Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Concerns After Intercourse

The MC did not show up?

Hello, doctor.
I have read your response, and you are very kind and detailed.
I would like to ask for your help.
My last menstrual period started on March 27 and lasted until April 2, which is a bit longer than usual.
My cycle is typically around 29 to 30 days.
On April 3, I engaged in some intimate touching with my boyfriend.
After he touched his genital area, he then touched me through my underwear.
Later, he accidentally ejaculated a couple of drops onto my underwear (I washed it immediately within a minute).
Although I know the chances of pregnancy are low, I was still very worried and bought emergency contraception on April 4 (the package contains five pills, and there seems to be one that is for stomach issues, to be taken every 12 hours for three days).
During those three days, I experienced some nausea and dizziness, but it got better afterward.
I had some abdominal pain, and on April 8, I noticed a small amount of brown, sticky discharge.
However, on April 9 and 10, I had continuous bleeding that was bright red, similar to the amount I would have on the fourth day of my period, and then it stopped.
On April 11 (eight days after the intimate touching) and April 18 (fifteen days after), I used a pregnancy test with my first morning urine, and both results showed no pregnancy.
On April 26 (twenty-three days after), I felt like my period should have started but it didn't.
Before dinner, I tested again with a pregnancy test strip, and the result was also negative.
Since I had less confidence in the test strip, I used a pregnancy test kit after dinner.
After one to two minutes, I saw only one line (not pregnant).
I then placed it in my bag (not flat, which caused it to shake and tilt).
To my surprise, after one or two minutes, I took it out and saw a second faint pink line.
After about an hour, I checked again, and it had disappeared.
The next morning, on April 27, I used the pregnancy test kit again with my first morning urine, and it still showed no pregnancy.
Today is the 28th, and my period still hasn't arrived.
I'm really worried that I might be pregnant.
Why did I get that result after dinner but not with the others? I've also heard that some people say to count the first day of bleeding after taking the emergency contraception as the first day of the new cycle.
I apologize for the long description.
Thank you, doctor, for your response.
I appreciate it.

danxin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/28

Dr. Chen Xuhui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If you are afraid of getting pregnant from being together on April 3rd, and if there was no further sexual intercourse afterward, then testing for pregnancy on April 26 and April 28 should indicate that there is likely no pregnancy issue.
I'm not sure about the ingredients of the emergency contraceptive pill you purchased, but generally, emergency contraceptive pills are prescribed to be taken orally in two doses, spaced 12-24 hours apart.
After taking the medication, it is advisable to use condoms for contraception until your next menstrual period, which usually arrives around the expected date but may vary by a few days.
Regarding the concern about a positive test result that disappears after an hour, it is unlikely to occur; in laboratory tests, a positive line typically does not fade over time.
Additionally, since the tests before and after were negative, there is likely no need to worry too much.

Reply Date: 2006/04/28

More Info

Understanding irregular periods and pregnancy concerns can be quite complex, especially when there are multiple factors at play, such as recent sexual activity, the use of emergency contraception, and the body's natural hormonal fluctuations. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down your situation and address your concerns.

First, it's important to note that your menstrual cycle typically ranges from 29 to 30 days, and your last period started on March 27 and ended around April 2. You engaged in intimate activity with your boyfriend on April 3, which included some contact that could potentially lead to pregnancy, although the risk is relatively low given the circumstances you described. The fact that he accidentally had a couple of drops of semen on your underwear does raise some concern, but the likelihood of pregnancy from this alone is minimal, especially since you took immediate action to clean yourself.

You mentioned that you took emergency contraception (EC) on April 4, which is a crucial step in preventing unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, and it can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain, which you experienced. These symptoms are common and usually subside after a short period.

On April 8, you noticed some brownish discharge, which can be a normal side effect of taking EC. The subsequent days of bleeding that you described, with fresh red blood similar to your regular menstrual flow, could indicate that your body is responding to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraception. This bleeding can sometimes be mistaken for a period, and many women experience irregular bleeding after taking EC.

You conducted several pregnancy tests between April 18 and April 27, all of which returned negative results. It's important to remember that home pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period. Since you took the emergency contraception, it can alter your menstrual cycle, potentially delaying your next period. The fact that you have not yet received your period by April 28 could be attributed to the hormonal effects of the EC.

Regarding the test that showed a faint line after a few minutes, it's essential to interpret this cautiously. Pregnancy tests should be read within the timeframe specified in the instructions, as results can change if left for too long. A faint line appearing after the recommended time frame may not be a reliable indicator of pregnancy and could be an evaporation line.

In summary, while your concerns about pregnancy are understandable given the circumstances, the negative pregnancy tests and the bleeding you experienced after taking emergency contraception suggest that you are likely not pregnant. However, if your period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than home tests, and provide you with more definitive answers.

Lastly, it's worth noting that many women experience changes in their menstrual cycles after taking emergency contraception, and it may take some time for your cycle to return to its regular pattern. If you continue to have concerns or experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is always a good idea. They can help you navigate these changes and provide reassurance.

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