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I'm 21, my period is about 5 or 6 days late, my boyfriend and I have been using the "pull out method" for the past two years (I know its stupid), and I'm hoping that somebody can help me figure out what could be going on?
I don't feel any pregnancy symptoms (no sore breasts, no fatigue, no nausea, etc), however I did have one incident yesterday morning when I used the restroom and noticed a very slight bright red/pink spot on the toilet paper. It only happened that one time and that was at least 4 days after my missed period, so it can't be implantation bleeding right?
To add to that, I'm overweight, I smoke, drink moderatly, and just started working out for the first time in 3 or 4 years a few weeks ago. I work out for about an hour three times a week, but haven't lost much weight yet. Also, I celebrated my 21st birthday on August 8th and went out of town for two days, then I was laid off the following week, then started school on August 24th. I'm always kind of high-strung so I didn't notice much extra stress, but I could just be immune to it :)
I've also noticed some regular period-like cramping for the last few days and I've been having more bowel movements than usual (which is also normal for me around my period)...but still no blood.
So...sorry for the novel, I'll try to make this easier to read:
August 4th: Period started
August 8th: Left town for the weekend for my birthday.
August 9th: Period ended
August 12th: I was laid off from my job (which I was actually kind of happy about)
August 13th: Started going to the gym three times a week for about an hour a day. Also, my schedule pretty much did a 180 and completely changed.
August 24th: Started school. I take online classes so I wasn't very stressed out...Or at least I don't think I was.
August 31st: I SHOULD have started my period.
August 31st (later in day): Began stressing about missing period.
September 2nd: Took a First Response pregnancy test; results were very clearly negative, however the test expired in July 2009.
September 3rd: Experienced one instance of very light spotting in the AM
September 5th: Still stressed about missing period...
...Can somebody PLEASE reassure me that I'm probably not pregnant?? No offense, but kids are definately not for me and I really do not wish to have one (at least not now)...
Thank you so much for any advice!
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Dear Anon,
In addition to Alison's advice I also wanted to add that stress can cause a delayed or missed period and that if you have recently started working out and your body is not used to it some light spotting may occur. The best way to find out if you are or are not pregnant is definitely by having some blood drawn. The urine test preformed at a doctors office is the same you can do at home for less than what they will charge you.
Good Luck!
September 7, 2009 - 6:55amThis Comment
Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast! I really appreciate how supportive and factual your answer is!
I'll definately take your advice!
Thanks again!
September 6, 2009 - 7:45pmThis Comment
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