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Are Frequent Urination, Sore Breasts And Abdominal Cramps Suggestive Of Pregnancy?
Question: Hi, I am struggling to figure out if I am pregnant or not. My body just does not feel right and my doctors won't see me until the 18th. I have been on the Nuva ring for about 2-3 years now. Up until recently I have used it normally (3 weeks in, 1 week out). About six months ago I was having terrible cramping so my doctor changed the way I used it (4 weeks in and then reinsert a new one). This was also not working so I have now switched it to 4 weeks in, 3 days out, and then reinserting a new one. This seemed to be working until last month. I had sex on the 6th without any protection, including my Nuva ring. I had a 9 day period after that and then had sex again on the 15th and 16th. At which point my Nuva ring was in. However on my ovulation day I started spotting (very light and only noticeable when I wiped). This has been going on now for 9 days off an on spotting with a variation of colors. I have been urinating at night every two hours, my breasts have been extremely sore and swollen and I'm having minimal cramping. I also have been extremely bloated. I have taken three pregnancy tests but they were all taken within like 48 hrs of each other and the nurse I had talked to said it was too early to take one that I needed to wait until my first missed period. My period is supposed to come on the 14th. I was going to retest on the 8th. Is this a good plan? Should I fight to get in a doctors office? I'm getting very nervous.
P.s. I haven't been experienced any breakthrough bleeding since I first started the Nuva ring.
P.s. I haven't been experienced any breakthrough bleeding since I first started the Nuva ring.
Brief Answer:
If you have not had the Nuvaring out for more than 1 week, there is no risk
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
If you have been using your Nuvaring the same way as before (4 weeks in, 4 days out), even if you have unprotected sex, you should be protected against pregnancy.
Furthermore, pregnancy symptoms vary widely between women and many of the symptoms we commonly associate with pregnancy like breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, bloating, mood changes and bleeding when you are not supposed to have your period are also side effects of hormonal contraceptives.
In addition, many women who have been on low estrogen hormonal contraception develop breakthrough bleeding after using it for many years.
Because you only leave the ring out for 4 days at a time, you may have a buildup of hormones from 3 months of your new pill schedule, which may be causing many of your symptoms.
Modern pregnancy tests are extremely accurate but at least 10 days to 2 weeks after conception. I would recommend you retest at that time, but again, your actual risk of pregnancy is extremely low.
If you are not pregnant, I think it would be worth changing your ring schedule to-
4 weeks in/1 week out. That will give a longer time for your hormone levels fall in between rings which hopefully will make you feel less bloated. If you continue to have worsening cramps, you may need a different birth control medication. Taking anti inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen can help in the meantime.
So there is no reason to worry at this point, because your risk of pregnancy is extremely
low and there is nothing that can be done until you get your pregnancy test results. So you really don't need to see a doctor in emergency. If your bleeding gets heavy enough to soak one pad per hour, or you develop painful urination or see blood in your urine, then you should be seen sooner.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
If you have not had the Nuvaring out for more than 1 week, there is no risk
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
If you have been using your Nuvaring the same way as before (4 weeks in, 4 days out), even if you have unprotected sex, you should be protected against pregnancy.
Furthermore, pregnancy symptoms vary widely between women and many of the symptoms we commonly associate with pregnancy like breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, bloating, mood changes and bleeding when you are not supposed to have your period are also side effects of hormonal contraceptives.
In addition, many women who have been on low estrogen hormonal contraception develop breakthrough bleeding after using it for many years.
Because you only leave the ring out for 4 days at a time, you may have a buildup of hormones from 3 months of your new pill schedule, which may be causing many of your symptoms.
Modern pregnancy tests are extremely accurate but at least 10 days to 2 weeks after conception. I would recommend you retest at that time, but again, your actual risk of pregnancy is extremely low.
If you are not pregnant, I think it would be worth changing your ring schedule to-
4 weeks in/1 week out. That will give a longer time for your hormone levels fall in between rings which hopefully will make you feel less bloated. If you continue to have worsening cramps, you may need a different birth control medication. Taking anti inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen can help in the meantime.
So there is no reason to worry at this point, because your risk of pregnancy is extremely
low and there is nothing that can be done until you get your pregnancy test results. So you really don't need to see a doctor in emergency. If your bleeding gets heavy enough to soak one pad per hour, or you develop painful urination or see blood in your urine, then you should be seen sooner.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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