Unusual Discharge and Symptoms: Could It Be Pregnancy? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

I've been feeling very hot these days?


Hello doctor, I have been experiencing discharge before or after my period for one to two years.
It's not every month, and the amount varies each time.
This time, however, it was particularly abundant.
My last menstrual period started on October 25, and I had sexual intercourse on November 2, using a condom throughout and confirming there was no leakage.
On November 7, during sexual activity, my ex-boyfriend's penis made contact with my genital area, but I am unsure if there was any arousal.
On November 11, I began to notice brown discharge, but the amount was very small.
By November 14, it turned into bright red menstrual blood, which lasted until November 23.
However, the first two to three days had very little flow, and it only increased significantly on the fourth day, November 17, before gradually decreasing.
This time, the amount was much less than usual.
Additionally, from November 25 to 27, I experienced non-cyclical breast tenderness and heat.
Could this indicate pregnancy? Also, I have congenital hypothyroidism; could that be related?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/11/27

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello Miss Anonymous: Based on the timeline, the abnormal bleeding on November 14 and November 17 should be noted.
Additionally, the information provided does not assist in determining whether or not you are pregnant.
It is recommended to seek medical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2014/11/27

More Info


Understanding unusual discharge and symptoms can be quite perplexing, especially when considering the possibility of pregnancy. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down your situation and explore the potential implications.

Firstly, the presence of unusual discharge, particularly if it has changed in volume or color, can be concerning. You mentioned experiencing a significant amount of discharge this time, which is different from your usual pattern. The timeline you provided indicates that you had your last menstrual period on October 25, engaged in sexual activity on November 2 (with protection), and had some contact with your ex-boyfriend on November 7. Following this, you observed a change in discharge, starting with brownish discharge on November 11, which then transitioned to bright red blood by November 14.

The brownish discharge you experienced could be old blood, which is often seen at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle. The bright red blood that followed is more indicative of a typical menstrual flow. However, the fact that you noted a significant change in the volume of your menstrual flow this time, along with the unusual symptoms of breast tenderness and heat sensation, raises some questions.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy, it is important to note that while you used protection during intercourse, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. The contact with your ex-boyfriend, although it was not penetrative, could still pose a risk if there was any pre-ejaculatory fluid present. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and unusual discharge, can sometimes be associated with early pregnancy, but they can also be linked to hormonal fluctuations related to your menstrual cycle or other factors.

Given your history of congenital hypothyroidism, it is essential to consider how this condition might influence your menstrual cycle and overall hormonal balance. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to irregularities in menstrual cycles, and it may also affect fertility. If your thyroid levels are not well-managed, this could potentially contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.

To address your concerns effectively, I recommend the following steps:
1. Pregnancy Test: If you suspect you might be pregnant, taking a home pregnancy test can provide clarity. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, but they can detect pregnancy as early as a few days before your expected period.

2. Consult Your Doctor: Given your history of thyroid issues and the recent changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to check your thyroid levels and possibly a pelvic exam to assess any abnormalities.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as changes in discharge, abdominal pain, or any other unusual signs. This information will be helpful for your doctor in making a diagnosis.

4. Consider Hormonal Factors: Discuss with your doctor how your thyroid condition may be affecting your menstrual cycle and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

In conclusion, while the symptoms you are experiencing could suggest a possibility of pregnancy, they could also be attributed to other factors, including hormonal changes related to your thyroid condition. A thorough evaluation by your healthcare provider will be crucial in determining the underlying cause and guiding you on the next steps.

Similar Q&A

Abnormal Discharge: Signs of Bacterial Infection or Pregnancy?

On March 28, my menstrual period started, with an average cycle of 31 days. I used a website to estimate ovulation around April 14, but on April 13, I felt signs of early ovulation (mild lower abdominal pain and changes in discharge, though I couldn't confirm it). I had unpr...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not low. However, it is not possible to determine whether you are pregnant based solely on subjective symptoms. I recommend that if your period does not arrive by the end of the month, you should take a urine test to ...

[Read More] Abnormal Discharge: Signs of Bacterial Infection or Pregnancy?


Is It Normal to Have Excessive Discharge During Pregnancy?

Today I am 13 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I feel fine, but I just noticed some discharge on my underwear. When I went to the bathroom, I suddenly had a large amount (about enough to soak an entire piece of toilet paper) of a watery, slightly sticky, light yellow transparent discha...


Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The response suggests that it is likely just vaginal discharge; however, one should also consider the possibility of amniotic fluid leakage or vaginal inflammation. If there is abdominal pain, bleeding, an unusual odor, or persistent clear discharge, medical attention is still ne...

[Read More] Is It Normal to Have Excessive Discharge During Pregnancy?


Understanding Abnormal Uterine Discharge: Causes and Concerns

In recent days, my girlfriend has been reporting that her uterus feels strange. She feels something moving at a specific point in her lower left abdomen, and there has been a frequent discharge of a watery fluid from her uterus. A few days ago, the discharge was a color similar t...


Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You need to visit the outpatient clinic for an examination; it cannot be answered online.

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Uterine Discharge: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Unusual Discharge: Signs of Pregnancy or Other Issues?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse in the United States on August 26, and the condom slipped off, so we are unsure if any semen entered her vagina. After returning to Taiwan, we continued to monitor the situation. At first, th...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still around 5%. Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception. Early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjectiv...

[Read More] Understanding Unusual Discharge: Signs of Pregnancy or Other Issues?


Related FAQ

Vaginal Discharge

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Abnormalities

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ectopic Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abnormal Bleeding

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Nipple Discharge

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Spontaneous Miscarriage

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Luteal Cyst

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abdominal Pain

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Infection

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Folliculitis

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)