QuestionDear Mr Cusumano,
I am 23 years old, 0 children, and my last period started on Oct.20.
My last period was kind of irregular. It wasn't heavy at all, and barely lasted 3 days. Although there was bleeding and had regular pms symptoms. I have been on ortho tri cyclen lo for about 2 years, so I know period get lighter and shorter while on the pill.
Im supposed to get my period next week, and this week (like it usually happens), my breast are swollen and sore, have lower back pain, and feel very tired and lethargic (also due to fact I recently started taking xanax xr for anxiety). This week also I have a "fullness" in my stomach, mostly my lower abdomen. I have been having abdominal problems since last April and have seen a gyno, reg. doctor, and urologist (said my urethra was very tight, stretched it a little in Aug., but that didnt do much). I never really had any infections, and just this past Mon. saw my urologist, said no infection (from urine sample), but wants me to see a gastronologist because I have been having bowel movement problems, and get this ball of pain in the left side of my abdomen, esp. w/caffein. I cant drink coffee (reg.) any more, and I have been eating a lot of chocolate, so this might be causing the pain to increase.
Questions: Last time I had intercourse Sept.6 (used spermicidal lubricated condom), have fooled around since (i.e. dry hump, etc.) since then, but fiance didnt ejaculate near vaginal area (maybe some precum), take pills every day same time, fiance has rare condition of pituitary/thyroid disease where his endo. doesnt think he can have kids.
1. Can I get pregnant w/out actually having sex?
2. Had blood test done Oct.21, came back neg. but fooled around a few days before that so Im afraid too soon to take. (i.e. Oct.8)
3. Is it common to urinate/feel like urinating more frequently week before period?
4. Does the cold weather cause more frequent urination?
5. Usually have a larger appetite week before period (ie. sweets/salt), but this month I really dont have any appetite. I know a symptom of xanax is loss of appetite, can that be the reason? Or is it normal for women to have some months with different pms symptoms?
6. Any possibility that I could be pregnant, or is this just a combo of pms, birth control pills, and xanax?
7. I was on antibiotics in Oct. we fooled around, but didnt have intercourse, and Ive been readin that they may actually have no effect on birth control pills.
Thanks for all your help.
AnswerHi JR,
I apologize for the lateness of my response. I've been ill for the past few days.
I'll answer these by your numbers:
1) No
2) If you're talking about a pregnancy test, it is best to take it 10 days after a missed period
3) Not really.
4) No
5) PMS can be severe some months and not so others. The Xanax might have made this PMS less severe. Appetite isn't usually an issue with periods, Craving yes, but increased appetite, no.
6) Not pregnant without intercourse with ejaculation. The "pre-cum" as you describe it CAN have Sperm and there is a chance of preganacy that way.
7) Antibiotics CAN affect the protection of BCP's. It's better no to have sex while taking them.
Another thing, I hope that you are not going to be on Xanax regularly for anxiety. it is not a good drug for long term use. There are better drugs that are less dangerous for the long term.
