Unexplained Nausea: Could It Be Pregnancy?

Unexplained vomiting

Hello doctor, I returned from Japan on December 15th.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on the 15th and 16th; on the 15th, we had sex twice, and during the second time, he entered without a condom but only withdrew after about five thrusts.
The next day, on the 16th, we had anal intercourse.
The 15th was the day after my ovulation period ended.
During my five days in Japan, I felt very full and was almost not hungry the next morning, and in the evening, I felt very full and wanted to vomit.
Before going to Japan, on November 22nd, I had intercourse with a condom.
On the morning of December 14th, I used a pregnancy test, which showed a negative result.
However, on the following week, December 21st, I started to experience slight nausea, and by December 27th, I had no appetite and felt nauseous after eating, which became quite severe.
Initially, I had mild dry heaving, but later it escalated to dry heaving to the point where I almost vomited everything in my stomach.
However, my period started on the 24th, while it usually comes around the 28th.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/30

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The vomiting symptoms mentioned are for reference only.
To confirm pregnancy, it is recommended to take another pregnancy test.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/12/30

More Info

Understanding unexplained nausea can be quite perplexing, especially when considering the possibility of pregnancy. Based on your timeline and symptoms, let's break down the situation.

You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on December 15 and 16, which coincided with your ovulation period. The timing of intercourse relative to ovulation is crucial because it significantly increases the chances of conception. However, you also noted that you took a pregnancy test on December 14, which returned a negative result. This is important because it indicates that, at that time, there was likely no detectable pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your system.

Following your sexual activity, you experienced nausea and a lack of appetite, which can be common early signs of pregnancy. However, it’s also essential to consider other factors that could contribute to these symptoms. For instance, you mentioned feeling very full and having a desire to vomit after eating, which could be related to dietary changes or stress from your recent trip to Japan. Travel can disrupt normal eating patterns and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, which might explain your nausea.

You also reported that your menstrual cycle arrived on December 24, which is earlier than your usual cycle. This could indicate that your body is experiencing some irregularities, possibly due to the stress of travel or changes in your routine. A late period or changes in menstrual regularity can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms, especially when accompanied by nausea.

In terms of whether your symptoms could indicate pregnancy, it’s important to note that the presence of a menstrual period typically rules out pregnancy. However, some women do experience light bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy, which can sometimes be confused with a regular period. Given that your symptoms of nausea began after your ovulation window and continued until your period, it’s less likely that you are pregnant, especially since you had a negative pregnancy test prior to your symptoms.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or if your symptoms persist, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a more sensitive pregnancy test or evaluate other potential causes for your nausea, such as gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, or even anxiety-related symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest pregnancy, the negative pregnancy test and the arrival of your period make it less likely. It’s essential to consider other factors that could be contributing to your nausea and to seek medical advice if your symptoms continue or worsen.

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