QuestionHi! I'm 21 years old. My periods are normal usually the beginning of each month but they are very light and only last for 3 days. Anyway, I had my period the first day of July. I had unprotected sex the 10th and early morning on the 11th (both times with no withdraws). I started bleeding today on the 16th of July. But it was weird because I'm experiencing pregnancy type symptoms and I'm only bleed after I pee. (theirs bleeding with looks to be little blood clots but its super faint, I'm not wearing any pads or liners) and does being anemic change your test results when you take a preg blood test?
AnswerDear Chantel,
Well, first, 5-6 days after unprotected sex would be VERY, VERY fast for symptoms. It's almost unheard of. Implantation would not even have taken place yet (typically 6-12 days after conception).
You really are too early to rely on any HPT. In fact, the only test which would have the slightest chance of detecting a pregnancy now would be a serum beta hCG (quantitative blood) test. This is because the hCG level does not even begin to rise and become detectable until after implantation. You really need to wait and see if your period begins as expected before worrying overmuch.
Tests performed too early in the pregnancy, before there is a significant hCG level, may give false-negative results; while blood or protein in the urine may cause false-positive results. Urine hCG tests may give a false negative result in very dilute urine too. You should not drink large amounts of fluid before collecting a urine sample for a pregnancy test. Certain drugs such as diuretics and promethazine (an antihistamine)may also cause false-negative urine results. Other drugs such as anti-convulsants, anti-parkinson drugs, hypnotics, and tranquilizers may cause false-positive results. Anemia would not be a condition typically causing altered pregnancy test results.
However, since you are having bleeding/spotting only after urinating, I would actually be concerned about a urinary tract infection. Often if you don't get up to urinate after sex and there was enough foreplay/manual stimulation, bacteria can get introduced into the urethra very easily - thus, starting a raging UTI. This can cause a myriad of symptoms which you may be confusing with pregnancy-type symptoms. I would suggest having a urinalysis to check for an infection. Easily diagnosed -- easily treated.
I do apologize for the delay in answering. I suffer from migraines and have had a three day-er since returning from a mini-vacation. I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
