QuestionI had taken my pill everyday during this time, though at slightly different times. I have been on the BCP for about 7 months, so it is still kind of new to me, could that still be a factor? I also read on the package that it is possible to have a skipped period due to the BCP occasionally. I don't think I have pregnancy symptoms except for sore breasts... but I get that occasionally for no reason so I tend to not consider that. I had been trying to work out more around that time and had lost about 5 pounds in a week and a half time span, I had midterms and observation for school... so I was also very stressed... I know I should get a blood test, but does it seem like these could be a factor? Sorry I know you probably get a lot of these...
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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I had my last period 1/31/07 until 2/4 and had sex on 2/11. It was also the only time I had sex during this cycle. I have never missed a period in my life but did not get it this past month. I am on a 28 day cycle and was on microgestin FE (i think like 20?) until the week I missed my period. I have taken 3 hpts and they were all negative (2 different brands). Could I still be pregnant or could this be stress related?
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Dear Julie,
If you are a woman with very regular, clock-work type cycles, which it sounds like you are, the a completely missed period is unusual. And the sexual encounter took place during your fertile time.
However, if you were on Microgestin (faithfully) before and after the sexual encounter, you should have been protected from pregnancy. Did you just recently start the BCP? Sometimes women will note a variation from their normal cycle in the first few months on the BCP.
Stress is one thing that definitely can affect your cycles. A change in diet, sudden or extreme weight loss or gain, some medications or drug use, excessive exercise, depression, and/or thyroid dysfunction can also cause menstrual irregularities.
If you have had three negative test results, you are likely not pregnant. But if you are having early pregnancy symptoms, you might consider getting a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG) at your doctor's office. This would give you an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream, rather than simply a positive/negative result.
Otherwise, you'll have to wait and see what the next cycle brings. As I said, since you were on the BCP, you should have been protected, but stranger things have happened. And with the timing of the intercourse plus the missed period, you cannot completely discount pregnancy as an option. Many women have reported not getting a positive result with HPTs until the last half of the 1st trimester.
I hope this information has helped you. I know you'd just as soon have a "for sure" answer. :-) I wish I could do that for you. Be well.
Brenda
AnswerDear Julie,
Don't be sorry! That's what I'm here for.
If you've taken the BCP for 7 months, then you likely would have noted some irregularity before now.
It sounds more like external factors could be contributing to this. The stress you describe, in addition to the change in diet/sudden weight loss, could definitely alter your cycles.
At this point, I don't think it will hurt anything for you to wait and see what happens with your next cycle. The three negative tests indicate you probably are not pregnant. If you do not get a period with the next cycle for some reason, then go ahead and test again.
Hope that helps!
Brenda
