Want to add a plug for some cheap pregnancy tests too! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C4NF37WM1CV0CMJ6E07Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm not actually sure they would help in this situation because then the excuse "I'm not buying another expensive test!" would help. But if anyone else wants that info or to hoard them at a friend's...
PREGMATE 50 Pregnancy Test Strips (50 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9BTVJNM1EG9GF03R3Z00
I struggled with conception (no birth control since 2015, but only two pregnancies), and my periods are extremely erratic, as in 2 to 3 times a year erratic. I never know when I should test, so I got these Pregmate Test strips on Amazon. A 50-pack is only $15. That way, I could test whenever I felt "off" or if I was going to a party and was planning on having more than one glass of wine.
They are just the color changing dipstick part without the extremely.overpriced plastic handle.
I’m not sure if I can chime in about what that looks like, I just knew mine didn’t work because I barely bled and I didn’t pass any clots. And since you were able to get combo medications, the rate of the pills working is much higher than misopritol by itself.
I would just order some tests from amazon like this . There’s about 50 strips for the cost of one FRER.
Of course!! Yeah the clear blue ones are stupid expensive at the store, I got these ones on Amazon and have lasted me a super long time.
I was the same way during the first couple years of starting the combo pill too, it’s been 7 years and it’s the only form of BC I use. It really does work though and you will get more used to it and the anxiety won’t be so bad ❤️
I got these off of Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have an IUD and use these twice a month to test for my own peace of mind. (My youngest, who is now 4, was a surprise pregnancy that I didn't know about until I was 22 WEEKS. Never again!)
First: Buy a pack of pregnancy test strips. You can buy 50 for $15 here. Take one every week if you need to. Over time that should help reduce pregnancy anxiety because you can consistently check for yourself.
Second: Check your strings. Get familiar with how they feel, the way they rest, their length, etc. Check that everyday if you need to. So long as your IUD doesn't move, you're actively protected. If something feels unusual, use a condom until your doc can take a look for you.
The real answer to "how to trust your iud" is to learn to trust yourself and your ability to recognize a problem. That's a skillset that takes some time, especially when it comes to a piece of plastic in your uterus, so use the tools available to you to build those skills!
any time you are worried about being pregnant, just take a test. It's helpful to peace of mind. Missed period as a sign of pregnancy is unreliable for a million reasons, and you will have weirdo periods all the time. But I know the feeling of being so nervous about it!
Get the dollar store tests. There is no reason to pay more for a test, they are all the same thing ;just some are upcharged because women who are scared or excited about pregnancy will happily spend more money. This is going to sound weird but honestly, if you can get it (maybe your boyfriend or a friend can order) these giant bags of 50 pregnancy tests from Amazon are a great investment. The strips are the cheapest kind of test, but they work fine -- you just need to supply your own cup. Get a Dixie cup or something. idk if these expire but I'm still working through (at the rate of 1-2 per year) a big bag I bought when I was first trying to conceive in 2008!
You can use human pregnancy strips, that are sold at Walmart or at a pharmacy, to tell if the girls are pregnant. All you need is wait a couple of weeks and collect some of each girl’s urine, than do the test. Here’s an example https://www.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Pregnancy-Strips-Urine-Predictor/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?adgrpid=58602734120&gclid=Cj0KCQjwio6XBhCMARIsAC0u9aEAy9fExSlaQhuIb-XoMX7iOToSS8Tdz06iSN4SyA8h4GFphJL0ZjEaAipfEALw_wcB&hvadid=409982047393&hv... You can buy them at Amazon as well and they are pretty inexpensive. Good luck!
Wear your mask, you should be doing that anyway. Pay with CASH only and use a self checkout if possible. Buy bulk pregnancy strips and if you're in one of the really deep red states have a friend in a sane state buy a bag of the things and send them to you. Test every week, without fail, if you're sexually active with a man.
This is a war, ladies, and the faster we put ourselves into the war mentality the better off we'll be.
I personally got the Pregmate Pregnancy Strips, 50 for ~$16. They are available on Amazon as well as at Target. If you’re not American, I’d suggest checking out Amazon for other options.
The only difference with these pregnancy tests is that they are smaller and you have to dip them (unlike the tests where you can also pee directly on the test.) But they work just as well!
I got something similar to this a while back just so I could take one out and give myself some relief/knowledge if I was ever questioning if I was late or suspicious if I could be pregnant
Invest in some strip pregnancy tests. You can buy a pack of 50 for $15 online and they last like 3 years before expiration. I'll link one option below.
It can take time to build up trust in a bc method. If you're anxious about it, make your partner wear a condom until you feel safe. If they refuse, then they don't get to have sex with you. Because consent with conditions is assault without.
https://www.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Pregnancy-Strips-Urine-Predictor/dp/B01H7P9Q5A
These are what I used and got a very faint positive at 9DPO. Also there’s a sub called r/tfablineporn to help you spot those faint positives. Also there is a main TTC sub where you may get more help than those crappy doctor subs .
Edit: oh, link: PREGMATE 50 Pregnancy Test Strips (50 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_jFTWFbMWVTTMK
Also, you can get super cheap multipacks of pregnancy tests on Amazon for super cheap such as these. When they are that cheap, you can test frequently without breaking the bank, such as about two weeks after a sexual encounter. If you would like to not be pregnant, and are regularly having sex, I would look into birth control methods. Some will either be hormonal and help you regulate your cycle, and some will be non-hormonal, but still protect you from pregnancy. That being said, still use a condom if it’s not a regular partner!
Edit: and if you would like to be pregnant, try the ovulation test strips as well! They got me pregnant in two cycles when tracking apps had failed me :)
I don't stress about pregnancy, as I have the copper IUD, and I can tell exactly when my period is coming thanks to the horrible cramps I get 2 days beforehand -___-
But seriously, go on amazon and buy some bulk pregnancy tests, the paper strip ones. The ones they sell in CVS and such are the same exact thing except they have a big plastic holder around the strip and cost about 40x more than the paper strips. (Here is a box of 100 test strips for $20.)[https://www.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Pregnancy-Strips-Urine-Predictor/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=pregnancy%2Btest&qid=1568302911&sprefix=pregnancy&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1] Hopefully being able to test whenever you want will ease your anxiety some.
I don’t think it’s bad to take a test periodically for peace of mind. I’d rather take a bunch of negative tests than find out I’m pregnant at 27 weeks like one of my friends. If you’re not already, I’d recommend just getting a package of bulk cheap pregnancy test strips on amazon such as this one, as buying packages of only a few tests at the store gets expensive!
I’m lucky to work at a surgery center so I get access to free tests, but a lot of people on here like the pregmate brand as their cheap ones. tests
Some redditors here get packs of pregnancy test strips on Amazon and test themselves every few weeks to be sure. Until you are sterilized, that could help reassure you!
You sound young. (I mean, as far as ... I mean, dude I’m in my 30s lol)
Can I make some suggestions?
So first, big breaths! It’s going to be okay!!! Take it one step at a time.
Do me a favor and download the Flo app. It’s free, tracks your cycle, and has tons of articles to learn from about ovulation and menstruation and all that jazz. It’s nice because if you track something (like unprotected sex - yikes!) or a new symptom like discharge, it prompts you to see if you want to learn more. Diving into the app might give your mind focus and give you some peace.
Next, if you can, pick up these https://smile.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Pregnancy-Strips-Urine-Predictor/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=pregnancy+test&qid=1594951907&sprefix=pregnan&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A13GFC3C7JW419&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdG... . They have good ratings, I just bought myself some and they’re easy to use. PM me if you need and want help with the directions.
I honestly think you’re probably okay this time. Try to keep yourself steady. We’re here for you! But... please always use a condom at least until you’re financially able to set aside money for an abortion if you need it. Even if you get on another form of birth control.
Also remember to have you and whoever you sleep with get regularly tested for STIs, okay? It doesn’t have to be a panic thing. It doesn’t sound like you’re super duper active yet, so you’ve got plenty of time to get checked out.
Now if you’re under your parent’s insurance, see if you can get scheduled for an appointment for an IUD or birth control of your choice. r/birthcontrol can probably help. If you’re worried about parents or anything like that, (I dunno how old you are, but my friend still is on her VERY conservative parents’ insurance plan and she’s 22), Just make sure you talk to the doc and see if you can get the prescription and documentation made out as a treatment for menstrual cramps or acne. Then if you don’t want to have the conversation about sex with whoever controls your health insurance, you can blame the symptoms of your period in order to get an IUD or bc pills. If you are the policy holder for your health insurance, then no biggie!!
Definitely get on some kind of bc ASAP. There are companies that will deliver (and do a virtual doctor appt and prescription) if that’s a safe option for you.
Lastly, you’re stressed right now. That can cause a delay in getting your period this month or break through bleeding. If that happens, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay!
I know this is scary. You’ve done everything you can do so far and that’s great! Time to go do something that helps keep you calm: run a bubble bath, go for a run, lounge on the grass and look up at the sky, play your favorite tunes, deep clean the house, do some multiplications (I’m a total dork, but seriously try multiplying 60 x 37 in your head and you’ll get distracted!), play with a pet (even a neighbor’s!), call your bff, play some basketball, whatever helps keep you distracted. You’re gonna be fine!
Same here! I have a pack of test strips like this so that I can test whenever! They're inexpensive and help with my peace of mind.
Buy pregnancy test strips in bulk! They're very inexpensive, and the best way to keep yourself safe is to test yourself every week, regardless if you've missed your period, regardless of where you are in your cycle. The sooner you know, the sooner you can make arrangements. You can get a year's supply of weekly tests for $15.
https://www.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Pregnancy-Strips-Urine-Predictor/dp/B01H7P9Q5A
States are going to have a very hard time effectively banning abortion pills - they'll pass bans, but will have a poor chance of actually catching the pills in the mail. Familiarize yourself with legitimate online abortion pill resources:
https://www.plancpills.org/find-pills https://www.heyjane.co/
/r/auntienetwork
I got these on Amazon, you get 50 strips for about $15! They don’t expire for about two years so you won’t have to buy any more for a while.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H7P9Q5A
For what its worth, you can get 50 tests for about $15 on amazon if you are in the US. Just as accurate as the other ones.
OP has gotten really good advice, but I wanted to put this out there in case anyone needs to know: you can buy pregnancy test strips on Amazon, and they're very affordable. $15 for 50 strips, and yes, they actually work. Better than any of the store tests that I've used in the past.
If you're trying to get pregnant, or trying to avoid pregnancy via the rhythm method, the same brand also sells ovulation strips. Using the ovulation strips is much easier than trying to track by mucus or calendar, especially if you have shorter cycles like I tend to.
They may not be super reliable, but amazon sells pregnancy tests in bulk. E.G., you can buy 50 for $15.
Pregmate 50 Pregnancy Test Strips (50 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6W5RDEX4QCB9X0G7AH5D
I’ve had it done twice.
If her doc didn’t tell her, she should take an OTC pain pill before going on. My second doc never told me, I knew from the first time I went in and they asked if I had taken any like they told me [they didn’t tell me - so no].
If they use the dilator rods to open her cervix, she may feel her soul leave her body… if you’re with her, HOLD HER HAND. It’s a very SHORT pain. It’s a VERY sharp pain. Inserting the device is a little longer.
Cramps can happen for several days - probably WAY beyond period cramps. Don’t expect her to want to do anything. If she has house chores, do them for her. Treat it like a massively painful sucky period - and she will probably have her period for a bit after and/or it’ll be wonky.
Whatever pampering she likes then… do that.
Order food delivery for a few days (no cooking, no dishes!). Have some of her favorite emotional foods [pain is emotional].
If she’s getting a hormonal one, there is an adjustment. I have an IUD bc my periods are heavy. The first cycle after, it was almost nothing. I’m 3 months on and I can barely tell at all. It’s PHENOMENAL [and 100% worth the pain].
With an IUD the risk for pregnancy is low, but not zero. And because periods may go away, I suggest she gets a bulk pack of pregnancy test strips from Amazon. Something like this [did not research this exact product. Just a quick grab]:
Pregmate 50 Pregnancy Test Strips (50 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7P9Q5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9WYTHCN85KYH16BG7ZSY
Have her set a calendar reminder to take one once a month or so. IF something happens, you want to be at a doctor sooner than she would realize it on her own. The first IUD I had was in 3 years, no issues. My BFF has had one for 20 years [well, a few - they have to be replaced] and has never had a pregnancy scare.
Best wishes!! I hope something here helps, but honestly the fact that you’re asking puts her 1000x times above normal care.
And FYI to other men reading this: Your woman very well may want you to go too. You won’t see anything gross besides your girl wincing in pain and needing you to make sure she’s safe and protected. We feel super vulnerable in that moment, and your hand and eyes mean SOOOOO MUCH.
the cheap ones are not always reliable because their hcg detection is more poorly made. if you dont believe me you can look at reviews on amazon or literally anywhere else. these tests are sold on both amazon and target, yet they have multiple people leaving reviews that they have been giving false negatives and are not sensitive enough to work as intended. try to find a cost effective test that has no reviews saying it gave false negatives/positives, it is impossible. it is less likely if you buy more expensive ones, but you need to remember that not everyone can afford that. a pack of two clearblue digital tests is $8.99 + tax at walmart, that is almost $5 per test when you include tax so i’m not sure where you got the $1 per test from.
Newsflash: You don't even need the plastic case.
I got the 50 pack from amazon for $15.