Delayed Menstruation: Signs of Possible Pregnancy

Delayed menstruation?

Your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on January 8.
She had unprotected sexual intercourse on the night of January 26 and the morning and noon of January 27.
In the afternoon of January 27, she took a single dose of emergency contraception (Plan B).
After taking the pill, she experienced no unusual symptoms for a week (including no bleeding).
On February 10, she began to experience breast tenderness, which gradually subsided by February 17.
As of now, her period has not arrived, and she reports no other discomfort or changes (such as drowsiness, fatigue, breast tenderness, or changes in appearance), except for constipation.

Could this indicate that she is pregnant?

Xie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, and you should not rely on the safe period.
It is better to take preventive measures for contraception before engaging in sexual activity.
If your period does not arrive after waiting for another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/02/19

More Info

Understanding delayed menstruation and its potential signs of pregnancy can be a source of anxiety and confusion for many individuals. Based on the timeline you've provided, it appears that your girlfriend's last menstrual period (LMP) was on January 8, and after engaging in unprotected intercourse on January 26 and 27, she took an emergency contraceptive pill (Yuting) shortly after.
Emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and they are most effective when taken as soon as possible. However, they can also cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon for women who take emergency contraception to experience delayed menstruation, irregular bleeding, or changes in their menstrual flow in the following cycle.
The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as breast tenderness, changes in the appearance of the nipples, and constipation, can be associated with early pregnancy. However, they can also be side effects of hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive pill. The absence of menstruation is indeed a significant sign that warrants further investigation, especially given that her period was expected around early February.

To determine whether she is pregnant, the most reliable method would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It is advisable to wait at least a week after the missed period for the most accurate results. If the test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy, and if negative, it may still be wise to consult a healthcare provider, especially if menstruation does not occur in the following weeks.

In addition to pregnancy tests, a healthcare provider can perform a blood test to measure hCG levels, which can provide more definitive results. If pregnancy is confirmed, the provider can also discuss prenatal care options and any necessary lifestyle adjustments.

It is also important to consider that stress, changes in weight, and other health factors can affect menstrual cycles. If your girlfriend continues to experience irregularities or if there are any concerns about her health, it would be prudent to seek medical advice.

In summary, while the symptoms and delayed menstruation could indicate pregnancy, they may also be a result of hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive pill. A home pregnancy test or consultation with a healthcare provider would be the next best steps to clarify the situation.

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