Resolved question:
Hi. I was on birth control for about 5 years, and decided to stop taking it in the end of June/beginning of July. I had one period that started on August 11 and had unprotected sex with the "pull out method" on August 18th. I still do not have my period and yesterday afternoon I took a pregnancy test and the result was negative.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello.
Thanks for writing to DoctorSpring.com with your health concern.
After stopping the birth control pill, particularly after using it for a few years, it is common to experience some kind of irregular menses. This is because of the weaning-off effect of the hormones on your body. As the pregnancy test is negative, do not worry.
Were your cycles regular before using the pill and while on it ?
Also, if you have stopped birth control, and you wish to avoid pregnancy, it is best to switch to another reliable method soon enough, rather than risking an unwanted pregnancy. Other reasons like stress, weight changes, travelling, smoking, drinking, late nights, erratic eating habits , thyroid hormone disturbances etc., can all cause a delayed cycle.
It is best to wait it out for a month, meanwhile the pill withdrawal will stabilize. And then if the delay persists, seek a gynecological evaluation.
All the best.
Please feel free to discuss further.
Hi Doctor,
I believe the were regular before the pill (however that was about 5 years old patientago) and i did have a regular period while on the pill. Is it normal to have one period after stopping birth control and then not getting it? Is it skipping this month or just irregular?
How accurate is a pregnancy test? I read a lot of information online about how sometimes they can be wrong, but I wasn;t sure if this was true or reliable.
Thanks!
Hello,
A pregnancy test is reliable of course, when taken 3 weeks or more after the episode of unprotected sex.
Also, it is normal to have a normal period and then skip one or two.
Whether it is irregular or delayed, only time will tell.
Regards.