Understanding Negative Pregnancy Tests After Depo & Unprotected Sex

Question
I have been experiencing quite a number of preg symps,now I was off my depo for a few weeks and had unprotected sex w/ my BF. I then went to go get my shot a few days or week after having unprotected sex preg test was neg then to. I also had a (I guess if you want to call it that?) period that lasted from the beginning of July 08 to after I got my shot, it would come and go but was steady everyday for the beginning of July it never really got red, more like a dark brown/ red, we had sex throughout that time as well, I took a few preg tests but they were neg,and the last one I took was around the 25th of Aug and it was neg, now here it is Sep 1 and I took a preg test tonight but it was neg, my preg symptoms range from aversion to foods, extreme fatigue, I have almost fallen asleep at the wheel, I was a little emotional in a movie, that I have seen several times, pelvic fullness, hot flashes, frequent urination, constipation, I have craved some foods, especially after seeing them on tv,but not many, changes in my bowel habits when I used to be regular, I have to sleep a lot now because I am always so tired, noticed a white discharge, no smell really, my ability to smell has heightened, even though I never had a keen nose,my right hip has been paining me, I have had indigestion before but not like this,curiously enough I was bloated but not anymore, I have been a little moody, but know that Depo can do that to you,I started getting these symptoms around the 23rd of Aug and they have continued, depo has never mimicked a pregnancy in my body before so why would it start now,. Officially I have been on depo since 1998 except for when I got preg w/ my daughter after being off of it for a few months back in 02, she is five now going on six.I don't have insurance so I was hoping to get like an answer before I go running in for a blood test, and then what if that comes up neg to?What could be causing these symptoms

Answer
Dear Julia,

Well, you are right in that Depo Provera can cause all of those symptoms - which are hormonal in nature.

I understand your insurance dilemma, but my best suggestion would be to go in for that quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG). That test will give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream rather than just a positive/negative result. Any amount of 25 mIU/ml or more would be considered positive for pregnancy. It is a much more conclusive test than a urine test.

If that test is also negative, I would actually ask them to run a complete blood count, or at least a hemoglobin, to make sure that you are not anemic (based on your fatigue symptoms).

I do apologize for the delay in answering your question. Although we are encouraged to answer within 3-5 days, I usually like to answer my questions within 48 hours. Unfortunately, I am having issues with migraines again and will likely need to take a short LOA from this while I get some medication adjusted. I do hate to make people wait when I know you are anxious for answers, so taking a short leave seems more reasonable. Again, I am sorry for the delay.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda