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1486999 tn?1288077212

Monthly anxiety that I might be pregnant

I am 19 yrs old and on the pill. I smoke cigarettes every once in a while, maybe  two or three a week, so I don't think that's enough to effect the potency of the pills. I've been on them for a year now, taking three weeks of pills then one week of placebo, during which I have my periods.
The problem is, I'm terrified of becoming pregnant despite the pills. I'm extremely sexually active, my boyfriend and I have sex an average of about 6 times a week. I never let him *** in me, but I know that precum still has its risks, and we don't use condoms out of preference.
During my three weeks a month of pills, I'm fine. The week of placebos, however, I freak out. I start the placebos on a Sunday and usually get my period the Monday or Tuesday of that week.
Well, this week is placebo week. And it's Wednesday, and I have yet to see blood or smell a change in my vaginal secretions that usually signals my coming period... I'm really scared. If I don't see blood by the end of today, I might lose it.

Does anyone else have this extreme anxiety? An all consuming fear that the birth control isn't working no matter how faithfully and regularly you take it?
And how do you deal with it? I hate this monthly panic attack!
And is there anything else I can do to increase the effectiveness of the pills? I don't want to use condoms, they rather ruin sex for me and I've had them break in the past during rough sex... help?!
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Avatar universal
Anxiety could of been the cause of your late period. When your body is going through stress, missing a period is one reaction to stress your body may have. As for smoking while on the pill... It doesn't decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pill. The reason smoking is not recommened while on the pill is because it can increase the chances of blood clots, heart attacks and stroke. if anything I would be more concerned about that then getting pregnant.  As long as your taking your pill correctly (not missing pills, taking them at the same time everyday, ect) then you should be fine. However, it is always possible to become pregnant even when your protected so some other things you can be careful with or watch out for is if you are on antibiotics use a back up method, or if u have vomitted or have had diarrhea it's good to use a back up. Maybe also look into another form of birth control? There are many options out there that you might feel more comfortable with.
Helpful - 0
1486999 tn?1288077212
I'm glad I'm not the only one that goes through this kind of anxiety... My period did come, but was two days late.
It's probably an overreaction to freak if it's even a day late, but I can't help it since usually it runs like clockwork due to the pills.
And thanks.
Helpful - 0
1462044 tn?1448394736
I'm 19 also, and going through this right now. I've taken two pregnancy tests since my period was late and both were negative. I know it's not uncommon for our bodies to just skip one once in a while (although it is weird considering the birth control is supposed to "force" one). I have a friend who gets her period three or four times a year but for a week or two at a time.

If you can not afford a pregnancy test, go to a Planned Parenthood clinic or something along those lines. I had to do that once because I couldn't afford a home test and they will do one free.

I think that chances are you're NOT pregnant, but I'm not a doctor and have no real way of knowing. But, I do know that the more you stress about it, the later your period will be. Try not to stress, and get a test done ASAP.

<3 Good luck.
Helpful - 0
1486999 tn?1288077212
I can't afford a test every month... and I can't afford a test at all right now. I'm that broke.

So I definitely can't afford the... solution. If there IS a problem...
Helpful - 0
1488429 tn?1289222119
Why not just get a test and put your mind at ease?
Helpful - 0
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