Patient's question:
Normally, my girlfriend ovulated around December 28th, but as of January 3rd, she still hasn't had her period. On December 17th and December 18th, we had intercourse without using a condom, and it was external ejaculation.This summer, she had an abortion, and her periods were also early in October and November. It seems like there has been a pattern of them being delayed. I'm very worried. Should I get a pregnancy test? Can I get a fertility test? How do I proceed?
Thank you!
Happy New Year!
Doctor's answer:
Hello, the female menstrual cycle is generally 28 to 30 days. Being early or delayed by about 7 days is still within the normal range, as the length of the cycle varies from person to person. However, if menstruation has not arrived after more than 7 days, it is considered delayed. Delayed menstruation mainly needs to consider two aspects: first, pregnancy, and second, menstrual disorders. Psychological factors such as stress, environmental changes, and some endocrine-disrupting diseases can also cause delayed menstruation. Long-term use of birth control pills can lead to endocrine disorders, which may also result in delayed menstruation. New-generation gastrokinetic drugs like Domperidone may also cause this. Consuming tonics such as longan and Ejiao before the menstrual period may slightly delay the cycle, leading to bloating and pain, as well as reduced menstrual flow. Therefore, women should avoid these foods before their period.