Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 11/8/2010

Question
My breasts have been tender the last 2 days, today I noticed even more so, including tingling and some milk released, just like when i nursed my daughter. my fiance had a vasectomy 11yrs ago and i had a normal period last month, the next one two weeks off, is it possible I am pregnant or could there be another explination? I really would love to have a baby and I dont want to be heartbroken by a negitive test

Answer
Hi Danielle,

If you're having sex, it's always possible that you could be pregnant, even with your partner having had a vasectomy.  However, it is very unlikely that that is the cause of your symptoms.

Although the symptoms you described can be a sign of early pregnancy, it can also be associated with hormonal changes going on in your body as well, sometimes related to certain times in your menstrual cycle.
That is unfortunately the more likely explanation.

If you don't want to be heartbroken by a negative test, don't do an early test.  Wait until it's been 5 days since your period was supposed to start, and test then.  I hope that I'm wrong and that you are pregnant!

If you're not pregnant, you may notice that you get the breast tenderness at certain times of the month; that is a good indicator that it's related to the hormonal changes going on in your body.

Also, if you're not pregnant but the breast tenderness continues and doesn't get any better, it's probably a good idea to give your OB/GYN or midwife a call to find out what is causing this.

If you and your fiance want to have a baby, he can have a sperm count done to see if that's a possibility without a reversal.  At least then you would know the likelihood of that happening without him having surgery.

I wish you the best,

Dorothy H, LCCE