Delayed Periods: Pregnancy Chances and Health Insights

Q: Delayed Periods: Pregnancy Chances and Health Insights

Hello, the questioner： Due to the irregularity of your menstrual cycle recently, it is difficult to predict both your ovulation period and the onset of menstruation. <br>The failure rate of contraception using condoms is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.

Delayed menstruation and the likelihood of pregnancy?

Hello, doctor.
My menstrual cycle is regularly 28 to 30 days, and my periods this year have been on time.
The last menstrual period started on September 8.
Normally, my period should have arrived around October 6, but it has not come yet.
Since my last period, I have had regular sexual intercourse with my boyfriend every week, and we always use condoms.
However, there was one occasion when the condom was put on incorrectly and then removed and re-applied.
I took a home pregnancy test on October 12, which was negative, and I also visited a gynecologist on October 17, where the doctor confirmed I was not pregnant and prescribed a 5-day course of medication to induce menstruation.
Four days after finishing the medication, my period still has not arrived.
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation.
Should I return for further examination or take another home pregnancy test? Additionally, I took collagen drinks for about 10 days in mid-September; could this be related to my delayed period?

YC, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/26

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the questioner: Due to the irregularity of your menstrual cycle recently, it is difficult to predict both your ovulation period and the onset of menstruation.
The failure rate of contraception using condoms is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.
There are many factors that can affect the menstrual cycle, such as age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
The impact of the mentioned foods is minimal.
It is recommended that if your normal menstrual period does not arrive, you should consult a gynecologist to check for hormonal imbalances or other causes.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2023/10/26

More Info

Understanding delayed periods can be a complex issue, especially when considering the possibility of pregnancy and other health factors. Based on your description, it appears that you have a regular menstrual cycle, typically ranging from 28 to 30 days, with your last period starting on September 8. Given that your period was expected around October 6 and has not yet arrived, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

From the information provided, you have had regular sexual intercourse with your boyfriend, using condoms consistently. However, you mentioned an instance where the condom was put on incorrectly and then re-applied. While this could potentially lead to a risk of pregnancy, it is important to note that the likelihood of pregnancy from a single incident of improper condom use is generally low, especially if the condom was used correctly afterward. Additionally, you have taken two pregnancy tests (one at home and one at the doctor's office) which both returned negative results. This further decreases the likelihood of pregnancy, particularly if the tests were taken after a missed period.

You also mentioned that you were prescribed medication to induce menstruation, which you completed, but your period still has not started. This could indicate that there may be other factors at play affecting your menstrual cycle. Stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and even dietary supplements like collagen can influence your menstrual cycle. While collagen supplements are generally considered safe and unlikely to cause significant hormonal changes, individual responses can vary.

Given that you have not had a period for an extended time despite taking medication to induce it, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to conduct further evaluations to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your menstrual cycle, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances.
In terms of your question about whether to take another pregnancy test, it may not be necessary at this point since you have already tested negative twice. However, if you continue to experience symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, or any unusual changes, it might be worth discussing these symptoms with your doctor during your follow-up visit.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy seem low given the negative tests and consistent condom use, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide you with the most accurate information and guidance tailored to your specific health needs. Remember, menstrual irregularities can be caused by a variety of factors, and addressing any underlying issues is crucial for your overall reproductive health.

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