QuestionHi, my period was due on the 20th/21st of May and I have not yet gotten my period but I have had some spotting. I have had unprotected sex before I started spotting, so is there a chance that I am pregnant? I have taken a pregnancy test today (28th May) and it was negative. Would this be correct?
Thank you
AnswerDear Toni,
If the unprotected sex was just one encounter and it took place before you started spotting, which was right around when your period was due, then the likelihood of conception is low. If you have had unprotected encounters throughout your last cycle, then you cannot dismiss the possibility of pregnancy.
You waited long enough that a pregnancy test should have been accurate, especially if you used 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample.
There are many various causes for amenorrhea (absence of periods) - pregnancy being just one. Others can be:
-Emotional or physical stress / Depression
-Rapid weight loss or gain
-Change in diet
-Low body weight
-Obesity
-Frequent or strenuous exercise
-Cysts or tumors in the ovaries
-Thyroid or Pituitary dysfunction
-Certain medications or drug use
-Menopause OR Premature ovarian failure (menopause before age 40)
-Occasionally stopping birth control pills
My suggestion would be to re-test in another 7-10 days if you continue to suspect that you might be pregnant. If that test is negative as well, then you probably are not pregnant and the spotting was simply a very light period due to a hormonal imbalance this cycle.
The general recommendation is that if you miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
