Am I Pregnant? Delayed Periods and Symptoms - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Pregnancy period?


Hello: My menstrual cycle is 35-42 days.
I started my period on May 19 last month, and it was supposed to come on June 26 this month, but it was delayed by 7-12 days.
Two nights ago, I experienced lower abdominal pain and went to the hospital for an examination.
The doctor asked me to take a urine test and get an X-ray.
During the examination, they pressed on my lower abdomen and informed me that pregnancy could not be ruled out, so I needed to take a urine test first and wait for the results before proceeding with the X-ray.
After waiting for over two hours, they finally told me that I was not pregnant and that I had a bladder infection, which allowed me to be discharged.
Around midnight, I started my period.
Does this mean that I truly do not have a possibility of being pregnant?

Angel, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/07

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello Angel: A negative pregnancy test means you are not pregnant.
If you are still concerned, you can take the test again in three days.
Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/07/07

More Info


Based on your detailed description, it seems that you have been experiencing a delayed menstrual cycle, along with various symptoms that can be concerning. Let's break down the situation to better understand whether you might be pregnant or if there are other factors at play.

First, it's important to note that a delayed period can be caused by a variety of factors. Stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and underlying medical conditions can all affect your menstrual cycle. In your case, you mentioned that your cycle typically ranges from 35 to 42 days, which is longer than the average cycle length of 28 days. This variability can sometimes lead to confusion regarding whether a missed period is due to pregnancy or other factors.

You also reported experiencing lower abdominal pain, which prompted you to seek medical attention. The doctor’s recommendation to perform a urine pregnancy test and an X-ray was appropriate, as these tests can help rule out pregnancy and identify other potential issues, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other abdominal concerns. The fact that your urine test came back negative for pregnancy and that you were later diagnosed with a bladder infection suggests that your symptoms were likely related to the infection rather than pregnancy.

The timing of your menstrual cycle is also crucial. You mentioned that your period arrived about 12 hours after your hospital visit, which indicates that your body was likely preparing to menstruate. In many cases, stress or illness can delay the onset of menstruation, and once the underlying issue is resolved, your cycle may return to normal.

Regarding your concerns about whether you could still be pregnant despite the negative test results, it is important to understand that urine pregnancy tests are generally very reliable when taken after a missed period. If you tested negative and then subsequently got your period, it is highly unlikely that you were pregnant. However, if you continue to have irregular cycles or experience unusual symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, based on the information provided, it appears that you are not pregnant, and your symptoms are likely related to a bladder infection rather than early pregnancy. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your menstrual cycle or reproductive health, it would be wise to follow up with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and support. Regular check-ups can help monitor your reproductive health and address any underlying issues that may be affecting your menstrual cycle.

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