Still no menses?

I posted last week, however, I still have not gotten my menses,and I have some concerns...41 yo no health issues, 4 children, never any gynecological issues...


just to recap:
LMP 5/30  cycles lengths have been changing...used to be 30 days, for the past 6-8 months have been 26-27 days in length.

Unprotected intercourse on June 19.( cycle day 21-thought it was safe)
Positive ovulation predictor kit on June 20 and June 21.

Blood quantitative HCG on June 28 -zero
took another one this am-still waiting for the results

TOday is July 2 and still no menses...took an HPT this morning, with a sensitivity starting at 20 miu of HCG and it was negative.

1.Is there any chance that since I ovulated on June 20 or June 21, that the Blood HCG test was too early?

2.WOuld it have detected the HCG at that point?

3. Is there a chance that I could still be pregnant, and if so when will I be "free" from that worry if I still don't get my period? In other words, I haven't had any unprotected intercourse since June 19 th...when will it be impossible for me to get a positive HCG ...a week from now, a day from now. etc...?

4. how early, meaning how many days after conception, can a Blood HCG detect a level?


thank you again for your thoughts on this.

My OB is away until 7/9 and she just sent me for the blood work, and told me we would deal with it next week...

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Still possible, but if the HCG continues to be negative, pregnancy is very unlikely.  

2) HCG would likely to have been elevated by this time if pregnancy has occurred.

3) Difficult to say.  The evidence suggests not, but to be sure, serial monitoring of the HCG should be done.  

4) Typically the HCG rises 1-2 weeks after you miss your period (3-4 weeks after ovulation, or 2-3 weeks after implantation).  

These questions should be discussed with your OB.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_