You have missed your period? Wondering if you’re pregnant or want to know when you ovulate? Here’s a list of our frequently asked questions – read it and learn more about your menstrual cycle, ovulation, pregnancy, abortion etc.
6) Abortion
I had an abortion 5 weeks ago and still haven’t gotten my normal period. Is this normal? When should I expect my period to come?
When the period will return after an abortion varies from woman to woman depending on how far along the pregnancy had proceeded before it was aborted. Normally, the period returns four to 12 weeks after an abortion and even if there are no periods after this time, it could be because of stress, health issues like PCOS, or your body might be taking some more time to heal.
I had a medical abortion and got my periods after 4 weeks. It has not stopped even after 6 days. Is it normal or do I need to consult the doctor?
I had an abortion last week and I still feel pregnant. I feel all the signs. Does that mean the abortion was not successful?
After an abortion, it is normal to still feel pregnant for the next 3-4 weeks, as the body is trying to adjust to the new situation, which takes some time. To make sure, you can take a urine pregnancy test after 6 weeks of the abortion.
Are there any kinds of restrictions after an abortion?
When can I get pregnant after a miscarriage or abortion?
It is very important that you give yourself time to heal both emotionally and physically before you try to conceive again. Physical recovery after a miscarriage is quick and takes only a few days. After about a month, your body will be working normally and your menstrual cycles will begin once again. It is possible to become pregnant during your first menstrual cycle after your miscarriage or abortion.
I recently had an abortion but I did a pregnancy test that is still showing that I’m pregnant. What is happening to me?
I had an abortion and I’m having cramps, feeling nauseous and my period has not returned. Should I be concerned?
The effects of an abortion include bleeding, cramps or a vaginal discharge. If these symptoms are excessive and you have a high fever then you must see a doctor. Don’t worry about your delayed period – in most instances, a menstrual cycle is expected within 4 to 8 weeks after an abortion.
3) Gettting Pregnant
I had unprotected sex and got my period shortly after. Is there still any chance that I’m pregnant?
If you got your regular period in accordance to your period calculator this would indicate that you’re not pregnant. If you noticed bleeding some time after unprotected sex and not on the days when your regular period should appear then this could be implantation bleeding. In that case it could be that you’re pregnant and we’d recommend that you take a pregnancy test.
You can read this post to learn more about how to recognize the difference between a period and implantation bleeding.
What are the other signs to know I am pregnant, other than taking pregnancy test?
Every woman might have different pregnancy signs. The most common ones are sore breasts, increased need to go to the washroom, mood swings, tiredness etc. However, all these may also be caused by other reasons, too. The only accurate way to know whether you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Be sure to take it after 10 days of missing your expected period date for more accuracy.
What is the best time to have sex if I’m trying to get pregnant?
The most fertile days in the cycle will be at least 3 days before, during and some days after ovulation. This will be the best time for you to try and conceive. Sperm will survive for 3 to 5 days while the egg will last for 12 to 24 hours. You are fertile for about 5 to 7 days. In case you are not sure about your ovulation, you can also use an ovulation kit to make sure.
Is it possible to get pregnant if I have sex just before ovulation?
Yes. The risk of getting pregnant is high because your partner’s sperm can live inside your body for at least 72 hours. You can become pregnant just before ovulation as long as one sperm is alive; in essence the sperm could be there waiting for an egg to be released during the ovulation process.
Can I get pregnant if my partner withdraws before he ejaculates?
Yes, it is still possible for pregnancy to occur because pre-ejaculate (pre-cum or sperm) can be released from your partner before your partner withdraws. This semen can be potent enough to result in a pregnancy.
How do I know if I’m pregnant?
The biggest sign of pregnancy after unprotected sex is a missed period. However, this missed or late period is not a sure sign as there are many other things like stress, sickness and fatigue that can delay a period besides pregnancy. The best way for you to know if you are pregnant is to do a pregnancy test. These are easy to get nowadays because they are available at drugstores or health centers. It is important to note that the home pregnancy tests are ninety-nine percent accurate if taken after you miss a period.
2) Delayed Period
I am late. Am I pregnant?
A late period can be caused by many reasons and pregnancy is only one of them. If you think pregnancy can be the reason in your case, wait until 10 days after the date of your expected period date to take a pregnancy test. This waiting is to ensure the accuracy of the pregnancy test kit.
My period is very late. If I’m not pregnant so what could it be?
If you missed a period and you are not pregnant, you might want to know why this happened. Some of the causes of a missed menstrual cycle include: stress, change in your regular schedule, travel, illness and the use of certain medications. It would be best to consult your doctor for help in identifying which factor is causing the delay.
1) Menstrual Cycle
How do I calculate the length of my menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle starts on day one of the bleeding to day one of the next. On average, the cycle lasts for 28 days, but it’s normal to have it longer or shorter. So if one period started on July 10 and the next one started on August 5, then you would have a 26 days cycle. If your periods are regular, then the two subsequent ones would come on August 31 and September 26. Read this article for more information.
How can I track my menstrual cycle?
It is important for you to keep a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar or on a smart phone; there are many ovulation apps available. Track your start date every month for several months – this will help you to determine the constancy of your periods. It is also important to note: the end date, how light or heavy it is and if you have abnormal bleeding or pain.
How do I determine my fertile days?
Typically, the menstrual cycle will last for 28 days, which is calculated from day one of a menstrual period to day one of the next cycle. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before the start of your menstrual period. If your cycle lasts for 28 days, you can ovulate on the 14th day like the average female. However, you will start ovulating around the 11th day if you have periods 25 days apart. Alternatively, you will not ovulate until the 20th day if your cycles are longer, like for 34 days. If periods are irregular it would be more challenging to determine the fertile days.
4) Ovulation
Can I ovulate right after my period?
What is the difference between ovulation bleeding versus implantation bleeding?
With a regular 28 to 30 days cycle, ovulation typically occurs on the 13th -16th day. Implantation usually happens within the next 10 days after ovulation. Read this article for more information.
How can I differentiate ovulation bleeding from a period?
The quantity of blood discharged through the vagina is what mainly differentiates the two. With a menstrual period, there is a heavy flow of blood that can last for an average of three to five days. Ovulation, on the other hand usually brings spotting or a little bit of blood. This blood is either dark brownish red color or pink and there is very little of it. It may be mixed with cervical mucus and may be accompanied by mild pain in the stomach or some cramping that resembles menstrual cramping.
What are the signs of ovulation?
The ovulation signs include changes in body temperature, cervical mucus and hormone levels. Pain in the ovaries may also be experienced. Read this post to learn about some other common ovulation symptoms.
Can I ovulate and get pregnant during a period?
Generally speaking, you can’t get pregnant during your period. But there are very little odds of getting pregnant if the menstrual phase of your cycle is short and sperm still hangs around to fertilize an egg that will be released in the next cycle. Other than that, the egg is expelled with the endometrial shedding when you’re menstruating. But yes, you can ovulate during your period, if your period is shorter, explained in the question above.
What are some common ovulation facts?
Ovulation facts in a nutshell:
- Typically, only one egg is released during ovulation.
- An egg can live up to 24 hours after ovulation.
- Sperm can live up to 72 hours.
- Stress, sickness, or other outside influences can affect ovulation.
- It usually takes from a week to 12 days for a fertilized egg to become implanted.
- It is possible to experience ovulation even without experiencing a period.
- While it is common not to be aware that you are ovulating, some women experience heaviness or some pain during ovulation.
- The chance of pregnancy increases if intercourse occurs sometime between three days before to three days after ovulation.
During my ovulation time, how many days am I really fertile?
During your window of ovulation, your most fertile time is considered to be about 5-7 days long. An egg is only available to be fertilized for about 12 – 24 hours. Since sperm can live in the body for 3 – 5 days after sex, and the egg is available for one day, you must identify those 5 to 7 days and have sex just before, during and even a few days after these days if you want to get pregnant.
5) Pregnancy Tests
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
You can get the most accurate result if you wait at least one week after missing your period. In addition, the result might be even more accurate if the test is done first in the morning as the urine is far more concentrated at this time. The urine-based home pregnancy tests offer great accuracy. This accuracy will depend on several factors such as how early the test is taken, if the instructions were followed closely, when ovulation occurred in the cycle as well as how early implantation takes place, and the sensitivity of the test.
It is always best to take a pregnancy test after a late period to avoid false positive or false negative results. If you have irregular cycles or you are not charting your cycles, it might best to take the test after passing the longest menstrual cycle. For example, it would be best to take the test 37 days or later if your cycles are in the range of 30 to 36 days.
You can buy home pregnancy tests in every pharmacy or online (Amazon link).
If my pregnancy test shows a negative result, does this mean I’m not pregnant?
A negative result can mean that you are not pregnant or that you took the test too early. Pregnancy tests vary in their sensitivity (how soon they can detect the hormone hCG), and you may not have given your body enough time to produce enough of the hCG hormone to show up on the test.
When taking a test it is best to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and wait until you have missed a period before taking the test. Some women show up accurately on a test the day they miss a period, while others may not show up positive until 3-4 weeks after a missed period. If the result is negative, wait a week and test again if a normal period has not started.
I lost my pregnancy on 24 June and started seeing my mens on 27 July please when can I try to convince again
Hi! I always see my periods on the 5-8th of the month. On march, my period lasted for two days, 5-6. After two weeks, I took a pregnancy test and it came out negative. On the 5-8th of April, I missed my period and took a pregnancy test again. It came out positive. How many weeks am I?
Hello Roseline! Congrats on the coming baby. The counting of the week usually starts on your last menstruation. In your case, your last period was March 6 so from here, your baby could be around 3-4 weeks. To know the exact number, I suggest you visit your doctor. All the best!
I had an abortion at 6w2days. ..I started my period 7 weeks later. I started on the 11th of Oct and am still bleeding on and off (especially after intercourse) I am desperate to get pregnant again and took an ovulation test which was positive on the 20th and 21st… Could I still conceive if I’m still bleeding and is it too soon following the abortion done in August?
Hello Cynthia! I would suggest a visit to the doctor to consult on your bleeding. It is best you seek help from a professional on this matter.
I did a surgical abortion last month then saw blood for some time after then. I stopped seeing blood but I’m seeing some black discharge so I decided to go and buy one infection drug. After using that drug, I started having stomach pain, after which I started seeing blood. I called my doctor and said I should come again. He did the surgical abortion again and he told me that there is nothing inside me. I am still seeing blood and still having pain at my left leg but after I use pain keeper the pain went away, I am still seeing blood so the doctor asked me to go and do a scan. It said that there is nothing inside me. I am still seeing blood till now have even collect injection to stop the blood but am still seeing little blood (what I mean but that is that whenever I insert my fingers into my virginal I do see blood). Please what can I do, is up to 4 weeks that I did the abortion.
Hello Elizabeth. This is an urgent matter and I suggest you visit another doctor for a second opinion.
Hi
I had sex on Sep 15 and I was on my first day of period. I took a pill and my period ended after 10 days. Usually my period ends in 5 days. On Sept. 25, we had sex after that I took the pill. 2 hours after taking the pill I drink some thing that have milk inside it so is the medicine lost its effect or not is there any chance of me being pregnant?
Hello Beti! No, there is no chance the milk content of your drink affected the pill. However, the pill is believed to be 85% effective so there is still a slight chance of being pregnant.
Hi! I had sex on May 31st with one partner and my cycle came on 7 days later and lasted for 7 days. It went off on the 14th of June then I had sex with another person on June 19th and today I’m 15 weeks pregnant .. who would be the father the first one or the second?
Hello Trala! Since you had your period after you had sex with the first guy, he is unlikely to be the father. If we check your fertile window, it is around June 17-June 21. So you have conceived when you had sex with guy #2 on June 19. I hope this helps you.
Hello can you still ovulate if your fallopian tubes are blocked
Hello Erica, ovulation is possible but if your fallopian tubes are blocked your egg can’t get to your womb, and your partner’s sperm can’t get to your egg.
So I had my last period on Nov 22 of 2019 I had intercourse with my boyfriend 1-8 of November of 2019. I went to the doctor & they done blood test they said i was 2 weeks pregnant on Dec 15 of 2019. I only had sex once with some guy after me & my bf broke up. That was on Dec 2 or 3 cant remember of DEC 2019. Who is the father
Hello Jill, since you had your period in the same month that you had sex with your boyfriend, and the intercourse was prior to that, he is highly unlikely to be the father of your child.
I had my last periods on the 10th of December and I have irregular periods. Had sex with guy 1 on the 20 December we use protection and had sex with guy 2 on the 01 January and on the 31 December I took a prevention pill which I have never took a prevention pill before and he ejaculated inside me and also on the 11 Janurary … my due date says 10 0ctober 2020
Hello,
Possible conception dates: Jan 15, 2020 – Jan 25, 2020
Possible dates of sexual intercourse that led to the pregnancy: Jan 10, 2020 – Jan 25, 2020
These dates are an estimation only, especially since you have irregular periods.
Ok so I had unprotected sex on Sept. 9-10,2019 and that was the only time I was active, found out I was pregnant at 3 months and my due date is said to be June 21,2020. Does that sound accurate to you????? It just doesn’t seem possible cause I would have to have had sex late September according to what calculations say which I haven’t.
Hello Cloe, Perinatal Institute, a non-profit organization, shows that an estimated date of delivery is rarely accurate – in fact, a baby is born on its predicted due date just 4% of the time. People make mistakes. Your due date is probably a week earlier than that if you had sex only that one time.
Hi I had an abortion using cycotec on the 1 of April today is 3 weeks & 1 day am bleeding along with small clots . Not changing pad every 2 hour. I used 2 pad per day one morning and the other evening close to bed time . On my 22nd day which is today April 22nd am feeling back cramps and slight belly pain . Am I ok ? Am I bleeding for too long ? The pregnancy was 7 weeks @ March 31 , terminator being April 1st using cycotec .
Should I see the doctor for ultrasound & examination. I plan on doing check up on my uterus & cervix after bleeding stop so I can get antibiotics for cleaning my womb but I want to know if the length of bleeding is too long . 3 weeks & 1 day😞.
Hello Lush, I advise you to visit your health care provider, I can’t tell you more without an examination.