Might I Be Pregnant?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Might I Be Pregnant?
4
Sun, 07-16-2006 - 4:35am

Hi All,

Ok, here is my situation:

I am on ortho-tricyclen (many years), and I am usually good about taking them on time. However, last week (Saturday Night), I forgot to take my pill, and ended up taking it 10 hours later than I should've. I had sex around four hours past the hour I was supposed to take it (i.e., six hours prior to the time I DID end up taking it). I then took my 3rd-week-blue-pill at the usual time for that Sunday night, and thereafter. I went into my green inactive placebo pills midway into the week, if this matters. So, all in all, in other words, I "missed one active pill," which--according to the info packet for the pills--you do not need backup birth control, but I wasn't taking any chances!

So, worried I might get pregnant, I called Planned Parenthood, and wouldn't you know they were CLOSED that Monday. I was finally able to access the EC pills Tuesday from them, and took them promptly, which was around 5 pm. This means I was within the 72 hour period they claim EC works best (obviously, wishing I had access to them sooner, but whatdya gonna do?).

My period was due THIS Friday (i.e., a week after my act of intercourse), and it hasn't come yet. I know today is only early Sunday, but I am paranoid now.

Here are more facts:

1. I drank some alcohol two days this week; not sure if this can affect my period coming (it seemed to in the past the few times I've ever drank).
2. I take Milk Thistle (herbal supplement); not sure if this can affect my period.
3. I normally have irregular periods, which is one of the main reasons I put myself on the pill.
4. I was told I can choose to take the EC pills both at the same time, if my stomach can handle it (I've used it once before and it didn't bother me one bit), OR take it the standard way, which is one pill right away, then 2nd pill 12 hours later. I'm not sure which one is more effective, but I do know that the one practitioner told me it was my choice, so I am putting trust in that she knows what she's talking about. However, I am worried because NOWHERE in my web searches do I find the option of taking both pills at once! Every web result I find says to take the 12-hour option.

I know EC can make one's period come late, but should I worry? I have had slight, slight cramping in my female parts, which is USUALLY a sign of my period coming. But nothing has occurred yet. I hope the odds are in my favor that I am not pregnant, and my body is just all screwed up from the stress and meds I've exposed it to...

Any opinions or insight/personal experiences would be VERY helpful.

PS--I am 33, and have a VERY tilted uterus, if this means anything.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 07-16-2006 - 12:38pm

Hi shadowsofamn, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Sun, 07-16-2006 - 9:49pm

Thanx, Jill, for your response...

Another question: What is the typical delay of a period, in terms of days, when one takes EC? A week or something? I've read varying things, so I am not sure what to think. Obviously, I know each person is different, but I wanted to know what the medium is.

Also, could I take a pregnancy test this soon? My period was due Friday, so would the test be effective this early?

Lastly, do I continue to take my pills as usual? I am currently on the green placebo week of pills, but coming up is a new pack of active pills, so should I just keep taking them as usual?

Thanks for any help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 7:36am

When your period comes after you used EC is going to depend on how your body handles both the hormones from the pill and the hormones from EC--your situation is entirely dependent on your own body.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Mon, 07-17-2006 - 3:46pm

Yeaa! Got my period today! Admittedly, I was a little impatient about the delay EC would cause in my period, despite the knowledge and common sense that it would naturally be late from the sudden surge of hormones. I guess paranoia makes one impatient...

Thank God for message boards for all of us to exchange experiences and questions when err occurs. Too bad men don't have to remember to take a pill 365 days a year. Ask them if they've ever forgotten to take their multi-vitamin, and then go "Aha! Now you know what WE deal with...except OUR consequences are far worse! All YOU gotta deal with is less constipation for forgetting to take your iron, and your eyes might not be 20/20 for not taking your lutein! Geesh!" lol

Thanx again for all your help. I'm actually enjoying the fact that my cramps are here. Time for some ibuprofen now...:-)




Edited 7/17/2006 3:53 pm ET by shadowsofamn