Resolved question:
Hi Dr. Weldon,
I am writing to you because I am worried about my birth control. I was scheduled to receive my Depo-Provera shot on 6/17 but was not able to make the appt. As a result, I had to wait until 6/23 to get my next Depo-Provera shot. Between this time I didn't not have sex as I knew the shot was slowing releasing from my body.
I received my shot on 6/23 and then wait 7 days [6/30] to have sexual intercourse. Around July 4th I began having symptoms of a UTI and some GI issues. I ended up going to the ER on July 7th because my UTI was so painful. My stomach cramps, burping, bloating, and on/off diarrhea and constipation has only begun to decrease however. I have been a nervous wreck that I am pregnant. I have taken three pregnancy tests because I have been so upset/nervous/etc.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello.
Thanks for writing to DoctorSpring.com with your health concern.
It is Dr. Vazirani here.
I understand your are anxious but with three negative pregnancy tests, you are certainly NOT pregnant.
-When was your last period ?
-And what is your normal cycle pattern ?
Also, all your symptoms can be caused by the UTI or antibiotics taken for the UTI.
So please do not worry about an accidental pregnancy.
All the best.
Please feel free to discuss further.
Hi Dr. Vazirani-
Thank you for your response.
I don't remember when I had my last period. I've been on the "shot" since 2011. However, I wasn't sure if the shot went "right to work" despite have missed it during that window. I haven't had a period since being on Depo-Provera. Prior to Depo-Provera I had 28-30 day cycles.
My other concern was if the pregnancy tests could accurately assess me since it has only been 13 days since the intercourse took place.
The medicine I was put on for the UTI is called Macrobid. Do you think those symptoms are related?
Hello again.
Macrobid can cause mild bloating and bowel changes.
13 days after unprotected sex, a pregnancy test would not be conclusive.
Repeat it after a week for it to be conclusive.
Use a condom meanwhile.
The Depo would work as expected, even though you were a week late in having it.
Do not worry.
Hi Dr. Vazirani-
I have repeated the pregnancy tests [July 18th, and Today July 19th]. All still negative. Do you think they are accurate?
The anxiety/worry is driving me nuts. I have read/consulted with others who have told me I was protected by Depo at 14 weeks, and I wasn't. I have read that waiting a week after the missed shot was a good idea, and that I should have waited longer. I've read teh pregnancy tests at this point are accurate, and that they aren't.
I think the anxiety is causing me "envision" symptoms that do not exist.
Please help.
Hey, relax!
Please stop using the internet as a source of information, most of it is non medical and confusing.
It will just drive you crazy, and probably it already is doing that !
The Depo WOULD protect you, and it already has, because pregnancy tests now, almost 3 weeks after unprotected sex, are most conclusive.
If they are negative, you are not pregnant.
So please stop worrying, and move on.
I am here if you wish to have any further discussions, but do not worry about pregnancy now.
It is not present.
Take care.