Could I Be Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Testing

I would like to ask if it is possible for me to be pregnant given my situation?

Hello, Doctor! I have always had a regular menstrual cycle, approximately 29-30 days.
My last period started on December 11, 2023, and today is January 15, 2024, which means it has been 36 days.
I am starting to suspect that I might be pregnant.
Additionally, I had protected intercourse on December 25, December 26, and January 2, and unprotected intercourse with withdrawal on January 8.
I used home pregnancy tests on January 12 and January 14, both of which were negative.
On the morning of January 15, I consulted a gynecologist who performed a transvaginal ultrasound and did not find any embryos.
A urine pregnancy test at the clinic also showed negative results.
Therefore, the doctor prescribed medication to induce menstruation and advised me to monitor the situation.

1.
I would like to ask if there is still a possibility of pregnancy, considering I had unprotected intercourse on January 8.
2.
I would also like to know how long it typically takes for menstruation to occur after finishing the medication to induce menstruation.
3.
Lastly, I would like to ask how long I should wait for my period to return before I need to see a doctor again.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! I appreciate your expertise and wish you all the best.

Xuan Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
Typically, after taking menstrual induction medication, you should expect your period within a week.
If it does not arrive after that time, you should consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/01/16

More Info

It sounds like you have several concerns regarding your menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down your questions and provide some clarity based on medical knowledge.

1. Could I Still Be Pregnant?
Given your history of regular menstrual cycles and the fact that you have had negative pregnancy tests (both urine and blood tests) as well as a vaginal ultrasound that did not show any signs of pregnancy, the likelihood of being pregnant is quite low. The sexual encounters you mentioned, particularly the one on January 8th without protection, do pose a risk for pregnancy, but the subsequent negative tests and ultrasound findings are strong indicators that you are not pregnant. It’s important to remember that pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period, and they can sometimes yield false negatives if taken too early.

2. When Will I Get My Period After Taking Menstrual Induction Medication?
The time it takes for your period to return after taking medication to induce menstruation can vary. Typically, you may expect your period to start within a few days to a week after completing the medication. However, this can depend on individual factors such as your hormonal balance and overall health. If you do not get your period within a week after finishing the medication, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider.

3. When Should I See a Doctor Again?
If your period does not return within a week after completing the medication, or if you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning signs, you should definitely return to your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you have any ongoing concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it’s always best to consult with your doctor for further evaluation.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy exists with unprotected intercourse, the negative tests and ultrasound findings suggest that you are likely not pregnant. The menstrual induction medication should help regulate your cycle, and if your period does not return as expected, further medical evaluation may be necessary. Always feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help in understanding your body better. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Testing: What to Know

Hello, doctor. I apologize for taking up your time. My menstrual cycle has been very irregular. I had sexual intercourse twice on May 20th; once with protection and once without, but I can confirm that there was no ejaculation during either encounter. My period was supposed to st...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Regarding your concerns, here is a summary of the response: If you are still feeling uncertain, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test again. You also mentioned that your menstrual cycle has always been irregular, which makes it more difficult to determine the non-fertile...

Can You Trust Pregnancy Tests with Irregular Periods?

Hello doctor, my last menstrual period was on August 26 (my periods are irregular; sometimes I have them for several consecutive months and then not at all, and sometimes they are spaced out). I did not have a period in September, and as of today, October 29, I still have not had...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesion...

Am I Pregnant? Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Signs

Hello, I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle, which has always been irregular and easily affected by external stress. I have a cold constitution. In the past few months, the first days of my menstrual period were on 4/7, 5/18, 6/22, 7/25, no period in August, and 9/12. I a...

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: (1) Based on your menstrual dates, your menstrual cycle is relatively regular, although it is on the longer side, occurring approximately every 35 to 45 days. (2) Current pregnancy tests are quite sensitive, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in urine above 25-5...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Pregnancy Testing and Menstrual Irregularities

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse on September 9th. We used a condom, but there was a moment when he pulled out and then came back in briefly. Since then, we haven't had any sexual relations. My menstrual cycle is irregular; my periods were on September 23 and October 2...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
In September, there was sexual intercourse "with a condom, but after ejaculation outside, there was a brief re-entry." Since then, there has been no further sexual activity. My menstrual cycle is irregular; I had my period on September 23 and October 25, but I did not h...