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The hpt are 99% effective at detecting "pregnancy hormones" after you have missed a period, and since your's said "negative", you can be fairly certain that the results are accurate if it was used as directed. It is an excellent idea to re-test if you have not started your period by the 21st, as mistakes can happen when using the tests.
In the meantime, we can only speculate as to why your period is late. It could be pregnancy, or a "normal fluctuation" as you mentioned (I know it's weird when it happens, seemingly for no reason!), or it could even be a medical condition. If you are having no symptoms, have a second negative hpt, but your period still does not begin by the 21st, it would be a good idea to call your doctor (it will then be 37 days since your LMP). A "normal range" for a cycle is 21-35 days, but this also just a range. Many women have asked this same question on this site, wondering why their period is so late without a pregnancy, and the "normal fluctuations" can happen with increased stress, recent illness or new medication...or you may not know why it occurred. The important thing is: if you have any other symptoms or this occurs repeatedly, please see your doctor to rule out any medical reasons.
I also have to mention that the withdrawal method is a common form of birth control, but one of the least reliable. With "typical use", it is about 83% effective at preventing pregnancy (compared with hormonal contraception at 99% and condoms at up to 98%). Even when used perfectly, the pre-ejaculate may still contain sperm before your partner ejaculates. There are actually several ways to use the Withdrawal Method to increase your chances of using it "perfectly" (with a 94% effectiveness rate), if you are interested in learning more: here.
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The hpt are 99% effective at detecting "pregnancy hormones" after you have missed a period, and since your's said "negative", you can be fairly certain that the results are accurate if it was used as directed. It is an excellent idea to re-test if you have not started your period by the 21st, as mistakes can happen when using the tests.
In the meantime, we can only speculate as to why your period is late. It could be pregnancy, or a "normal fluctuation" as you mentioned (I know it's weird when it happens, seemingly for no reason!), or it could even be a medical condition. If you are having no symptoms, have a second negative hpt, but your period still does not begin by the 21st, it would be a good idea to call your doctor (it will then be 37 days since your LMP). A "normal range" for a cycle is 21-35 days, but this also just a range. Many women have asked this same question on this site, wondering why their period is so late without a pregnancy, and the "normal fluctuations" can happen with increased stress, recent illness or new medication...or you may not know why it occurred. The important thing is: if you have any other symptoms or this occurs repeatedly, please see your doctor to rule out any medical reasons.
I also have to mention that the withdrawal method is a common form of birth control, but one of the least reliable. With "typical use", it is about 83% effective at preventing pregnancy (compared with hormonal contraception at 99% and condoms at up to 98%). Even when used perfectly, the pre-ejaculate may still contain sperm before your partner ejaculates. There are actually several ways to use the Withdrawal Method to increase your chances of using it "perfectly" (with a 94% effectiveness rate), if you are interested in learning more: here.
September 17, 2009 - 2:35pmThis Comment
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