Stress about pregnancy

[Ariadnee]

Hello everyone! Hope you' re feeling better... I suffer from OCD the last 11-12 years (I am now 30). I struggle with contamination OCD but at some points I am extremely stressed when my period delay. My cycles aren't steady. I used to get my period at 30-33 days but the past months at 27-29 days. I have 6 days period delay, 2 negative pregnancy tests. My husband and I use condoms EVERY time from the START, he doesn't climax inside of me and we always check the condom after. I can stop worrying about a possible pregnancy. I am not ready, I drank coffee and wine during this period. I am afraid that I might be pregnant and I might have ALREADY harm my baby. The past 3 days I feel period pain, but nothing. I read online that some women got negative pregnancy test but were in fact pregnant, although I have to admit that those women were trying to get pregnant. I am unreasonable? Is this OCD? I am sorry for any mistakes, English is not my mother language.

[LuvSun]

I think your OCD is really playing a part in your thought pattern. I can totally relate to what you are going through.

[Ariadnee in reply to LuvSun]

Thank you so much for your reply. It's extremely frustrating to feel this way all the time. I can't seem to catch a break. I don't know what else can I do...

[Sallyskins]

The menstrual cycle can react to stress by becoming erratic. And then that makes you more stressed, and your periods become more erratic. It's one of those 'vicious circles'.

Menstruation can also react to diet - eating a lot of soya or drinking a lot of soya milk, for example, can lengthen the menstrual cycle.

It sounds as though your mind is working overtime, wondering if you are pregnant. It does sound like OCD. It's typical of OCD to make you go over and over something in your mind, and the more you do this, the more confused and full of doubts you become.

From all that you say, it sounds extremely unlikely that you could be pregnant. The likelihood is that it's just your menstrual cycle being erratic. And any wine or coffee you've had over a few days would be unlikely to cause harm if you were pregnant,

Pregnancy tests can give false readings, but they're usually pretty accurate nowadays. I know it's difficult to relax at the moment, but the more you can relax, the more likely your period is to come.

[Ariadnee]

Thank you for your help! You are so kind! I wish I could just take a deep breath and feel more relaxed... Thank you so much! You give me strength! All of you...

[Sallyskins in reply to Ariadnee]

Also, remember that OCD can get worse just before your period. It might be worth taking Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) each day. It can help with feeling stressed when your period is due. It can be bought at the chemists or in health food stores. Anyway, I hope you start to feel better.

[Ariadnee in reply to Sallyskins]

Vitamin B6 sounds helpful! I'll definitely check it out. I got my period today and I am feeling much better but I have to be more careful with my compulsions... Thank you again!

[WildAcceptance]

I currently have the same intrusive thoughts. Most of my friends who have OCD get the same thoughts every cycle too. Even friends who don’t have OCD. Use the tools you’ve learned in managing your symptoms, and live life according to your values. ♥️

[Ariadnee in reply to WildAcceptance]

Thank you for your reply! Even though I feel better knowing that I am not the only one having these thoughts, I feel sorry for your anguish. Thank you so much 💞