Scarleteen

Hey! I started a new pack of birth control pills on 12/31. Me and my boyfriend had unprotected sex on 1/7. He pulled out. I did not take plan b because I didn't start to worry about possibly being pregnant until today (1/10). I have been cramping for about 5-6 days. My OBGYN instructs me to skip over the white pills that I'm supposed to take during my period week and continue to take the colored pills. I usually cramp when I'm supposed to be on my period while taking the colored birth control, but I don't know if I'm supposed to be on my period because I can't remember when my last period was. I read online that cramping can be because an egg is being attached to a wall or it might be a side effect from birth control. I'm extremely worried that I might be pregnant but it's too early to take a test! What do you think?

Hi Lkm123, I'm Becky,

First of all, I wouldn't try to self-diagnose online. It can be really tempting to start searching your symptoms, but I don't think this is helpful. You could be cramping for a number of different reasons, as you yourself have said.

The best advice I can give you is to relax a little. If you are pregnant, then you can have a chat about your options with your doctor. If you're not pregnant, there's no sense in worrying. In fact, excessive worrying can increase hormones in your body - and this all by itself can affect your period.

I'd take a pregnancy test as soon as you can, but until then I'd try to distract yourself a little. Read a book, play a video game, do something that takes your mind off it. There's nothing more you can do at the moment.

Peace and love,
Becky

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