Concerns About Pregnancy: Irregular Periods and Testing

What should I do?

On February 7, I had intercourse with my boyfriend without a condom, but he withdrew before ejaculation.
The next day, on February 8, I got my period.
However, in March, my period was expected around March 2, but it did not come.
I was very worried, so on March 6, I bought a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
At that time, I had already started taking a medication to induce my period, and I was concerned that it might affect the test results.
Before taking the medication, I had also purchased a pregnancy test and it also showed negative results.
On March 3, I started noticing a little bit of discharge, and as of today, March 7, I still have discharge, but my period has not arrived.
Additionally, I have been feeling a bit nauseous.
My boyfriend and I had intercourse again on February 14 after my period ended, but we used a condom that time.
We have not had intercourse in March.
I am really worried about being pregnant, and I am still a student.
Please respond as soon as possible, doctor.

Meimei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/07

Dr. Dai Qihan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Thank you for your message.
If you have missed your period or are experiencing irregular menstruation, you should visit a clinic for a confirmatory diagnosis, which may include a urine test, blood test, and ultrasound examination.

Reply Date: 2005/03/07

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety regarding your menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down your concerns based on the information you've provided.

First, it's important to understand that irregular menstrual cycles can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and even medications like the one you mentioned taking to induce your period. Since you started taking this medication, it could potentially affect your menstrual cycle and the results of any pregnancy tests you take. Hormonal medications can sometimes lead to changes in your cycle, including delayed periods or altered bleeding patterns, which might explain why your period has not arrived as expected.

Regarding your sexual activity, you mentioned that on February 7, you had unprotected intercourse but that your boyfriend withdrew before ejaculation. This method, known as the withdrawal method, is not a reliable form of contraception because pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and there is always a risk of pregnancy. However, since you got your period the very next day, it is unlikely that you were pregnant from that encounter.

You also mentioned taking a pregnancy test on March 6, which came back negative. If you were already taking medication to induce your period at that time, it could potentially affect the accuracy of the test. Pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period, so if your period is delayed, it might be worth waiting a few days and testing again, ideally after stopping the medication if possible.

The presence of white discharge can be a normal part of your menstrual cycle and does not necessarily indicate pregnancy. It can be influenced by hormonal changes, especially if you're taking medication. The feelings of nausea and wanting to vomit could also be related to stress or anxiety rather than pregnancy, especially since you mentioned that you have been feeling anxious about the possibility of being pregnant.

Given that you have had sexual intercourse with protection after your last period and have not engaged in unprotected sex since, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced. However, if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, such as persistent nausea or a missed period, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a more accurate assessment and possibly perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than urine tests.

In summary, while your concerns are valid, the combination of your recent medication, the timing of your sexual activity, and the results of your pregnancy tests suggest that you may not be pregnant. However, if your period does not arrive soon or if your symptoms persist, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action. It's important to take care of your mental health during this time as well, as stress can significantly impact your menstrual cycle.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Concerns: A Guide

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle has been very irregular. For example, I did not have my period from January to March this year, had normal periods from April to September, and then missed my periods in October and November. I am concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, but ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The menstrual cycle has been irregular. For example, from January to March this year, there was no menstruation, while from April to September, menstruation was normal. However, there was no menstruation in October and November, raising concerns about the possibility of pregnancy...

Understanding Pregnancy Concerns: Irregular Periods and Testing Insights

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle has never been very regular, and sometimes I even miss a month. I had sexual intercourse on November 18, 19, and December 2 and 9. (There was only foreplay on the male side without a condom; the rest were protected.) This month, since I planned to...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, concerned woman: It sounds like you are not pregnant. Sometimes, even after taking menstrual induction medication, menstruation may still be delayed, which is quite common in clinical practice. As long as you confirm that you are not pregnant through a urine or blood test,...

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...