I’m a 22 year old mother of a 3 year old little girl. I was on the pill for 2 years after I gave birth to her and stopped taking it about 6 months ago. I’ve been using VCF for contraception. I’m 3 weeks late on my period. I’ve never missed or been late before so that’s my first worry, although I know it’s common. I have the symptoms of PMS every now and then. Cramps, diarrhea, and moodiness have been coming and going for a few weeks now. I thought I had a yeast infection last week, had all the common symptoms: burning, itching, etc. I hadn’t had sex for a couple of weeks because of that. I did for the first time in a few weeks this evening and oh my goodness it hurt. I had to stop and lay down for a bit. It feels like an intense non-stop period or gas cramp. I’m getting really worried and plan on going to the doctor this week if I can. I would like to know what you think the problem may be so I can figure out if the trip to the OB/GYN and the $$ are really necessary.

?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

I’m afraid you’ll have to make the trip to the OB/GYN. That’s the only advice I can give, sorry. You need GYN examination and a pregnancy test done.?