Cyst or pregnant?

[JenJen2006]

I haven't gotten my period since the end of October. I'm 23 years old, and had sex with my boyfriend at the beginning of November, but we used a condom and didn't have any problems with it. I'm not on birth control. I haven't gotten my period since then, but I also don't have any symptoms of being pregnant, except for the missed periods. I have taken 3 urine tests for pregnancy, and all 3 came up negative (1 about a week after my period should have come, 1 about a month ago, and 1 a week ago). I have noticed recently that if I put a lot of pressure on the left side of my abdomen that it hurts a little, but it's only if I'm pressing pretty hard - but it doesn't do that with my right side. It doesn't bother me at all if I'm not pushing on it. I have had irregular periods in the past, but I don't think I have ever gone this long in between them, the longest was a little over 2 months, but that was a couple of years ago. I've read on several sites that this could be caused by an ovarian cyst - does anyone think this might be what's going on with me? I've never been to the gynecologist, but right now because of the insurance plan I'm on at work (Health Savings Account) I'll have to pay for the whole visit myself, and I don't make a lot, so I'm trying to avoid too many doctor visits. I know money shouldn't be an issue for my health, but right now unfortunately it is (just had to pay $1300 for stitches in my finger!). I do have a Planned Parenthood close to my house, but I'm not really sure how all that works...

I would really appreciate any advice you all might have. Thanks!

[JenJen2006]

Ok - nevermind - AF came yesterday!  I guess I was worried over nothing, and I guess it IS possible for it to be delayed 3 months because of stress and/or things unrelated to health problems.  I've scheduled an appointment to get checked out and possibly start BCP anyway though.  Thanks again to everyone's kind advice.

[JenJen2006]

Thanks to all of you who gave me advice... I found out that my health insurance will cover most of the cost of preventative visits, such as physicals or gyno appointments, so I am calling to schedule an appointment hopefully for sometime this weekend!  And if anything happens to be wrong, I will maybe try the Planned Parenthood for future visits.  By the way, can anyone recommend a good female gyno in Columbus, OH?  I think I have an idea of where I want to try, but I would feel better if one was recommended (all of my family members go to males, I just feel a little uncomfortable with that).

Thanks again :)

[AnnJ]

Go to Planned Parenthood! I used to go there for all gyno visits when I was younger and under-insured. It's not just a place for teens to get birth control. There were women of all ages who went for yearly paps, and all other kinds of exams. I believe they had a sliding payment scale, and it was based on income and ability to pay.

[my time]

I would schedule an appt at the planned parenthood/ health clinic. I have lived in 4 states, and these places are great. They are based on income or have very minimal charges. You still get very good care. You can schedule a GYN appt, so they could check a blood level for pregnancy, just in case. Also, the physician can evaluate the pain you are having, if it is an ovarian cyst they can help diagnose it. Good luck in figuring out what is going on.

[girl522]

I don't know what state you live in but I live in South Carolina.  In SC if you are a student (which I am) or make less than I believe $20,000 a year you can get a family planning waiver card that makes all of your visits free plus you they pay for your birth control.  I would see if you have anything like that in your state I'm sure you do.

[JenJen2006]

I'm really not as concerned about the money as I am my situation... has anyone else experienced this type of thing with the missed periods, but no signs of pregnancy and very slight pain when applying pressure to one side?  And if so, what ended up being the cause?