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Another "Pregnant? or just Stress-induced missed period?" question

By March 30, 2009 - 8:05pm
 
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The start of my most recent period was on Feb 26 - projected ovulation date being March 14, projected next period March 28 (via MyMonthlyCycles, where I have been keeping track of my period for 1 year). Average cycle - 30 days.

We had protected intercourse on March 3 and 24. The condom didn't break; slipped down maybe an inch but we pushed it right back up.

Now my period is 3 or 4 days late (depending if you count the 28th), with no usual signs of cramping etc that I normally get. Took two HPT's and both came out negative. Discharge looks normal, no tenderness of breasts or anything. I have had a little bit of an upset stomach but I think I may just be getting sick - I am under quite a bit of stress.

I know it's unlikely that I am pregnant, but I am paranoid since I can't afford to have a child right now. I have heard that stress really can throw off a regular period (I have been regular for 8 years now), but I have a hard time believing it since I am so paranoid... help? I don't know what's wrong with me!

Have a GYNO appt coming up in a month, but I'm the type of person who likes to know without going to the doc! It sure would be nice if my period would come!

Add a Comment579 Comments

(reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,
If what you say is what actually happened, it is very unlikely you would get pregnant from this event. Your period more than likely is just coming at a different time. It is not uncommon for our periods to fluctuate anytime between 24 and 32 days. This is normal--our bodies are not like clocks.
For more information, please thoughtfully read these articles: The Misconceptions of Sex, Am I Pregnant? Myths and Facts About Sex, and How to Know if Your Period is Normal.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

March 8, 2011 - 9:09am

hi all! So I am back, and yes, I got my period 2 nights ago! I am so relieved, and I am definitely going to look into birth control pills to use (as well as continuing to use a condom). I am very thankful to have come across this website, because it truly did help me and gave me insight. Even though I was stressing out so much, I needed to distract myself. So my boyfriend and I went out and had a fun night out just the two of us and had a wonderful time! It was just what we needed, and I guess I was relaxed enough because when I got home, guess who came? My period! Haha! Thanks again!

January 12, 2011 - 7:06pm
(reply to Lizzy12345)

Hey Lizzy12345,
Glad your situation/concern seems to have been resolved. Your night out sounds like it was a blast.
And glad too that you are planning on getting on birth control pills and continuing condom use also. That should cover you in the future so even if you forget to take your pills (it happens!), or if the condom breaks, you will still be covered. If you have questions in the future, feel free to come back and post.
Take care,
Christine

January 13, 2011 - 9:27am

Hey, this is another paranoid girl! I'm only 16, so I'm really quite concerned.

My boyfriend and I had protected sex (condom) on the 30th, around about 11 days ago. We checked the condom together, and filled it with water- no holes or leaks occured.

I've only been sexually active for around about 3 months, only had sex 4 times. Each month, I've freaked out before my period, and I've gotten myself into a terrible state. I've also been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, so I know I can get worked up quite easily. I have an awful habit of punching myself in the lower stomach when I'm stressed- lately especially. My lower right stomach is quite sore to touch, and it's not helped one bit, obviously :(

My last period was on the 7th December (my period before that was on the 2nd November, so I had a bit of a long cycle of 35 days). I'm on day 33 of my cycle, and I'm panicking really badly. I show PMS symptoms, but I freak out because I know they could be early pregnancy ones too- my breasts are kinda sore (happened last month), my back aches, stomach has light cramping when I move around and I've felt a bit nauseas (worry?), so I'm a little unsure of what to think. I feel like I've been peeing a lot (but I could just be noticing it now because I'm looking for signs), but I thought last month I was peeing like crazy- yet my period came days later. I've had some creamy white discharge today, but only a small amount. Is this all normal?

Should I give myself a break or what? I'm seriously scared- same as every month since I began having sex, so my boyfriend & I have decided to put a hold on sex for now, as we both feel we don't need sex to show our love and passion for each other- and even though it's great, it's not worth the worrying!

Please help me out!

January 9, 2011 - 5:23pm
(reply to alexa)

I think you can give yourself a break. It sounds like you are experiencing the same PMS symptoms as you have in previous months.

I'm glad to hear that you and your boyfriend have decided that it is best to wait to have sex, and show your physical love for each other in different ways, as this stress every month is definitely not worth it!

Are you currently being treated for general anxiety disorder? I was surprised to read that you called "punching yourself in the stomach" as a "awful habit", and hope you are seeking good care!

January 9, 2011 - 8:51pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

I feel a bit better from that alone! I do have pains down my sides though, not constantly, but they come and go. I've never had them before and I'm freaking out a little. And my head's been killing me this morning, but I woke up at 5am (I do this from time to time, but usually fall asleep again) and as soon as I woke up I started to wish my period was here, and when I checked my heart started pounding and it felt like there was a pulse in my head...so the headaches probably just from stress, right? Plus my racing heart's been awful the past few days from all my panicking. I feel like I'm at the end of my tether.

I am waiting on my doctor getting back to me with the relevant information- I also forgot to mention I'm a recovering bulimic (I seem such a happy person! I am, really!) and the run up to Christmas was a bit tough- I purged maybe on average once a day, so I'm hoping that's been a factor in it being delayed too.
I know punching myself is a really bad habit because I don't want to harm myself, but I feel like if I do that then I'll have hurt myself enough and it might make my periods come. Stupid, I know!

I'm really going crazy here- there's no discharge at all! Just slight cramps, neck/limb/back/head aches. I'm really worried, but I really don't want to take a test- this is my worst fear!

Edit: Also, I was wondering, because my cycle last time was around 35 days, which is late for me, should I expect it to be around the same this time?

January 9, 2011 - 10:16pm
(reply to alexa)

Well, you can look at the facts:
- You used a condom, and they are up to 98% effective at protecting against pregnancy. You made a good decision to use a condom!
- You are having the same symptoms as you have had before every previous period
- Most symptoms of early pregnancy do not begin until AFTER a missed period, as it takes 10-14 days for a fertilized egg to travel and implant (after ovulation). Pregnancy symptoms do not occur until further along in a pregnancy; the first pregnancy symptom is usually a missed period.

You are dealing with a lot of emotional stuff right now, and engaging in self-harm can definitely cause more physical and emotional stress (which leads to self-harming...a vicious cycle). Are you seeking treatment for your self-harm, bulimia/purging and thinking that hurting yourself will make your period start? You know intuitively this is not right...but there is still something causing you to do these behaviors. I hope you are talking with a great Psychologist and Medical Doctor, who can help you in your recovery process! :)

January 9, 2011 - 10:18pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

Thank you so much!
So you think 10 days after sex is a little to early to get symptoms like backaches/headaches/side aches? I wasn't so sure, and I have virtually no one to ask! And you don't think I'm late since my last cycle was 35 days? I'm really sorry to be asking you all this stuff! But you've helped a lot, I feel better :) I really appreciate it, thank you.

Thank you, I'm waiting on getting a psychologist, so things should be looking up!

January 9, 2011 - 10:34pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi Lizzy,
Once you have missed a regular period, you can take a pregnancy test and if two tests came out negative, I would think you should rest assure that your not pregnant.
Since you are stressed out over the possibility, you certainly will miss a period as stress often causes period delays. I bet you will expect a period any day now once you stop worrying about it.
Remember that any time you have sex, there is always the possibility of pregnancy so protecting yourself with birth control and the use of condoms is always beneficial.
Please keep us updated.
Best of Luck,
Missie

January 9, 2011 - 11:04am

Hello everyone,
I was looking for some help. I have been really stressed out over being pregnant for the last couple of days. My periods usually are pretty regular, but as of a few months ago they seemed to be coming a few days after. For example last November, I got it from Nov. 1- Nov.6. The next month Dec. 5- Dec. 10...however usually my periods are very regular and come on the 1st of most months. Before I have a period, about 2 weeks before, I usually get a few cramps and a lot of clear discharge. I've only had sex with my partner 2 times this month, and once was during the week of what I believed was when I ovulated. All times we've used a condom. It slipped once not while it was inside of me, but by my high upper thigh, and from what I saw, nothing spilled inside me. But still I heard sperm are quite the swimmers. Still I am so paranoid and am anxious for my period to come and nothing. I was expecting it January 5 until now and nothing. I have been stressing myself so much over this. I took 2 pregnancy tests...one yesterday and one today (was the second too soon?). The first one though...I took a Clearblue one, but I didn't urinate the full 5 seconds only about 2-3 seconds...The control window still worked and the result was negative. Then I took it the next day...Clearblue still... (this morning) and it came out negative as well...and I urinated the full 5 seconds (also I splashed a little passed the tip where I'm supposed to pee...would that effect the test??) I'm still stressing out and waiting. Can someone help?

January 8, 2011 - 11:38pm
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