Expert: Ramona Quilter - 3/30/2007

Question
I am currently taking ortho-tri-cyclin lo and on the third week of my last month of pills I had to go in for minor surgery. So I didn't take the last 2 pills before my 7 day free set of pills. That means the last time I took A hormone pill was on march 5th surgery was the 7th. And then on Thursday of the next week when I was suppose to take my 1st pill of the new pack I forgot and missed that day so I didn't take it until 16th. That means my cycle came 2 days early because of the lack of hormones, and ended 2 days early. I was pill free for 10 days and took my first pill 4 days after my cycle had ended. I woke up on the 24th with a great breast pain that is just now (30th) starting to feel better. I would like to know how likely it is that I am pregnant and when I should take a pregnancy test to know for sure. Because of the mess i have stopped the pills all together and have used protection since I stopped (even though this whole month has been every other pill late because of forgetfulness.

Answer
No one can tell you the likelihood of getting pregnant in the scenario you have given me.  There are too many variables.  #1 - you didn't tell me when you had sex, that makes a difference.  #2 - stopping 2 days early last month probably doesn't make much difference.  #3 - starting as late as you did this month, forgetting and being late, and then quitting altogether is probably the worst part of your equation but I don't know what to make of the breast pain. The earliest you can get an accurate pregnancy test is listed on the box going by when you estimate that your next period is going to start.  Some of the tests are accurate even before you miss your period.  I wouldn't worry about it now.  Just wait and see.