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Questions and Answers: Menstrual Cycle
and Pregnancy
Took a pregnancy test the day
before my period was due. I'm late now. Could the test have
been accurate?
Does the menstrual cycle continue during pregnancy?
I haven't had a period since I had a baby. Is this normal?
My girlfriend's period was only 1 day. Could she be pregnant?
Having unprotected sex, spotting continually. Why?
I had sex after my period ended
and I'm ovulating. Could I get pregnant?
Wife is having late periods, could she
be pregnant again?
My periods are irregular; I missed this
month. Pregnancy tests negative. Why?
I gave birth a year ago and I nurse, but
I haven't had a period. Why?
My period came 3 days early and I have
weird symptoms. Am I pregnant?
I've gone through some lifestyle changes,
and my period is irregular. Why?
I'm taking antibiotics and I'm stressed
and on the pill. Could I still be pregnant?
Can you still be pregnant
if you get your period?
I have pregnancy symptoms, but a
negative result. Did I test too early?
When do you start and stop ovulation, and
how likely is pregnancy?
I messed around with my boyfriend;
my period is irregular. Am I pregnant?
I've had both negative and positive
pregnancy tests. Is this normal?
I have a cyst. I was spotting. Could
I be pregnant?
I'm late and I've been feeling sick.
Could I be pregnant?
I had unprotected sex, but got my period a
couple days later. Should I get ECP?
I'm very regular usually, but I'm
late now, with a negative test. Is that right?
Could having sex cause my period to be
late? Am I pregnant?
I'm two months late with a negative
test. Could I be pregnant?
I had sore breasts before a 5 day period.
Could I be pregnant?
I took the ECP and bled for 3 days, but
no period since then. Could I be pregnant?
If I am spotting a week before my period,
could that mean I'm pregnant?
I had 3 periods last month and now I
missed one. Could I be pregnant?
I was on Depo for 4 years. When will I have
a normal cycle?
My boyfriend and I were making out; I took
ECP. Could I still get pregnant?
I had a baby 7 months ago and I breast
feed. When will I get a period?
Will taking the Pill for 4 days cause
my cycle to be irregular?
What is endometriosis? Could I have
it?
Is it normal for me to have my period
the last week of my pills?
Do hormones affect a baby's due date?
Did she have a period after conception?
Pills didn't regulate my cycle, so
I stopped. Haven't gotten my period yet. Why?
I gave birth by Caesarian. When will my
period return?
My boyfriend and I haven't had sex,
but I'm late. Could I be pregnant?
Is it possible to get pregnant from
nearby semen?
I was taking Clomid for 5 months. What
else can I do to help ovulation?
I went off birth control, had periods,
and had unprotected sex. Am I pregnant?
I'm not sure if I had sex, but my period
is late. Could I be pregnant?
Can I get pregnant if I have a 24-day cycle?
I've been done with my period for
a week, but I'm spotting. Could I be pregnant?
I'm 3 days late, did I take the pregnancy
test too soon?
My boyfriend ejaculated near me in a pool. Could
I be pregnant?
I missed a period, but I've never had
sex with a man. What's wrong?
Do I have a greater chance of becoming
pregnant before or after my period?
QUESTION:
My period is due 3/21/05, I took a pregnancy test 3/20/05 and
it was negative. I am now 2 days late(3/23/05). No pregnancy
symptoms. Can I still be pregnant? (March 29, 2005)
ANSWER: A home pregnancy test can be taken the first
day of your missed period, unless the instructions on the pregnancy
test kit say otherwise. If you took the test before the first
day of what should have been your period, it is possible that
the results may have been affected. If you think it is possible
that you are pregnant it is recommended that you repeat the
pregnancy test or schedule an appointment with your clinician
to have a pregnancy test performed.
QUESTION: I'd
like to know if menstrual cycle still continues during pregnancy?
I've recently had unprotected sex with my boyfriend (it was
like 4 weeks ago). Now my period has delayed for around 1 week
already. However, I haven't shown any early symptoms experienced
in pregnancy. I'd just like to know how many days after having
unprotected sex a possible pregnancy will show its signs? (March
24, 2005)
ANSWER: A woman may experience spotting during pregnancy,
however, the menstrual cycle is interrupted in pregnant women.
Women who are pregnant may experience symptoms such as nausea,
breast tenderness and swelling, increased urination, tiredness,
headaches, mood swings, and other symptoms; when these symptoms
begin varies from woman to woman. If you think you might be
pregnant, it is recommended that you visit clinician for a pregnancy
test.
QUESTION: I had
a baby 5 months ago and had a tubal ligation before leaving
the hspital. I had a period for 5 days after birth but have
not had one since. is this normal? (March 24, 2005)
ANSWER: Tubal litigation is considered a permanent birth
control method. This procedure is often referred to as "tube
tying" because the tubes between the ovaries and uterus
are closed off. When this is done, a man's sperm cannot reach
a woman's egg to fertilize it. Because the tubes are closed
off the egg will be reabsorbed. The woman still gets a menstrual
period and still releases an egg each month.
Tubal litigation is about 99% effective, which means there still
is a slight chance that a woman can conceive after having the
procedure done. However, having a baby can alter a woman's menstrual
cycle; after having a baby, it is not uncommon for a woman’s
menstrual cycle to change. It varies between women that it is
impossible to say whether a woman will return to her old pattern
after having a baby.
Breastfeeding plays a big role in determining your body’s menstrual
cycle after birth. Whether or not you are breastfeeding, and
how much you're breastfeeding (if you are) is the biggest factor
in determining how soon your body will resume its menstrual
cycle.
Breastfeeding delays the return of your periods. If you're breastfeeding
exclusively, day and night, it can take up to a year before
your period returns. If you are breastfeeding you may find that
you don't have any periods until you are down to two or three
feeds daily. If you are formula-feeding your baby, you might
start menstruating again as soon as a month after delivering
your baby, or it could take two to three months.
If you are concerned that you have not had a period, or if you
have any other questions concerned the tubal litigation procedure,
it is recommended that you speak with your clinician.
QUESTION: My Girlfriend
and I are sexually active. She said she started her period but
it only lasted one day. Could she be pregnant? (March
18, 2005)
ANSWER: There is no way to know if your girlfriend
is pregnant unless she takes a pregnancy test. For more information
on how pregnancy occurs and how to prevent pregnancy, please
visit our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: i had
the last day of my period on february 19, and had unprotected
sex during that day. i had spotting then. after a week, i have
continually experienced spotting and had unprotected sex again
[february 26] i still have spotting until now [march 6]. what
does this mean? last day of menstrual period; unprotected sex--1
week of continuous spotting--unprotected sex--2nd week of continuous
spotting. i am afraid i might be pregnant. i am still waiting
for my next period as this comes regularly on the 19th to 24th
of the month. (March 10, 2005)
ANSWER: Spotting, or bleeding between periods, can
be caused by a number of factors. If you are concerned about
spotting, or concerned that you might be pregnant, it is recommended
that you see a clinician.
It is important to remember that having unprotected sex can
put you at an increased risk for becoming pregnant or contracting
a sexually transmitted infection. To reduce your risk of pregnancy
and infection, it is recommeded that you use a barrier method
(such as a condom) each and every time you participate in sexual
behaviors. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, it is recommened
that you speak with your clinician about other birth control
methods as well.
QUESTION: what if your
period went off on a thursday but had sex on a saturday and
you bled a little but it wasn't a period. now it looks like
i'm ovulating. my discharge ia mixed with a light brown. can
i get pregnant? (February 21, 2005)
ANSWER: For information about pregnancy and how it occurs,
please visit our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: My wife had a late
period last month, it should start at Jan 5 (usually 28~ 30days)
but it didn't. So we took an e.p.t test on Jan 17 and it's negative.
On Jan. 18 her period came (regually bleeding from heavy to
stop about 5~6 days). Since we have two kids so my wife said
it's the regulary period not implantation bleeding.
This month her period already 2 days late. Is there any chance
that she could be pregnant again? (February 18, 2005)
ANSWER: If your partner is concerned about the irregularity
of her period, or is concerned that she might be pregnant, it
is recommended that she speak with her clinician. For more information
on pregnancy, please visit our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: My periods are not
regular but they usually always come around the same time. I
have never went a month with out having one. I have had unprotected
sex with my husband, and I have not had a period this month.
I have taken three preg tests all were negative. Do you think
all three tests could be wrong?? I waited days in between the
tests.. Could I still be preg?? (February 1, 2005)
ANSWER: An Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy
Test (HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels in your urine as early
as the day your period should have started. HCG is a hormone
that is produced by pregnant women. EPT/HPT can be used on the
day of your missed period as well as any day after that, so
if you used the EPT/HPT before your period should have started,
the results may not be accurate.
There is always a chance that you may be pregnant if you didn't
use protection (like a condom and/or an oral contraceptive).
Keep in mind that there are other reasons besides pregnancy
that could cause your period to be late; exercise, stress, weight
loss or gain, and/or changes in your diet could all be reasons
that your period might be late.
If you are still concerned about being pregnant, you may want
to repeat the home pregnancy test (if you took it too soon)
or see your clinician to confirm or disprove the possibility
of pregnancy.
QUESTION: I gave birth one year
ago and I am nursing. My mensrual cycle has not returned even
though I only nurse my son once in the morning and once in the
evening. When I was nursing my older daughter I got my period
back the minute I started to supplement. Should I be concerned?
(January 27, 2005)
ANSWER: It is important to remember that each pregnancy
is different; what was the norm with your first child may be
different from the norm with your second child. Breastfeeding
frequency and total amount of time spent breastfeeding per 24
hours are the strongest factors leading to the return of fertility:
a mother is more likely to see the return of fertility if baby's
nursing frequency and/or duration is reduced, particularly if
the change is abrupt. A return to fertility is not necessarily
determined by the presence of a period. For some mothers, the
first menstruation is preceded by ovulation - which means that
becoming pregnant before the return of your period is a possibility.
If you are concerned about absence of your period, it is recommended
that you speak with your clinician.
QUESTION: I am feeling lightheaded
and nausea my period which is normally on time came three days
earlier with no cramps but its normal period bleeding I am tired
could I be pregnant or are these just symptoms of periods (January
25, 2005)
ANSWER: Symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman;
if you are concerned that you might be pregnancy, it is recommended
that you take a pregnancy test. To see more pregnancy-related
questions, please visit our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: For the last
few weeks, I have been spotting a drop or 2 of brown blood.
My period is not always normal, but it usually comes every 5-6
weeks. My last period was near the end of November, and although
me and my boyfriend have had sex about 5 times since then, we
always used protection correctly and the condom never broke.
I do not feel any symptoms of pregnancy, and there has been
no pain at all since I started spotting. I am actively involved
in sports and spend several hours a week participating in them.
In the past month and a half, I have lost a few pounds despite
that fact that I had been eating more. My sleeping patterns
changed dramatically over the college break and I went from
about 9 hours of sleep a night to 6 or 7. Could any of these
things be the reason for my spotting? Are my hormones a little
out of whack, or are there any other possibly reasons? Thanks!
(January 24, 2005)
ANSWER: Having an irregular period could be related
to stress, hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise and/or weight
loss, and sleep and nutrition deficiencies, among other potential
factors. All of these factors can influence a woman's reproductive
cycle. A change in a period may also be an indicator of pregnancy.
If you are concerned about the changes in your period,
it is recommended you see your clinician.
QUESTION: I am a
very responsible birth control pill taker, and I've only had
sex with my boyfriend once since my last period(and because
of an interuption, he never ejaculated). I've been taking antibiotics
for the last 6 days for bronchitis and my period is late. I
also started a new job this week and have been stressed about
that, and about being sick. Could these factors affect my period?
If my boyfriend never came, could I still be pregnant even though
I am on the pill? (January 11, 2005)
ANSWER: There are many factors which can cause a woman's
period to be late or even completely absent: stress, changes
in diet or exercise habits, illness, or pregnancy can all have
an effect on a woman's menstrual cycle. Having a late or missed
period does not always indicate pregnancy, but if you are concerned
about being pregnant, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy
test to confirm or disprove your suspicions. For more information
on pregnancy and how it occurs, please visit our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: Can
you still be pregnant if you get your period (an actual normal
period, not bleeding that resembled implantation bleeding) after
the last time you did something that could cause pregnancy?
(December 10, 2004)
ANSWER: Once you become pregnant, your period stops.
When you become pregnant your menstrual cycle is interrupted
and normal periods will stop. Some pregnant women do have bleeding
or spotting during pregnancy, which can seem like a period.
Additionally, some pregnant women have what's called "implantation
bleeding" that can happen around the time their period
is due, and they may mistake that bleeding for a period. This
spotting may be cause by the fertilized egg burrowing into the
blood-rich lining of the uterus, but the bleeding that occurs
is typically much lighter than a period.
For more information about pregnancy, please see our
Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: Hi
we have been trying to concieve since our ectopic back in May,
2004. My last period was 10/08/2004 and my cycle is 30-31 days
long. I was supposed to start AF Nov. 8th. I took a Walgreens
preg test yesterday morning and it was negative, I took another
Accu clear test this afternoon after holding my pee for 4 hours
and again negative. Yesterday when I was supposed to start I
had bad mentrual cramps like it was coming, but then stopped
and have not had cramps since, but this morning when I woke
up I felt very nauseas and my temp has been up to 99 degrees
the last couple of days, my breast are not swollen but are tender
and that started yesterday. Could I still be pregnant and I
just tested too early. How many days after missed period is
the best time to test with accurate results. Also I have been
charting my cervical mucus for ovulation and my most fertile
day was the 26th of Oct. (November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: A Home Pregnancy Test (HPT) can detect HCG
hormone levels in your urine as early as the day your period
should have started. HCG is a hormone that is produced by pregnant
women. HPT can be used on the day of your missed period as well
as any day after that, so if you used the HPT before your period
should have started, the results may not be accurate.
Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies in which the embryo develops
outside the uterus. They are very serious, and potentially life-threatening,
medical problems. They must be treated or they will cause serious
complications. Since you have already had an ectopic pregnancy,
it is important that you inform your doctor immediately if you
are to become pregnant. Generally among women with previous
ectopic pregnancies, 1 in 5 women will experience another ectopic
pregnancy. The outlook for future pregnancies in depends on
whether the fallopian tube appears normal or not.
If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, it is important
that you get medical attention immediately. Signs of ectopic
pregnancy may include: severe pain on one or both sides of the
lower abdomen, abdominal pain and spotting, especially after
a very light or missed menstrual period, as well as feeling
faint or dizzy.
If you are concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing,
or have more questions about pregnancy, it is recommended that
you speak to your clinician.
QUESTION: WHEN
DO YOU START OVULATION AND WHEN DOES IT STOP? ARE THE CHANCES
OF GETTING PREGNANT HIGH OR LOW? (November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: For the answer to this, and other pregnancy-related
questions, please see the Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: hi,i
sat on my bf penis and rubbed on it while my panties were on,
his glans was facing my stomach. before that he rubbed in b/w
my bottucks with condom and ejaculated inside that condom. no
spillage was there. After that i got my periods on near usual
dates (they r very irregular). then another month later i got
my second period. now from 23 days i m having continous bleeding
which was first like spotting then the amount of bleeding has
increased too much. i am really worried is there a chance of
my being pregnant after having two normal periods befoe this?
and wt can be causing this disturbance? i have this dragging
pain and bloated feeling in my stomach. (November 9,
2004)
ANSWER: If you are concerned about being pregnant,
it is recommended you take a pregnancy test. For more information
about pregnancy test and other pregnancy-related questions,
please see our Pregnancy FAQ.
Additionally, if something is abnormal for your body (i.e. bleeding
for longer than usually, abnormal cramping, etc.) it is recommended
you see your clinician.
QUESTION:
My period was late so I took a couple of pregnancy tests. They
came out positive. That same day I started bleeding. So I went
to the doctor the next day. Their test came out positive, but
told me to take another test in a week because my hormone levels
are still low. That was Wednesday. Lines on test took more than
the three to five minutes to show up and were not dark lines.
Today, Saturday I took another test while still having my period
and that one came out negative. Could being on my period affected
the test or do you think that the egg did not implant itself
or had a false pregnancy test. I just think it is strange that
I had four positive tests. Two of them after I started to bleed.
(November 2, 2004)
ANSWER: A false positive pregnancy test is when the
test says that you are pregnant but actually you are not. Usually
a positive pregnancy test is a fairly good indication that you
are pregnant. False positive pregnancy tests are rare - though
there are instances and conditions where they can occur.
There could be various reasons for a false positive test.
Chemical Pregnancy
A chemical pregnancy is basically an early miscarriage. Research
has shown that half of all first pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Due to the high sensitivity of home pregnancy tests, many women
catch early pregnancies but end up going on to have their periods
due to a chemical pregnancy.
Missed Reaction Time
For accuracy in home pregnancy tests it is essential that you
read the test results in the stipulated reaction time. If you
let the test sit for too long (after the instructions on the
box tell you), the test is invalid. This may cause it to show
false positive results.
Chemical Interference
Drugs that have the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
(hCG) in them can cause incorrect results in home pregnancy
tests. The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in them may be
responsible for the false positive pregnancy test. If you have
had an HCG shot due to infertilty treatments, you need to be
sure the shot is out of your system before you attempt to use
early pregnancy tests.
If you are concerned about the variability in your pregnancy
tests, it is recommended that you speak with your clinician.
Information from www.babyhopes.com.
QUESTION: Okay the
other day I went to the hospital cause i was in serious pain
and they said i had a cyst on both my ovaries and i dont start
my period till the end of the month and today i had a very light
bleeding down there but i shouldnt be on my period could this
mean i am pregnant and is that normal because i hd sex like
last week too so please help me! (October 19, 2004)
ANSWER: Ovarian cysts are small sacs filled with fluid.
They develop on a woman's ovaries. Most cysts are harmless,
but some may cause problems such as bleeding and pain. If you
are concerned you might be pregnant, it is recommended that
you take a pregnancy test, either at home, or at your clinician's
office.
Home Pregnancy Test (HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels
in your urine as early as the day your period should have started.
HCG is a hormone that is produced by pregnant women. HPT can
be used on the day of your missed period as well as any day
after that.
If you are a UIC student, you may have a pregnancy test done
for free at UIC Family Medicine Clinic; for an appointment call
996.2901.
QUESTION: I'm been
feeling really sick to my stomach for 4 weeks now. I am officially
seven days late with my cycle yet I still feel like I'm going
to have it. I have been stressing out but not that much to be
that late. I am on past 35 day mark for a normal cycle, should
contact my doctor or should I wait to see if my cycle will come.
(October 19, 2004)
ANSWER: If you are concerned you might be pregnant,
it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test, either at
home, or at your clinician's office.
Home Pregnancy Test (HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels
in your urine as early as the day your period should have started.
HCG is a hormone that is produced by pregnant women. HPT can
be used on the day of your missed period as well as any day
after that.
If you are a UIC student, you may have a pregnancy test done
for free at UIC Family Medicine Clinic; for an appointment call
996.2901.
QUESTION:
I had sex on the 22nd around 2:30-3am. The condom broke and
we were both worried about me getting pregnant. I knew that
my period was coming within the next few days and 12 hrs later
it came. I called Planned Parenthood to see if I could take
the morning after pill and they told me not to take it because
I had gotten my period. Does this sound at all right? I was
told that I would be very fertile at that time by 1 person and
everyone else I have asked tells me I should be fine.
(August 24, 2004)
ANSWER: The most fertile time of your cycle is around
ovulation, which occurs around the middle day of your cycle
(the first day of a cycle is the first day of a period). Therefore,
hypothetically, if you are on a 28-day cycle then ovulation
may occur around day 14. If you had sex just before your period
then it was more than likely after ovulation, which would mean
it would be less likely you would get pregnant. Usually, the
most fertile time is towards the end of your period up until
just after ovulation. If you're periods are irregular then the
time of ovulation is very difficult to determine. Planned Parenthood
is very accurate in the information they offer you.
If you have additional questions about pregnancy or
emergency contraception please check out the FAQ's
on our web site or check plannedparenthood.org.
QUESTION: i
ave had my period every month thus far. i am 28 years old. i
missed it for this month.last month i had my period on 18th.
usually it will come on the same date. today it is 21st. I did
pregnancy test, but it is negative. I have back pain also.is
that an indication for the period? (August 24, 2004)
ANSWER: Back pain can be indicative that your period
might be approaching, but every woman has different physical
changes that can signal that her period is approaching; one
woman may have back pain at the start of her period, while another
might not ever have back pain associated with her menstural
cycle.
If you are concerned that you might be pregnant, it
is recommended that you take a pregnancy test. When using home
pregnancy tests it is important to follow the directions exactly
as they appear on the insert. If the directions are not followed
the results may be altered.
If you are a student at UIC you can receive a pregnancy test
for free at the UIC Family Medicine Center on the west side
of campus. To schedule an appointment you can call 996.2901.
Other locations to get a pregnancy test in Chicagoland include
Planned Parenthood locations. To find the nearest Planned Parenthood
location please visit plannedparenthood.org
and type in your zip code to find a health center near you.
QUESTION: Me
and my boyfriend have had sex and I'm afraid i might be pregnant.
My period is late and I have been urinating a lot, I feel queezy,
and am bloated. I was wondering if having sex can cause your
period to come late without being pregnant? (August
3, 2004)
ANSWER: There could be many reasons why a period may
be late without being pregnant including excessive exercise,
illness, stress, etc. If you feel you may be pregnant it would
be recommended you take a pregnancy test to find out for sure.
QUESTION: My
boyfriend and I have been having sex since May 24. However I
finished my period on May 20. My periods are never on time and
I still haven't had it yet. My breast are tender but I have
taken three pregnancy test and they all said that i wasn't pregnant.
It is not the first time i have been two months late. Is there
a serious problem i need to check out? (July 27, 2004)
ANSWER: There is always a chance that you may be pregnant
if you didn't use protection (like a condom and/or an oral contraceptive).
An Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy Test
(HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels in your urine as early as
the day your period should have started. HCG is a hormone that
is produced by pregnant women. EPT/HPT can be used on the day
of your missed period as well as any day after that, since you
have reported that you do not have regular cycles, it would
be difficult for you to determine when that day is, but if you
used the EPT/HPT before your period should have started, the
results may not be accurate.
Keep in mind that there are other reasons besides pregnancy
that could cause your period to be late; exercise, stress, weight
loss or gain, and/or changes in your diet could all be reasons
that your period might be late.
If you are still concerned about being pregnant, you may want
to repeat the home pregnancy test (if you took it too soon)
or see your clinician to confirm or disprove the possibility
of pregnancy.
QUESTION:
I had my period on June 25 and it lasted until the 30th. I had
sore breasts for about a week before that and they are still
sore. Is it possible I may be pregnant? (July 13, 2004)
ANSWER: Please see the "Pregnancy
FAQ."
QUESTION:
I had stopped my period 2 days before I had sex and the condom
broke before me and my boyfriend noticed he had cummed inside.
Within 12 hrs. I took the first dose of Plan B of the morning
after pill a week later I bleed for 3 days but nothing since
and that has been close to two months i have experienced pain
lately in my lower abdomen and light spotting i have also been
stressed out. But is there a chance this is a sign i am pregnant?
(June 23, 2004)
ANSWER: Even if emergency contraception (EC) is taken,
it is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. With any hormonal
prescription there are side effects, some side effects for EC
include your next period being earlier or later and your flow
may be lighter, heavier, or more spotty than normal. Planned
Parenthood recommends women see a clinician if they do not have
a period within 3 weeks or if they have symptoms of pregnancy.
It is also recommended couples use another contraceptive method
any time prior to your next period as EC only reduces the chances
of pregnancy from one encounter.
If you're having severe pain in one or both sides of the lower
abdomen, abdominal pain and spotting (after a very light or
missed menstrual period), and/or feeling faint or dizzy it is
recommended you see you clinician as soon as possible.
For other frequently asked questions about ECPs please see our
ECP FAQ link.
QUESTION: WHY AM I SPOTTING A WEEK
BEFORE MY PERIOD IS SUPPOSED TO START? COULD I BE PREGNANT?
ME AND MY BOYFRIEND USE CONDOMS EVERYTIME AND IM ON THE BIRTH
CONTROL PILL. (May 27, 2004)
ANSWER: Spotting between periods can be a side effect for
most birth control methods, including the pill, especially if
you recently started taking them. But, if the spotting continues
or worsens it would be recommended you see your clinician as
there may be a better birth control option for you.
QUESTION: I got my period 3 times
last month (April) its almost the end of May and i haven't gotten
another period, inbetween the three periods i have had fooled
around with my boyfriend but he never finsished inside me. I
took a Home Preg Test and it was neg. Is it possible that i
had 3 periods last month and am missing this one.. or could
i be preg? (May 25, 2004)
ANSWER: There are a few things that need to be addressed
from your question.
First, there is no way for us to know if you are pregnant
or not, but if it's normal for you to have irregular periods
then there is probably nothing to worry about. If this is not
normal for you then there could be a few reasons why you had
multiple periods in one month; one reason being, if you recently
started any medication, particularly birth control. Most birth
control methods (Depo, patch, ring, the pill, and the IUD) and
emergency contraception have a potential side effect of spotting
between periods, therefore if you just started taking a birth
control method or recently took emergency contraception then
this may be the cause of the spotting. To explain not having
a period this month, some methods (depo is one example) women
cease to have a period after one or more months of taking the
method. Therefore, it is possible to have spotting during the
month and not to have a period the next month if you are usually
irregular like this, if you have recently started using a hormonal
birth control method, or if you recently took emergency contraception.
Second, you mentioned in your question that you and your partner
fooled around "but he never finished inside" of you.
If his penis was in or around your vaginal area at any time
during erection then there is a chance that he pre-cummed (fluid
released prior to ejaculation) in or around your vaginal area,
which can impregnate a woman. Now, this isn't saying you are
or are not pregnant as we cannot determine that via internet.
Becoming pregnant still depends on ovulation (release of an
egg from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes) and since it
would be very difficult to determine when you were ovulating
then the only way to know if you are pregnant or not is to take
a pregnancy test. But, if you are not using a birth control
method, you and your partner are fooling around and there is
a potential that pregnancy could occur (or transmission of sexually
transmitted infections [STI's] could occur if this isn't a monogamous
relationship) from this fooling around then it would be recommended
to use protection, whether it be a condom (reduces the chance
of pregnancy and transmission of some STI's) or a prescription
birth control method (reduces the chance of pregnancy only),
consistently and correctly each and every time.
Third, you also mention that you did take a home pregnancy test
(HPT) and it came out negative. One thing about HPT's is that
most brands have to be used the day of a missed period and since,
it seems by your question, there is no way to determine when
your next period is supposed to begin then the HPT may have
been taken too early. Therefore, if you are still worried about
pregnancy then it would be recommended you wait a few days and
take the HPT again, following the directions. If you're periods
are irregular and/or you feel you may be pregnant, it would
be recommended you see you clinician.
If you have more questions about pregnancy please visit the
"Pregnancy FAQ."
QUESTION: I was on Depo-Provera for
about 4yrs. I've been off it now for about 15 months, my periods
are very sparadical and my husband and I are trying to get pregnant.
How long should it take to 1- get my periods back to normal?
2- to conceive? (May 20, 2004)
ANSWER: Taking any hormonal birth control method has side
effects, but they vary from person to person. This is also true
for cycles to become normal once the method is stopped as the
time frame varies from person to person. After stopping the
use of Depo it takes some women 12 months and others up to 18
months for their cycle to normalize, which means conceiving
may take this long as well.
When trying to conceive it is important to understand the
cycle and when the most opportune times to try are. Hypothetically,
if a woman is on a 28-day cycle then ovulation (release of an
egg into the fallopian tubes) would occur on or around day 14
(day 1 is the first day of menstruation/period). Since the sperm
can live inside the woman's body for 5-7 days and the egg begins
to break down after 24 hours, then days 7-15 during the cycle
would be the most fertile days. This is a hypothetical situation
as some women may not know when ovulation occurs and if varies
if periods are sporadic, irregular, or if cycles vary in length.
If you'd like to chart/predict your fertility pattern please
visit Planned
Parenthood to find out more information on ways to do this.
If you and your partner continue to have difficulties conceiving
it would be recommended you talk with you clinician for further
options.
QUESTION: My boyfriend and I were
making out without our pants on. We both had on underwear and
he took his penis out of his underwear for a second, but i made
him put it back in. This was the last day of my period and i
still had my tampon in. I took the morning after pill within
72 hours of that just to be on the safe side. We did not have
sex, but i was wondering the possibility of me being pregnant.
(April 22, 2004)
ANSWER: There is really no possible way you could have gotten
pregnant with the information you have given, unless he put
his penis in to or around your vagina or had been masturbating
and immediately fingered you with semen on his fingers.
For more questions on pregnancy, please read the "Pregnancy
FAQ," which talks about how a woman could get pregnant.
QUESTION: hi, i was wondering if
you can help me. i had a baby nearly 7 months ago and i am still
breast feeding and really enjoy it but i am a bit concerned
that i still haven't had a period since i conceived, and i still
get the symptoms now and again of one, the bloating, mood swings,
acne etc is this normal and when should they start again? thanks
(April 1, 2004)
ANSWER: Breast feeding a baby, also known as Lactational
Amenorrhea Method (LAM), can postpone a woman's ovulation (release
of an egg from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes) for a period
of time; usually up to 6 months. Not having a period during
breast-feeding can be normal if you have been doing the following
(according to Planned Parenthood):
breast-feeding
your baby at least 6 times a day on both breasts
breast-feeding
your baby at least every 4 hours during the day
breast-feeding
your baby at least every 6 hours throughout the night
do
not substitute other foods for a breast-milk meal
If you have not been doing the above, it would be recommended
you visit your doctor and discuss your concerns.
QUESTION: I was prescribed the
birth control pill Aleese and due to the side effects i quit
taking them four days after i began the pack as a Sunday starter.
My husband and I continually have un- protected sex. My last
period was March 4 I began the pills on the 7th and the last
pill I took was on the 11th. However, on the 15th of March i
began bleeding for about three days which gradually turned in
to spotting for a day or two. The bleeding was not like a normal
period (not heavy like usual). According to my last period i
am to start again today which i have not. They come every 28
days. So my question is the bleeding that i experienced on the
15th would that be considered my period or was that just from
quitting the pill and for two could i be pregnant. Also, would
4 days of being on the pill effect my menstrual cycle and now
everything has to get back on track.(April 1, 2004)
ANSWER: There is no way for us to know if you are pregnant
or not - no matter how much information you give us; however,
we can address some of the other concerns you mentioned. Some
women may notice minor changes when starting the pill. These
changes are usually greatly improved or go away completely after
the first 2 to 3 months.
Possible changes may include:
Breast
tenderness or fullness
Nausea
Spotting
(breakthrough bleeding)
Variation
in your periods (may be lighter/heavier or shorter/longer
Weight
gain/fluid retention
Acne
Mood
changes
It is not recommended that you stop taking birth control pills
without consulting your clinician. S/he might be able to recommend
a different form of birth control pills if you are not satisfied
with your current pills. If you think you might be pregnant,
it is recommended that you see your clinician.
QUESTION: i am 19 have regular
28-30 day cycles which can be painful but i am taking tablets
for the pain. i have also been trying to conceive without luck.
i have heard about endometriosis and was wondering what are
the chances of someone in my situation having endometriosis
who usually has endometriosis and what are the symptoms? (April
1, 2004)
ANSWER: Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which
lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside
the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian
tubes; the outer surface of the uterus, bladder, bowel, vagina,
cervix, and vulva, among other places.
This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions,
which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the
tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds
up, breaks down, and sheds.
The difference between the tissue and blood found in the uterus
and found outside the uterus is this: blood and tissue found
in the uterus flows out of the body through the vagina, but
the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way
of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown
of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation --
and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions,
and bowel problems.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
Pain
before and during periods
Pain
with sex
Infertility
Fatigue
Painful
urination during periods
Painful
bowel movements during periods
Other
Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, and
nausea.
Endometriosis is one cause of female infertility. Infertility
may occur because the blood that is shed from the endometrial
tissue in the abdominal cavity has no way of leaving the body;
this results in pools of blood within the abdominal cavity,
causing an inflammation that forms scar tissue. This scar tissue
can block the fallopian tubes or interfere with ovulation. If
you are concerned that you may be suffering from endometriosis,
it is recommended that you see you clinician.
QUESTION: i know that you can
still receive your period the first month of pregnancy. i take
the April 28 day cycle birth control pills. my cycle is always
the last thursday sometimes friday of my last row of pills.
my concern is that i got my period a week early this month.
is this something to be concerned about? (March 19, 2004)
ANSWER: If something occurs (or doesn't occur) that is
abnormal for you or your body, it would be recommended you see
your clinician to discuss the situation.
QUESTION: My girlfriend is pregnant,
well she went to see a specialist about some hormone problem
and they told her that she could be further along than she is
by maybe 2 months. At her first Dr's apt we were told that she
was 15 weeks and 2 days. How does a hormone affect the baby's
due date? We were together when she had her last menstrual cycle
in september, i thought that you could not have one if you were
pregnant. She never had one after that. (March 5, 2004)
ANSWER: Some women can experience "spotting"
while they are pregnant. It is not unusual to have some bleeding
during the first trimester of a pregnancy and this could be
what she was experiencing the first couple months.
Talking with OB/GYN and discussing any additional tests she
may need/want done can help clear up any questions you may be
having at this point about how far she is in her pregnancy.
Depending on what health insurance she has, these tests may
be covered, but is recommended to contact her insurance company
with any questions on coverage.
Again, it is best to talk with her OB/GYN about any pre-natal
care and tests she should have done throughout the pregnancy.
QUESTION: i have always had
irregular cycles. i had been on birth control for about three
years and that did not help to get my cycles on track. it has
been 1yr since i have been off of the bc, and for the last 4
months i have not had a period. i have been to the gyn and they
insist there is nothing wrong. i have taken numerous pregnancy
tests, and they are all negative. my fiance and i would love
to have a baby, but i have no insurance. i don't know what to
do or where to go. please help. (February 26, 2004)
ANSWER: There could be many reasons you could be missing
your periods including stress, hormone imbalances, excessive
exercising, among others. You have the option of getting a second
opinion by seeing another clinician, but it may be difficult
if you are uninsured. There may be Planned Parenthood locations
in your area to go and the best way to find one is by doing
a search on their web site at www.plannedparenthood.org.
You would want to type your zip code in to find a clinic near
you. Some Planned Parenthoods, at least here in Chicago, are
on a sliding scale, which means it would depend on how much
you make as to how much you pay so you would pay at the time
of your visit.
If your fiance has insurance, it may be an option to wait until
you are married so you would be insured and would have more
access to specialized care.
QUESTION: I gave birth via cesarean
on 12-Nov-03, and now fully recovered. But I have not had my
period since then. Normally, I experienced my period every month.
(February 26, 2004)
ANSWER: Sometimes it may take a little while for a woman's
cycle to get back on track after giving birth and it also depends
on if you are breast feeding/pumping as most women who breast
feed/pump will not have a period during this time. If you are
worried about not having a period it is recommended you schedule
an appointment with your clinician to discuss your concerns.
QUESTION: me and my boyfriend
haven't had sex for about 2 months and i have had a period since
the. we have touched each over though he has fingered me plenty
of times but i have not come on my period i am now a week late.
i have done a clear blue pregnancy test and it said i wasn't
pregnant but i till haven't come o my period what do i do please
help? (February 12, 2004)
ANSWER: If there was no exchange of his semen to your vaginal
area then it is highly unlikely that you could be pregnant unless
it was from another sexual experience. Your period may be late
for many reasons including current irregularity, significant
decrease in weight, significant increase in exercise, stress,
among many other factors.
If you are worried about being pregnant from a previous encounter
you are able
to get a free pregnancy test done at the UIC Family Medicine
Clinic if you are
a UIC student. To schedule an appointment call 996.2901. You
can also have a
pregnancy test done at your primary care physicians office or
any Planned
Parenthood locations. Check out our web site at
http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/stihivandpregnancy.html
to find
where one is located near you.
QUESTION: is it possible
to get pregnant without having sex? for example my bf ejaculated
(next to me) and he wiped himself off with his hand and then
dried off/ wiped his hand off on a different article of clothing
and then proceeded to touch my clitoral area. is it possible
that i can get pregnant like that even though i've never had
sex before? (January 28, 2004)
ANSWER: Pregnancy depends on when you ovulate, but it can
happen if any semen gets in or around the vaginal opening. If
your partner wiped off his hand before he touched you, it is
unlikely that you would get pregnant. Pregnancy would be more
likely to occur if there was semen on his hand and he put his
fingers inside of you, immediately after ejaculating.
QUESTION: i was wondering is
there a chance that i could be normal with my ovulation is there
something to regulate my ovulation like something that i could
take so i could become pregnant i have a almost 5yr. old son
and i want to become pregnant but i don't ovulate i was taking
clomid for 5 months but i still don't come out pregnant i don't
now what to do can somebody help me and tell me if there's something
i can do or drink like vitamins or something please help me!!!!!!!!!thank
you!!!! (January 21, 2004)
ANSWER: Clomid is used to induce ovulation, to correct irregular
ovulation, and to help increase egg production. Generally, research
shows that if the drug doesn't work in four to six cycles, it
isn't likely to work at all.
As far as eating or drinking something to help induce ovulation:
there is no known food or vitamin that directly affects ovulation.
Remember that a balanced diet is especially important if you
are trying to prepare your body
for pregnancy.
If you have further questions about eating right before or during
pregnancy and are a UIC student or staff member, feel free to
call the Wellness Center at 312-413-2120 to make an appointment
with our nutritionist.
If you are concerned about your cycle and your chances of getting
pregnant, contact your clinician; he or she might be able to
give you more specific information about your options while
you are trying to conceive.
QUESTION: I've been taking
birth control pills since May of 2003 through October 2003.
I've always had a regular menstrual even after I got on the
birth controls. In the month of October I had my period for
3 days 3 times in that month. Then in November I did not get
my period at all. In December I got it for 3 days and right
now I am on my period. Yes, I've always had unprotected sex
with my partner the whole time we've been together. Now can
I still be pregnant even though I am having these irregular
mestruals?? (January 9, 2004)
ANSWER: There could be many reasons your cycle has changed
including, but not limited to, significant increase in exercise
or decrease in weight, stress, and change in birth control methods.
There is still a chance a woman can get pregnant if she is sexually
active. Using a birth control method decreases the chance of
an unwanted pregnancy. If methods are combined (i.e. birth control
pills and condoms) the chances are even smaller if used correctly
and consistently.
But, no matter what, if you're cycle is irregular for you (as
you know your body the best) it is recommended you see a clinician
to discuss the situation.
QUESTION: I was at a party
one night and ended up going back to some guys room. I do not
really remember what happened, but i do not think that i had
sex with him. I am pretty sure that when i woke up i was clothed.
This happened 2 days after i finished my last period. Anyway,
i am a week late on my period, i am very regular normally (28-30
days). For about a week my body has been feeling as if i should
be on my period (slight cramping, and queasiness in my lower
abdomen), but i have not gotten my period (only light colored
discharge as if i were ovulating, but sometimes it is slightly
brownish). Could this be a sign of pregnancy and could i be
pregnant? (December 16, 2003)
ANSWER: There are many signs of pregnancy and there are
many reasons why a woman's period could be late (stress, drastic
change in nutritional habits, excessive exercise, drastic decrease
in weight, etc.). The most important is to know your body and
if something is not normal for you then to see your clinician.
If you feel you could be pregnant it is recommended you see
a clinician.
QUESTION: CAN
I GET PREGNANT IF I HAVE 24 CYCLE? (November 21, 2003)
ANSWER: The question is very vague, but the interpretation
is if you can get pregnant if you have a 24-day cycle. The answer
is yes. It doesn't matter what the length of your cycle is,
it depends if you ovulate (release of an egg from the ovaries
into the fallopian tubes) and when you ovulate.
QUESTION:
I have been done with my period for about a week,
and my husband and I have had sex a few times since then and
this morning when I went to the bathroom there was some blood,
just lightly. I read on you website that spotting is a sign
of pregnancy do you think I could be? (October 27, 2003)
ANSWER: Spotting is a little bit of bleeding that happens
at a time other than during
a menstrual period. A woman who experiences this will sometimes
notice a
couple drops of blood in her underwear when she was not expecting
her period.
Some women experience "spotting" while they are pregnant.
It is not unusual to
have some bleeding during the first trimester of a pregnancy.
Occasionally,
some women "spot" throughout a pregnancy.
As far as if you are pregnant or not, it depends on your menstrual
cycle. If
you are concerned about being pregnant, it would be best to
speak with you
clinician, to either confirm or disprove your suspicions.
Spotting from your vagina after having vaginal intercourse can
be a normal
occurrence for some women. However, if it is unusual for you,
it would be best
to see your clinician.
QUESTION: I
had sex with my boyfriend 3 weeks before my period was due.
I'm 3 days late. took a hpt was neg. Was it to soon? I'm very
regular. (October 27, 2003)
ANSWER:There are many reasons, besides pregnancy, that
could cause your period to be late; exercise, stress, weight
loss or gain, and/or changes in your diet could all be reasons
that your period might be late.
Most women on regular cycles ovulate (egg is released from the
ovaries into the fallopian tubes) about halfway through your
cycle (remember: the first day of your cycle is the first day
of your period). Therefore, if you have unprotected sex and/or
your usual protection fails about 5-7 days prior to ovulation
then there is an increased chance of pregnancy as sperm can
survive in a woman's body for up to 5, sometimes, 7 days.
Some Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)
can detect hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone levels
in your urine as early as a few days before your period should
start, others detect hCG beginning the day your period is supposed
to start. hCG is a hormone that is produced by pregnant women.
If you are using an EPT/HPT it is very important to read and
follow the directions. Each test can differ depending on the
brand so the time frame as to when you should test yourself
could be different, which could influence the accuracy of the
test.
If you took an EPT/HPT and it came out negative, it is recommended
you retest a few days later (again following the directions).
If it comes out negative, more than likely you are not pregnant,
but if it comes out positive it is recommended you see a clinician.
QUESTION: My bf and I were in the
pool making out and I was sitting on his lap. I had my swim
bottoms on and he had his trunks on, with boxers underneath,
so there was no skin to skin contact. We were rubbing up against
each other and he ejaculated. Is there any way i could be pregnant?
It’s only been a few days and I have this feeling in my tummy
that won't go away. I’m so scared. (September 10, 2003)
ANSWER: If it played out the way you said, there is
the slimmest of slim chances you could be pregnant, as the sperm
would have to get through his trunks and boxers as well as your
swim bottoms to reach your vagina. The feeling in your tummy
could be nervousness, anxiety, etc., but if you wish to ease
your mind more you could see your clinician to have a pregnancy
test done. If you are worried a great deal you could see about
getting emergency contraception which can be taken within 72
hours after intercourse (it has also been shown to be somewhat
effective for up to 5 days after sex).
QUESTION: I am 18
and have missed a period. I am a lesbian and have never had
sex with a man so what are the possible explanations?
ANSWER: There could be many reasons why you
have missed your period including, but not limited to, the following:
Nutrition - a change in nutritional habits
Weight loss - a severe decrease in weight or your body mass
index (BMI)
Exercise - beginning an exercise program or increasing your
previous program
Stress - an increase in your stress level (college, family,
friends, relationships, etc.)
These are just a few reasons why a woman may be late or miss
a period. If you continue to be concerned, please see your clinician.
QUESTION: I
just finished my period 2 days ago and I had unprotected sex
and the boy nutted in me, do I have a greater risk or becoming
pregnant before or after my period?
ANSWER: There is still a chance of being pregnant
by having sex before or after your period, but it is very dependent
on when you ovulate and if you have a regular period. It is
best to have a pregnancy test if you are uneasy about the situation.
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