Pregnancy Chances and Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

Pregnancy probability

The previous menstrual periods were from December 19 to December 24, January 13 to January 15, and February 14 to February 19.
I have not had my period in March yet.
I took emergency contraception on January 2 after having unprotected intercourse for a few seconds with my then-boyfriend, but he did not ejaculate.
Later, on January 4, we used a condom for a few seconds, and he also did not ejaculate.
It was painful, and then I had intimate contact with my current boyfriend on March 2 and March 4.
My hands went inside his vagina, but I am not sure if I touched my boyfriend's pre-ejaculate fluid before touching my vagina.
During those two times, my boyfriend's penis did not penetrate.
The first time, he later masturbated and did not touch me afterward, and there was a significant time gap between his ejaculation and when he touched me.
During the second time, I rubbed his penis against my clitoris and the front of my thigh, but he did not ejaculate.
After he made me feel good, I performed oral sex for a long time until he ejaculated.
After ejaculation, he did not touch my genital area again.
He suddenly ejaculated in my mouth, which I did not like, so I immediately went to rinse my mouth.
Now, I still have not gotten my period in March.
The app I set up indicates a 29-day cycle, so I expected my period around March 14, but it is now March 18.
Could the emergency contraception I took affect my subsequent cycle? One app I downloaded yesterday also indicates a 29-day cycle and shows a delay of four days.
Another app, also set to a 29-day cycle, shows a four-day delay, but yesterday (March 17), it changed to a two-day delay.
Is this normal? Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant? Based on the activities mentioned, is there a chance of pregnancy? Additionally, I have been feeling more irritable lately, and I sometimes experience pain on the right side of my chest.
My vaginal discharge is normal—not too much or too little—and there is no pain on the left side.
Sometimes my abdomen feels a bit bloated, and my bowel movements vary; sometimes they are soft and easy to pass, while other times they are hard and difficult to pass.
Could this be because my period is approaching? I also have exams coming up, which is causing me some stress and anxiety.
Could this stress affect my menstrual cycle? My daily routine involves going to bed around midnight and waking up around 6 AM on weekdays, while on weekends, I go to bed around 1 or 2 AM and wake up around 10 AM.
Could this routine affect my menstrual cycle? Sometimes on weekends, I go out to study without breakfast, but I have lunch around 2 or 3 PM and skip dinner.
Recently, I have been attending tutoring sessions and have not wanted to buy food, so I only have large fries and bubble tea for dinner.
Could this diet have an impact?

H, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/18

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello! It is recommended to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, as well as to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Please monitor your menstrual cycle, and if there is a delay, you can take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for confirmation.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2023/03/18

More Info

Understanding the complexities of pregnancy chances and menstrual cycle irregularities can be quite daunting, especially when various factors come into play. Based on your detailed description, let's break down the situation and address your concerns.

Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
Your menstrual cycle appears to be irregular, with the last few cycles being inconsistent. The menstrual cycle can be influenced by numerous factors, including stress, hormonal changes, diet, and lifestyle. The fact that you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") on January 2nd can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. Emergency contraception works primarily by delaying ovulation, and it can cause changes in your cycle, leading to earlier or later periods than expected. It’s not uncommon for the cycle to be disrupted after taking such medication.

Pregnancy Chances
Regarding the potential for pregnancy, it seems that your sexual encounters involved minimal risk. The use of emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse is designed to prevent pregnancy, and since you took it shortly after the event, it likely reduced your chances of conception significantly. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small risk involved, especially if there was any exposure to pre-ejaculate fluid.

The interactions you described with your current boyfriend, particularly the manual stimulation and the fact that there was no penetration or ejaculation inside the vagina, further reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, if there was any contact with pre-ejaculate fluid, there is a theoretical risk, albeit low.

Delayed Menstruation
Your period being late by several days can be attributed to several factors, including the stress of upcoming exams, changes in your sleep schedule, and dietary habits. Stress is a well-known factor that can delay menstruation, as it affects hormonal balance. Additionally, irregular eating patterns and sleep schedules can also disrupt your cycle.

Physical Symptoms
The symptoms you mentioned, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating, can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or hormonal fluctuations rather than pregnancy. The changes in bowel habits you described could also be related to stress or dietary changes rather than a sign of pregnancy.

Recommendations
1. Take a Pregnancy Test: If your period does not arrive soon, consider taking a home pregnancy test for peace of mind. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you continue to experience irregular cycles or if your symptoms worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a more thorough evaluation and help determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.

3. Manage Stress: Since stress can significantly impact your menstrual cycle, consider engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or talking to someone about your concerns.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Try to establish a more regular sleep schedule and balanced diet. Eating regular meals and ensuring you get adequate nutrition can help regulate your cycle.

5. Monitor Your Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle and any symptoms you experience. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in understanding your situation better.

In conclusion, while the possibility of pregnancy exists, it seems relatively low given the circumstances you've described. However, the irregularities in your menstrual cycle are likely influenced by various factors, including the emergency contraception, stress, and lifestyle changes. Taking proactive steps to monitor your health and consulting with a healthcare professional will provide clarity and support as you navigate this situation.

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