I can see why you are wondering what is going on! A negative pregnancy test and your period has not started yet (and you are on day 34 of your cycle).
It sounds like you know that periods can be late for any number of reasons, so that is good that you are looking at all possible reasons. Pregnancy is always a possibility, as no birth control method is 100%.
Since you absolutely do not want to get pregnant, the good news is: home pregnancy tests are 99% effective at detecting any pregnancy hormones once you have missed your period. Your test being expired by a month most likely would not effect the results...but there is a chance that it did. I would suggest taking another home pregnancy test that is not expired and/or call your GYN for advice.
If you do call your doctor's office, let the nurse know you are on Cycle Day 36 (Tuesday after Labor Day) with no sign of period and a negative pregnancy test. They will either want to see you to do an in-office urine pregnancy test (about $20), or let you know it's OK to wait a few more days (or a week) for your period to start.
The withdrawal method is not "stupid", it is just not highly effective for the "typical use", and is only about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms are up to 98% effective, and hormonal contraception is 99% effective....so you may want to talk with your doctor about getting a prescription sooner rather than later! Any reason you are not using hormonal contraception? If so, condoms are the next best thing to preventing pregnancy!
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I can see why you are wondering what is going on! A negative pregnancy test and your period has not started yet (and you are on day 34 of your cycle).
It sounds like you know that periods can be late for any number of reasons, so that is good that you are looking at all possible reasons. Pregnancy is always a possibility, as no birth control method is 100%.
Since you absolutely do not want to get pregnant, the good news is: home pregnancy tests are 99% effective at detecting any pregnancy hormones once you have missed your period. Your test being expired by a month most likely would not effect the results...but there is a chance that it did. I would suggest taking another home pregnancy test that is not expired and/or call your GYN for advice.
If you do call your doctor's office, let the nurse know you are on Cycle Day 36 (Tuesday after Labor Day) with no sign of period and a negative pregnancy test. They will either want to see you to do an in-office urine pregnancy test (about $20), or let you know it's OK to wait a few more days (or a week) for your period to start.
The withdrawal method is not "stupid", it is just not highly effective for the "typical use", and is only about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms are up to 98% effective, and hormonal contraception is 99% effective....so you may want to talk with your doctor about getting a prescription sooner rather than later! Any reason you are not using hormonal contraception? If so, condoms are the next best thing to preventing pregnancy!
September 6, 2009 - 6:38amThis Comment
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