Am I Pregnant or Just About to Get My Period?

I would like to ask if I am pregnant?

I'm sorry, doctor.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend from August 14 to 15, but I started experiencing lower back pain and abdominal discomfort on August 21.
My menstrual period is approaching, as my last period was from July 31 to August 7, and I expect my next period around September 1.
Doctor, could you tell me if this means I might be pregnant or if my period is just about to start?

Zhi Ming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/31

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the early stages of pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms alone cannot be used to determine pregnancy.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/08/31

More Info

Determining whether you are pregnant or just about to get your period can be a bit tricky, especially when you experience symptoms that can overlap between the two conditions. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down the situation.

You mentioned that you had sexual intercourse with your boyfriend around August 14-15, and your last menstrual period started on July 31 and ended on August 7. Given your cycle length, which seems to be about 31 days (from July 31 to September 1), you would expect your next period to start around September 1.
The symptoms you are experiencing, such as lower back pain and abdominal discomfort, can indeed be signs of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. PMS symptoms typically occur in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of your period. Early pregnancy symptoms can also include similar discomfort, as well as breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea.

To determine if you might be pregnant, consider the following:
1. Timing of Ovulation: If you have a regular cycle of about 31 days, ovulation likely occurred around August 14-16. Since you had intercourse on August 14-15, it is possible that sperm could have fertilized an egg if ovulation occurred shortly after.

2. Pregnancy Tests: The most reliable way to determine if you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to take the test after your missed period, which would be around September 1 in your case.

3. Symptom Tracking: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience. If your period does not arrive by the expected date and you continue to have symptoms, it may be worth taking a pregnancy test.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure or if your symptoms worsen, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide further testing and guidance based on your specific situation.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing could indicate that your period is about to start, they could also suggest early pregnancy. The best course of action is to wait until after your expected period date to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate result. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice.

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