How might hCG levels indicate a pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had intercourse at the beginning of last month without using any protection, and I got my period eight days later. After that, I tested with a pregnancy strip and got negative, and again one week later I got negative, but I was not sure because I had an infection in the vagina, which had a white sticky discharge, and then I tested for beta hcg blood last week and got a 2.30 hcg level, but I am still not sure about the result. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse and got your period eight days later, which indicates that you likely were not pregnant at that time. Having a normal period after unprotected intercourse generally reduces the likelihood of pregnancy.

The beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level you received last week (2.30 mIU/mL) is well within the non-pregnant range.

A hCG level below 5 mIU/mL is considered negative for pregnancy.

Since you have taken multiple tests (both urine and blood) and all have come back negative, it seems clear that pregnancy is not the cause of your symptoms.

And the reason for the white sticky discharge and vaginal infection could be due to yeast infection (candidiasis) or bacterial vaginosis (A common vaginal condition that can arise in the absence of sexual activity, but can be exacerbated by touching or multiple sexual partners). I suggest you be physically examined by a gynecologist.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.