise at this time. The use of progesterone is a common practice to help regulate cycles and support potential pregnancies, and your experiences with the medication can vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.
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