Possible Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex: Symptoms & Concerns

Question
I had unprotected sex about a week and a half ago and I'm scared that I might be pregnant but my partner pulled out before reaching his peak but I'm still scared cause of the pre-cum. Well I usually get my period around the 15th or 16th and todays the 14th and I got it. It felt like I was getting any other normal period. My breasts are tender and I had that cramp feeling in my stomach. But the problem is that my period isn't as heavy and as dark as it usually is. Its light and brown. It has no smell. Nothing at all. Am I over reacting or do I have something to worry about? I need some insight on this. Please help me out. I need someone that knows what there talking about and I think its you.

Answer
Dear Imilce

Most of the symptoms you described can be due to overreaction and worries. They are non specific.

However, a point of concern is your period. You described it as lighter than usual and brown which i consider atypical. This sometimes may point to a pathological condition known as ectopic pregnancy. In my practice, i always suspect ectopic when any of my patients describes atypical period (lighter in amountor duration). Being ectopic minded allows me to pickup such cases and it is always better to consider ectopic and exclude it rather than to reassure and miss a case because of the serious consequences.

Therefore, i advise a transvaginal ultrasound for proper diagnosis. If ultrasound alone is not conclusive, a determination of beta subunits of human chorionic gonadotrophins in blood will be helpful.

Good Luck