Could I Be Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Symptoms

Unsure if pregnant?

My menstrual cycle is usually irregular.
I had a normal period at the beginning of February, but on February 23, I felt like I was starting my period again, although it was very different.
The menstrual flow was light, and the color was mostly dark brown to almost black.
This condition continued until March 6.
I visited a gynecologist on March 3, and the doctor mentioned that it seemed like signs of pregnancy, but a urine test showed no pregnancy.
However, I had sexual intercourse on the morning of March 1 while experiencing some bleeding, and again on March 6 with almost no bleeding.
Both times, ejaculation occurred outside.
Recently, I have been feeling slight sensations in my lower abdomen—not painful, but a bit uncomfortable.
Could this indicate a possibility of pregnancy?

Saiya Mami, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/03/14

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Based on your description, it is still not possible to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
You can take another pregnancy test in a week to eliminate the possibility of being pregnant.

Reply Date: 2015/03/14

More Info

When it comes to understanding the possibility of pregnancy, especially in the context of irregular menstrual cycles, it is essential to consider various factors, including the timing of sexual intercourse, the nature of menstrual bleeding, and any accompanying symptoms.
From your description, it appears that your menstrual cycle is irregular, which can complicate the assessment of whether you might be pregnant. Irregular periods can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in weight, or underlying health conditions. The fact that you experienced what you described as a period on February 23, but with unusual characteristics (such as dark brown or black blood and lighter flow), raises some questions. This type of bleeding could be indicative of several things, including hormonal fluctuations, implantation bleeding, or even the onset of a new menstrual cycle.

You mentioned that you had sexual intercourse on March 1 and March 6, both times with external ejaculation. While this method of contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm, and if ovulation occurs shortly after your sexual activity, there is still a possibility of conception.
The symptoms you are experiencing, such as slight discomfort in the lower abdomen, can be attributed to various factors, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), ovulation pain, or even early pregnancy symptoms. However, it is important to note that early pregnancy symptoms can be quite similar to those of PMS, which can lead to confusion.

Given that you had a urine pregnancy test that returned negative, it is less likely that you are pregnant, especially if it was taken after the date of your potential conception. However, it is crucial to remember that urine tests are not always 100% accurate, particularly if taken too early. If your period does not arrive as expected, or if your symptoms persist, it would be advisable to take another pregnancy test a week later or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out given your circumstances, the negative pregnancy test and the nature of your bleeding suggest that it may be more likely related to your irregular menstrual cycle or another non-pregnancy-related issue. If you continue to have concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. A healthcare provider can offer more personalized insights and may suggest further testing or examinations to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

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