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When the Pregnancy Test Says No, But Your Body Says Yes

March 8, 2024

How Can You Have a Missed Period but a Negative Test?
Discovering you might be pregnant can trigger a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to apprehension. But what happens when you experience symptoms of pregnancy but your test results come back negative? This perplexing situation can leave anyone feeling confused and uncertain about their reproductive health. 


In this blog, we'll explore the complexities of experiencing pregnancy symptoms with negative test results, investigate potential reasons behind missed periods, and offer guidance on prioritizing reproductive health.

Cracking the Code on Negative Pregnancy Tests
So, you peed on the stick, and it came back negative...but you missed your period. Well, first off, breathe. It could mean a couple of things. Maybe it's too early for the test to detect the pregnancy hormone, or you may not even be pregnant.

Understanding Reasons for Missed Periods
Okay, so if you're not pregnant, where's your period hiding? It turns out there are tons of reasons why it's late without being pregnant:1

  • Sudden Weight Changes
  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Hormone Levels from Metabolic Conditions
  • Recent Illness
  • Stress
  • Thyroid Conditions
  • Specific Birth Control Methods/Medications
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)



What's Next?
Instead of going into full-on panic mode, it's time to take charge. A great first step if you’ve missed your period is to reach out to Collage. We can provide a free lab-quality pregnancy test for you. If it’s positive, we can look into the possibility of offering you a limited OB ultrasound to help you know how far along you are and if it’s a viable pregnancy. If it’s negative, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor to figure out what's up.


Knowledge is Power

Missed periods and negative pregnancy tests might throw you for a loop, but you have the power to figure out what's going on. You're owning your wellness by understanding what could be happening and taking action to stay on top of your health. 


We’re here for you if you need us.


3 Things Needed Before Abortion

November 5, 2024
When an unexpected pregnancy leads you to consider abortion, it can be hard to know where to start or what’s necessary. However, before making a decision, you can take three essential steps to ensure your health and safety.

What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

September 19, 2024
Identifying the signs of complications from an incomplete abortion is crucial to preventing further issues. You must proactively seek medical attention at the first indication that something isn’t right. Explore the warning signs of an incomplete abortion below. If you have any questions or concerns, consider scheduling a no-cost appointment with one of our licensed medical professionals today. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after an abortion, please contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. What is an Incomplete Abortion? An incomplete abortion, also known as " retained products of conception " (RPOC), occurs when fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus after an elective abortion or miscarriage. If not properly treated, this condition can result in serious complications, including severe infection and heavy bleeding. It’s essential to monitor your health closely and seek medical care if you notice any warning signs of an incomplete abortion. What To Look For Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of an incomplete abortion. Heavy bleeding or blood clots after pregnancy could indicate a problem. Heavy bleeding can be described as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row. Other symptoms to be aware of include: Fever. Hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods). Infection. Pelvic pain. What To Do If you suspect an incomplete abortion, it's vital to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis, often including a transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment options for an incomplete abortion may include medication or surgery. Your health is the top priority, and it's essential to trust your instincts. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to visit your local emergency room. Free Pregnancy Services If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, you can find many resources at Collage. We provide no-cost pregnancy services to help you feel equipped to navigate your situation. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health and get critical details about your pregnancy. Make a free appointment to talk with one of our team today.

What Are the Mental Health Effects of Abortion?

August 29, 2024
When considering an abortion, it's essential to acknowledge both your physical and mental health. While you may already be familiar with the physical risks of abortion, understanding the mental health effects is equally important. An abortion can bring a range of emotions , from relief to guilt, loss, and sadness, and it's crucial to recognize and address these feelings. Every woman's experience is unique, and the emotional impact can vary widely. Acknowledging your mental health is an essential step in caring for yourself during this time. We’ill explore the potential mental health effects of abortion and provide resources to help you manage your emotional well-being. Feeling Pressure A study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reported that 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into getting one. Of these women, many reported negative mental health outcomes afterward, including feelings of: Worthlessness Being unworthy of love Low self-esteem Anxiety Shame Guilt Regret Self-hatred What this means is feeling pressured to make your decision is one of the most significant risk factors for experiencing negative mental health outcomes. You can prioritize your health by making sure this decision is yours. Other Risk Factors Another thing to look out for when you’re considering abortion is any risk factors that would make you susceptible to mental health issues. Some of these pre-existing factors that can contribute to an issue after an abortion include: Having a history of prior mental illness Having moral or religious beliefs that conflict with abortion Having a maternal desire to have children now or in the future Mental Health Risks Study findings also show abortion is associated with higher rates of various mental health issues, including: Anxiety Depression Substance use Traumatic symptoms Sleep disorders Get Support You don’t have to go through an unexpected pregnancy alone. Collage provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and more to help you feel equipped. We also offer after-abortion support for women who’ve undergone an abortion procedure. You can find healing and support through us. Reach out to us to request a no-cost and confidential appointment today. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
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