Pregnancy tests

[justreadmyspine.livejournal.com]

My period should've started on April 30th (I had a very regular cycle while I was on birth control). I took a pregnancy test on April 28th and it was negative. But my period has not come. I stopped Ortho Evra on April 5th so I know this could be due to a change in my cycle from stopping birth control. However, my boyfriend have been using the pull-out method since I stopped, so I could be pregnant. I think I should take another test, but how long should I wait to do that? The one I took was two days before my scheduled period. It's now been four days since my period didn't come. Is that too soon to test again, or is it good to test again if you miss a period?

Comments

[arrien.livejournal.com]

you can test as soon as the first day after your missed period with a regular test. There are also early response tests, but they don't work for everyone. It all depends on the amount of hCG in your urine.


But yes, you can test and you should get an accurate result.

[amazon-syren.livejournal.com]

Okay.

1) Unless you're allergic to latex (which you may be, I realize), or are actively trying to get pregnant (although I'm guessing you're not) your boyfriend should be using the condom method of birth-control, as it's a whole lot more effective (and somewhat less of a let-down, from what I understand).

Re: Late Period:
I think it's likely that this is just post-stopping-birth-control hormonal changes, and nothing to worry about. (Or, conversely, it's you stressing over a possible-but-unlikely pregnancy, and thus not getting your period due to stress).
Either way: Assuming you're not allergic to raspberries: Make a big, *strong* pot of raspberry tea (fruit or leaf -- leaf is stronger, fruit tastes better, or you can combine the two) and drink it all, over the course of a few hours.
In my experience (granted, I've never been on any form of hormonal birth-control), this should bring on your period in about three days.

Good luck to you. :-)

[angelic-bathory.livejournal.com]

If your period doesn't come soon, take the test with your first morning urine and don't forget to wait the alotted time. HCG is more potent then.

[viellen]

Hey, I've noticed there seems to be some confusion about the efficacy of spermicide vs. the pull-out method. Here's some more information for you. The pull-out-method is statistically very similar to spermicide (in fact there are studies that state the pull-out method is more effective than spermicide). According to Go Ask Alice, spermicide (which includes VCF) is between 79-96% effective, depending on use (aka 79 is closer to "normal" use and 96 is perfect use). The pull-out method similarly ranges from 80-95% effective (source). While they are similar, neither are really an effective way of preventing pregnancy. Spermicide also comes with it's own set of concerns, as some people have allergies/sensetivaties to it. There is also a theory that spermicide may create small cuts in the vagina, which would make one more susceptible to contractive STI's (one of many sources. This theory is based on an unsubstantiated study in Africa (aka it's not 100% proven fact, but it is a logical concern).

Despite spermicide and the pull-out method having low efficacy rates, there are still some very effective non-hormonal options for birth control--and they may be a little easier on your budget, if that's a concern. Planned Parenthood sometimes offers some of these options for free or at a low cost (i.e. the Paraguard IUD). As always, the best course of action is talking to your doctor :)