pregnant or irregular period?

I have been taking the pill for the past 3 years and recently went off (September). Before taking the pill I was super regular (28-30 day cycle since my very first period) and the two periods after september (oct and nov) were also on time and regular. However, my period this month is already 1 week late and I have been sexually active this month, although we used condoms every single time and they never broke. We took a pregnancy test about 4 days after when my period was supposed to come and it was negative, I plan to take another one a week from that first test just to make sure.. I have been a little bit stressed this month due to exams, but I have been way more stressed in the past with no problems. Should I be worried about being pregnant or is it most likely just period irregularity due to going off the pill?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Stress is one of the causes of delayed period, but if there is a history of any unprotected intercourse, then it needs evaluation and to confirm the status of pregnancy, I suggest you to test for pregnancy by a highly sensitive pregnancy test 10 days post ovulation with a sensitive ( 20 - 25 mIU ) pregnancy test. Also then I would suggest you to get your serum HCG levels estimated since this is more specific than urine for pregnancy tests.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[ylylyl]

Dear Bhupinder Kaur MD,

I think it must have been just stress because my period came a few days after my post. It was a week late, which I guess is not usual, but was a first for me. Thank you for your response!

[limitedbaybee]

I would say since you been on the pill regulary for 3 years it will take a while before you come pregnant. Doctors usually say 6 months to a year but you can never be sure. And since the pill regulates your period since you are off that is the most likely explanation for you irregular period now . Just take another test if its negative I would probely try birth control again. Because once your off your normal use of birth control you period tends to go hay wire.