Menstrual and pregnancy testing issues?
Hello, Doctor.
My period started on the 16th of August.
Three days after my period ended, I had sexual intercourse.
Initially, we did not use a condom, but later we did, and ejaculation occurred inside the condom.
My period was late by over a week in September, so on September 23, I took a home pregnancy test, which was negative.
I also visited a gynecologist that day, and an abdominal ultrasound was performed, which did not show anything.
Therefore, the doctor prescribed a three-day course of medication to induce menstruation.
After completing the medication, my period started on September 29, but it was much lighter than usual and lasted only five days instead of the typical six to seven days.
Since then, I have not had any sexual intercourse in September.
My period ended on October 3, and after that, I took a three-day course of traditional Chinese medicine to regulate my menstrual cycle, but I stopped after that (the doctor prescribed it for one week).
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent urination and increased urination.
I am unsure if this is due to anxiety about possibly being pregnant or if it could be early pregnancy-related frequent urination.
I took another pregnancy test on October 8, which also showed no pregnancy.
Doctor, what do you think is the likelihood of me being pregnant? Or am I just overthinking this?
Kandi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/11
Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1.
The likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low.
Reason one: you have tested negative for pregnancy twice.
Reason two: if you were pregnant, your period should not have come after taking the medication to induce menstruation.
However, your period did come after taking the medication.
2.
The occurrence of frequent urination may simply be due to bladder sensitivity, but it is important to consider other possibilities such as bladder inflammation.
Please seek medical evaluation for confirmation.
Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.
Reply Date: 2015/10/11
More Info
Understanding menstrual irregularities and pregnancy concerns can be quite complex, especially for women who are trying to conceive or are worried about potential pregnancy. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down your situation and address your concerns.
Firstly, it’s important to note that menstrual irregularities can occur for a variety of reasons, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and changes in lifestyle. In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle was delayed in September, which can be attributed to several factors, including the stress of potential pregnancy and the use of hormonal medications.
You had unprotected intercourse shortly after your menstrual period, followed by protected intercourse. The fact that you took a home pregnancy test on September 23, which returned a negative result, is a good indicator that you were not pregnant at that time. Additionally, the ultrasound performed by your doctor did not show any signs of pregnancy, which further supports this conclusion.
After taking the prescribed medication to induce menstruation, you experienced a lighter flow than usual, lasting for a shorter duration. This can also be a common side effect of hormonal treatments, as they can alter the normal menstrual cycle. The changes in your menstrual pattern, such as a lighter flow and shorter duration, can be due to the hormonal adjustments made by the medication you took.
Regarding your recent symptoms of frequent urination, it’s essential to consider that this can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, hydration levels, and even urinary tract infections. Since you have taken multiple pregnancy tests that have returned negative results, the likelihood of being pregnant is low. However, if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, it would be advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
It's also worth noting that anxiety and stress about potential pregnancy can lead to psychosomatic symptoms, where your mind influences your body’s physical state. This could explain your feelings of frequent urination, as anxiety can heighten awareness of bodily functions.
In summary, based on the information provided:
1. The negative pregnancy tests and the ultrasound results suggest that you are not pregnant.
2. Your menstrual irregularities could be a result of hormonal treatments and stress.
3. Frequent urination may be related to anxiety rather than pregnancy.
If you continue to have concerns about your menstrual cycle or any symptoms you are experiencing, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest further testing if necessary to rule out any underlying conditions. Remember, it’s always better to seek professional guidance when in doubt about your health.
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