Am I Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Symptoms

Am I pregnant?

In May, I had sexual intercourse (with a condom), but when I took a pregnancy test in June, it showed no positive result.
However, my menstruation did not arrive until July 8.
The period lasted from July 8 to July 17, but it was mostly brown discharge.
On August 6 and from August 11 to 18, there was also mostly brown discharge.
After my period ended, I started experiencing diarrhea (at least three times a day).
I'm wondering if this is related to the chest adenoma surgery I had in early July (I heard that surgery can change one's constitution).
From August 30 to September 6, there was again mostly brown discharge.
However, from September 6 to 15, my menstruation started to be a normal red color and was heavier, but I still experienced diarrhea after my period ended.
On September 17, I occasionally noticed red streaks when wiping.
I usually have diarrhea before my period, and while I do experience it during my period, it is not as severe as before.
I have not found any online symptoms of pregnancy, and my irregular menstruation is concerning me, but I also think it might be due to my body not recovering well after the surgery.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant?

抱歉, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/09/17

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If you are concerned about pregnancy, you can purchase a pregnancy test to check.
Generally, it should be possible to test positive about three weeks after engaging in sexual intercourse.

2.
Irregular menstruation is likely due to the significant stress from recent surgery, which may have caused a hormonal imbalance.

3.
Diarrhea can have many causes, including gastroenteritis, indigestion, excessive stress, or menstrual irregularities, among others.
Please visit a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2014/09/17

More Info

Based on the information you've provided, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms and irregularities in your menstrual cycle, which can understandably lead to concerns about whether you might be pregnant. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

1. Irregular Periods and Symptoms: It's not uncommon for women to experience irregular periods, especially after a significant event such as surgery or hormonal changes. The brown discharge you mentioned could be old blood, which is often seen at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle. However, if you are experiencing consistent changes in your cycle, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

2. Pregnancy Testing: You mentioned that you took a pregnancy test in June, which was negative. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If your periods are irregular, it might be beneficial to wait a few weeks after your last period and take another test, or consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier than a home test.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The frequent watery stools you are experiencing could be related to a variety of factors, including dietary changes, stress, or even the recent surgery you had for a chest adenoma. Surgical procedures can sometimes lead to changes in bowel habits, but it’s essential to monitor these symptoms. If they persist or worsen, it would be advisable to seek medical attention.

4. Hormonal Changes: After surgery, your body may experience hormonal fluctuations that can affect your menstrual cycle and overall health. Stress and anxiety about your health can also contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms and emotional changes. It's crucial to take care of your mental health during this time, as emotional well-being is closely linked to physical health.

5. Signs of Pregnancy: Common early signs of pregnancy can include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in appetite. However, many of these symptoms can also be attributed to other factors, such as hormonal changes or stress. The presence of brown discharge and occasional red spotting could be related to your menstrual cycle rather than pregnancy, especially if you have had a negative pregnancy test.

6. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity of your symptoms and the irregularities in your menstrual cycle, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging or blood tests, to determine the cause of your symptoms and whether pregnancy is a possibility.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they do not definitively indicate pregnancy. The best course of action is to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on a comprehensive assessment of your health. Remember to keep track of your symptoms and any changes in your body, as this information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

Similar Q&A

Am I Pregnant or Experiencing Irregular Periods?

I apologize, but I cannot provide medical advice or diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy.

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: Due to the irregularity of the described cycle, it is difficult to determine. If you are unable to confirm whether the bleeding is menstruation, it is recommended that you consult a physician for an ultrasound and other relevant examinations to determine if...

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 Irregular Periods and Symptoms

I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle. It used to come regularly on the 18th of each month, but for the past two months, it has been irregular and arrived on the 21st instead. However, on the 25th, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me. Si...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not high. However, it is not possible to determine pregnancy solely based on subjective symptoms. I recommend that if your next menstrual period is still delayed, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy. T...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Irregular Periods and Symptoms

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle in October started on the 14th, and in November it started on the 16th. My periods are longer than others, about 30 to 40 days... but sometimes I don’t get my period for a whole month... to be honest, it’s quite irregular. Here’s the situation: I ...

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Women with irregular menstrual periods are prone to abnormal bleeding during menstruation. If a urine pregnancy test has been conducted and the result is negative, "PROVERA," a progestin medication, can be used for the treatment of abnormal menstrual bleeding and to ind...