Irregular Periods and Pregnancy Testing After Miscarriages

Pregnancy test

Hello, I would like to ask: In my first year of marriage, I had two induced abortions (both due to unavoidable circumstances), and the fetuses were both under 10 weeks.
In the following year, I intermittently took traditional Chinese medicine due to my desire to conceive and pelvic congestion.
I am currently planning to get pregnant.
It seems that the use of traditional Chinese medicine has caused my menstrual cycle to lengthen, from the original 30 days to 37 days.
Now, it has been 50 days since my last period (which was on September 3), and I have taken two pregnancy tests recently, both of which were negative, so I am unsure what is happening.
In the past few weeks, I have occasionally felt a premenstrual aching sensation in my lower back, and when I lift heavy objects or exert myself, I also experience pain in my lower abdomen.
Previously, after undergoing abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds, I experienced pain in my lower abdomen, and I have heard that some women who have had miscarriages may experience miscarriage after an ultrasound in early pregnancy.
Therefore, I am hesitant to undergo an ultrasound.
Could the doctor help clarify my concerns? I have not experienced any specific events recently that would cause my menstrual cycle to be prolonged.

Judy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/25

Dr. Zhang Yongxuan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Are you experiencing increased vaginal discharge? The pelvic congestion and lower abdominal pain when lifting heavy objects may indicate inflammation of the uterus or pelvic cavity, which could likely be a result of a previous abortion.
Additionally, your prolonged menstrual period or even amenorrhea could be due to excessive dilation and curettage (D&C), leading to extensive scarring and adhesions.
If inflammation is present and not properly treated, it may further damage the endometrium.
Therefore, the first step is to check for any inflammation and treat it if found.
Secondly, it may be beneficial to perform a hysterosalpingography (HSG) after your menstrual period to assess for any adhesions that could potentially be resolved.
By addressing both issues, your menstrual cycle may normalize, and you could conceive in the near future.

Reply Date: 2006/10/25

More Info

Understanding irregular periods and the implications of pregnancy testing after miscarriages can be quite complex, especially for women who have experienced multiple pregnancies and losses. Your situation involves several factors that can influence menstrual cycles, pregnancy testing, and overall reproductive health.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in body weight, and the use of certain medications or herbal supplements. In your case, you mentioned taking traditional Chinese medicine, which may have contributed to the lengthening of your menstrual cycle from the typical 30 days to 37 days, and now to 50 days since your last period. This can be a normal variation, but it can also indicate an underlying issue that may need to be addressed.

When it comes to pregnancy testing, the accuracy of home pregnancy tests can be affected by several factors, including the timing of the test in relation to your menstrual cycle and the sensitivity of the test itself. Since you have experienced two miscarriages, it's understandable that you may be particularly anxious about the possibility of being pregnant again. However, if you have taken two home pregnancy tests and both have returned negative results, it is likely that you are not pregnant at this time. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, but they can yield false negatives if taken too early or if the urine is diluted.

Given that you are experiencing symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and a sensation of pressure in your lower back, it is essential to consider other potential causes. These symptoms could be related to ovulation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or even conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis, especially considering your history of pelvic congestion.
While you expressed reluctance to undergo ultrasound examinations due to concerns about potential complications, it is important to note that ultrasounds are a valuable tool in assessing reproductive health. They can help identify any abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries that may be contributing to your symptoms or irregular cycles. If you are experiencing significant discomfort, it may be worth discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider who can explain the benefits and risks of the procedure.

In summary, your irregular menstrual cycles and negative pregnancy tests suggest that you may not be pregnant at this time, but it is crucial to monitor your symptoms and menstrual patterns closely. If your cycles remain irregular or if you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider who specializes in reproductive health. They can offer personalized advice, conduct necessary examinations, and help you understand the best steps to take as you plan for a future pregnancy. Remember, your reproductive health is important, and seeking professional guidance can provide you with the support and information you need.

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