Concerns About Missed Period and Possible Pregnancy
At 27 years old, I'm 5'3" and weigh 170 pounds. My daily medications include 75 mg of venlafaxine and 50 mg of amitriptyline, along with Nitrofurantoin after intercourse and 15 grams of Metamucil each day (the latter two are recent additions). I haven't experienced a menstrual cycle in approximately four to five months, with my last periods occurring around November or December of 2024. I discontinued using Nuvaring in August 2024. During a well-woman exam in January, my physician indicated that my irregular cycles might stem from the hormonal shifts related to stopping birth control. Previously, my cycles were irregular but typically within a few days of the expected date. The doctor confirmed that everything seemed normal during my examination. This year, I have suffered from four urinary tract infections (UTIs) almost consecutively. After completing the prescribed antibiotics, it was suggested that these infections could be linked to either constipation or sexual activity (as a result, I am now taking Metamucil daily and using prophylactic measures post-intercourse, which seem to have alleviated the issue). While visiting urgent care around late January or early February, a pregnancy test was conducted, which returned negative. I had also taken several home pregnancy tests before this, each yielding negative results when I was two to four weeks overdue. Regarding sexual activity, we have consistently used condoms, and my partner has never ejaculated inside me. On a couple of occasions, I relied on Plan B after engaging in unprotected sex, but I am aware that my weight may reduce its effectiveness. Could it still be possible for me to be pregnant? I haven't experienced any pregnancy symptoms, yet I feel anxious about the possibility. Should I consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other potential issues?
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 7:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a missed period and possible pregnancy, especially after having irregular cycles and experiencing multiple urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here are the key points to consider regarding your situation:
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Missed Periods and Pregnancy: Given that you’ve had multiple negative pregnancy tests, including at a medical facility, it seems unlikely you are pregnant. However, other factors could be affecting your menstrual cycle.
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Hormonal Changes: Stopping the Nuvaring can lead to hormonal shifts, which might explain the irregular or absent periods. Your physician previously noted that this change could be the reason for your cycle irregularities.
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Other Factors: Factors such as stress, weight changes, medications (like venlafaxine and amitriptyline), and health conditions can also impact menstrual cycles. Urinary issues and the use of Metamucil may not directly affect your cycle but can contribute to overall discomfort and anxiety.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Cycle: Keep a record of your menstrual cycle, noting any changes or symptoms. This can help identify patterns over time.
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Pregnancy Tests: If you remain concerned about pregnancy, it's reasonable to take another home pregnancy test, especially if your period is still absent. If it is still negative, it reinforces the likelihood that pregnancy is not the issue.
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Consult a Healthcare Professional: Since you’ve had significant changes in your menstrual cycle and multiple UTIs, a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider would be beneficial. Discuss persistent concerns about your menstrual health, the use of medications, and how they might impact your cycles. It may also be useful to check for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues if they are suspected.
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Lifestyle Considerations: Stress management, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet can support reproductive health. Ensure you maintain good hydration and nutrition, especially with your history of UTIs.
Feeling anxious is completely normal in this situation. Remember that your concerns are valid, and taking these steps will help you understand your body better and regain some peace of mind. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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