Five Days Late: Possible Pregnancy After Abortion

My period is five days late?

On October 17, I had an abortion.
My period came on November 18.
I had protected sexual intercourse on December 5, 6, 8, 12, and 13.
My period was due on December 18, but it did not arrive.
That night, I had protected sexual intercourse again, and now it is five days late.
On December 20, I took a pregnancy test, which showed one line.
My breasts have been swollen for almost a week.
Is it possible that I am pregnant, or is this a case of a hypothetical pregnancy?

Kui, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/22

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult a physician to examine your hormone levels for an accurate diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2015/12/22

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after an abortion, it's essential to understand the timing of ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods used. Based on the information provided, you had an abortion on October 17, and your next menstrual period started on November 18. Following that, you had several instances of protected sexual intercourse, with the last one occurring on December 18. Your period was expected around December 18, but it has now been delayed by five days.

First, let's discuss the menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly among individuals, ranging from 21 to 35 days. After an abortion, it may take some time for your cycle to return to its regular pattern. The first period after an abortion can sometimes be irregular, and it's not uncommon for it to be delayed.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy, if you had protected intercourse using condoms on December 18, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low, provided the condoms were used correctly and did not break. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small chance of pregnancy with any form of sexual activity.

The pregnancy test you took on December 20, which showed a negative result (one line), indicates that you are not pregnant at that time. However, it's important to consider that pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Since your period is only five days late, it might be too early to detect pregnancy accurately if conception occurred close to the time of your expected period.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness, can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or hormonal changes rather than pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can occur after an abortion, which might lead to symptoms similar to those experienced during early pregnancy.

If your period does not arrive within a week or two, it would be advisable to take another pregnancy test for confirmation. If you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns about your menstrual cycle's irregularity post-abortion, consulting with a healthcare provider would be beneficial. They can provide further evaluation and guidance based on your specific situation.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy after using condoms are low, they are not zero. The negative pregnancy test suggests you are not pregnant, but if your period does not come soon, retesting or seeking medical advice would be prudent. It's also essential to monitor your menstrual cycle's return to normal after an abortion, as this can vary from person to person.

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