Delayed Period After Stopping Birth Control: What to Know

Question
I've been on orthotricyclen for about 3 yrs now. Recently i had to take anitbiotics and was throwing up continually for about 5 days. I stopped taking my pill mid cycle bc the pill was making me sicker. I figured i would just wait for my period and start taking it after it was over and i was also done with the antibiotics. My period was right on time last month around the 5th. This month it still isn't here and it is the 21st. I did have sex during the month but we used condoms. And in the past if i ever missed my pills a few days I would start spotting immediately. This month has been no spotting at all. I've taken 4 pregancy tests and they are all negative. Could i be pregnant or is it bc i stopped mid-cycle? could there be any other reasons for a missed period?

Answer
Hi Araceli,

Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical doctor so please check with your own physician. In my opinion, the antibiotics might have caused your cycle to be irregular. You could be pregnant and just took the test too soon. You can get pregnant, although a small chance, when you threw up the pills. Condoms are not 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. No method is 100% effective except abstinence. Another reason for a late or missed period could be stress in your life. You could get a free pregnancy test at a pregnancy resource center. You can find out if there is a local one by calling 1-800-395-HELP or go to http://www.optionline.org
If you live outside of U.S., go to this website http://www.heartbeatinternational.org/worldwide_directory.asp

Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what happens.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl