Q for the ladies...

[Weaza_cfc]

Apologies fellas!

I have been taking my contraceptive pill properly, as far as I can tell, ever since I started to aprox. 3 months ago. Unfortunately, me and my boyfriend have a nasty habit of relying solely on it, rather than in conjunction with other things. This month, my period is 3 days late. Put my mind at rest and give me all the possible reasons why my normally regular period could be late other than me being pregnant (say it ain't so!)! There could be other causes, right?

Thanks

[frilly]

There can be a few causes for this, worry and stress could be one of the reasons.
If i were you i would try and go about my normal routine for a few more days and try not to panic.
There is always the option of buying a cheap pregnancy test to put your mind at rest.
Good luck and keep us informed.

[Cymbeline]

A bout of diarrhoea or vomiting can reduce the pill's effectiveness. Have you been sick at all? My period is always late and every month I worry. Stress and long haul travelling can interfere with regularity.

[chazza]

Yes stress or not eating properly can affect it

Or sometimes it just comes a few days late for no reason, especially if you have only been taking the pill for three months, your body could still just be getting used to it!

[Weaza_cfc]

Cymbeline, I haven't been sick as such lately, although I did have a case of thrush a while ago? Would that possibly have the same effect? Perhaps the fact I have exams soon is effecting it, even if I don't feel particularly stressed...

Well, thank you all for your help! I am remaining quite calm now.

Will keep you posted.

[frilly]

Have you been on antibiotics in the last month?. This can really reduce the effectiveness of the pill.

[sophie_1003]

if you took fluconazole to combat the thrush there have been "unconfirmed reports that it has effected the reliability of the pill" (what my doctor told me) when I asked if I should use extra protection he said I'd "probably" be ok. If you have a Wilkos or Bodycare near you they both do pregnancy tests for under a fiver.

[cyberfraggle]

I was on the pill for years and used no other method of contraception with it and I'm still not pregnant and never have been. I was very regular but stress was the problem for me, and little thing that I didn't think had bothered me much, and I'd be a week late. I wouldn't worry unless you've been on antibiotics or had sickness / diarrhoea as the other people have mentioned, oh and that you have been taking it within the time slot, you don't say if you're on the combined pill or the mini pill, because you only have a very small time window to take the mini pill in. I say I used to be on it, the only reason I had to stop taking it was I was getting flashing lights and my doctor told me I must come off it, otherwise I'd still be using the pill now. I'd judt get on with it (I know it's not that easy) because worrying that your pregnant will make you even more late!