Am I pregnant?
Hello Doctor: I have not had my period, and on January 2nd, I went to the gynecologist for a menstrual induction (I had tested negative for pregnancy at that time).
How long after the treatment should I expect my period to come? What should I do if it doesn’t come? Does this mean I might be pregnant? My menstrual cycle is usually very regular...
My last period was on December 2nd, but I took emergency contraception after that, and my previous periods were on November 3rd, October 5th, September 6th, and August 6th, so I think the emergency contraception shouldn't have a significant effect.
I engaged in sexual intercourse on December 30th, 31st, and January 1st, but I thought it was a safe period and did not use any contraceptive measures.
Now, as of today, January 5th, my period still hasn’t arrived.
Is there a risk of pregnancy? Additionally, I had the menstrual induction on January 2nd (taking medication and receiving an injection); could this increase the likelihood of pregnancy? I have also noticed discharge in the past two days; what does this indicate? The discharge on January 6th was brown...
is this a sign of pregnancy? Furthermore, I recently had a cold and took medication for a week; could this affect my menstrual cycle? I also have a history of hypothyroidism and have been off medication for three months (as previous blood tests indicated restored function); could this lead to a recurrence of the condition and affect the secretion of female hormones, causing my period to be delayed? (As my previous doctors prescribed me hormone supplements)...
Thank you!
Xiao Rou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/01/06
Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: This question was answered on January 5th, thank you.
Reply Date: 2001/01/06
More Info
When it comes to understanding delayed periods and the possibility of pregnancy, several factors must be considered. Based on your situation, it seems you have a history of regular menstrual cycles, with your last period starting on December 2. You mentioned taking emergency contraception, which can affect your cycle, and engaging in unprotected intercourse during what you believed to be your safe period.
Firstly, it’s important to note that emergency contraception can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. It may lead to a delay in your next period, which could explain why you have not yet menstruated since your last cycle. The hormonal fluctuations from the emergency contraception can disrupt your regular cycle, leading to either a delayed period or even an early one.
You also mentioned that you had a medical intervention on January 2 to induce your period, which included medication and an injection. Typically, these treatments are effective in prompting menstruation within a few days to a week. If your period does not arrive after this treatment, it raises the question of whether you could be pregnant. However, since you had a negative pregnancy test prior to the treatment, the likelihood of pregnancy at that time was low.
Regarding your concerns about potential pregnancy, it’s essential to consider the timing of your sexual activity. Since you had unprotected intercourse on December 30 and 31, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if you ovulated around that time. However, if you have taken emergency contraception, it is designed to prevent ovulation and thus reduce the risk of pregnancy.
The presence of brown discharge could be a sign of several things. It might indicate old blood that is being expelled from your body, which can happen at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle. It can also be a side effect of hormonal changes due to the emergency contraception or the medications you took to induce your period.
You also mentioned having a history of hypothyroidism and recent medication changes. Thyroid function can significantly impact menstrual cycles. If your thyroid hormone levels are not adequately managed, it could lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods. If you have stopped your medication for three months and have not had your thyroid levels checked, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your thyroid function is stable.
In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse, the use of emergency contraception and the subsequent medical intervention to induce your period complicate the situation. If your period does not arrive within a week after the treatment, it would be prudent to take another pregnancy test. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, or if you experience any concerning symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may want to check your hormone levels, including thyroid function, to determine the underlying cause of your delayed period.
In conclusion, while the possibility of pregnancy exists, the hormonal influences from emergency contraception and your medical history should be carefully considered. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will be key in addressing your concerns and ensuring your reproductive health is managed effectively.
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