I just had my period, but the internet still has me paranoid.

I don’t really know where to start. I guess I’ll start by saying I’ve been experiencing some of the worst stress and anxiety of my life recently, including right now. And that’s why I’m here (really thankful for Reddit).

I will admit, I’m a hypochondriac. Terribly. I have OCD and anxiety. I’ve had instances in the past where I was paranoid that I was pregnant even after having completely safe sex. I know there have also been times these past couple years that my body seems like it’s changing a bit (I’m 21, I noticed these changes begin when I was 19). For example, once when I was 19, I randomly had mild spotting a few days leading up to my period and I thought for sure it was implantation bleeding (I had never had spotting before). Also my cycles gradually started to increase from 4 weeks apart to 5 weeks apart. But all in all, my cycles are generally consistent and easy to track.

Anyways, let’s get to the topic. My partner and I dabbled in short-lived unprotected sex during my ovulation around July 3rd/4th. No ejaculation occurred, but I definitely know there was some of the pre-stuff. Immediately following my ovulation I noticed, without overthinking, the discharge stayed at an increased amount, even up to just before my period (I keep track my my symptoms every cycle, and I always dry up for the most part right after ovulation, ESPECIALLY right before my period). I’ve also experienced swollen fingers on & off more recently, which a coworker of mine who has been pregnant before said that that could be a sign. Also, my PMS symptoms started showing way sooner than usual and a bit worse (like a week after ovulation). My boobs got really swollen and sore (SUPER swollen), my acne flared up worse than ever, and I had mild cramping almost every day. The cramping for me never starts until a couple days before my period.

Because of this I was convinced. Even after having a negative test 2 weeks later, I was still 100% convinced, something is not right, I can’t NOT be pregnant. Especially because of the discharge/off feeling in my uterus because what the heck?? I don’t even know how that could be caused by the plan B I took 2 cycles ago. After about a week of stressing my head off, I finally accepted my “fate”. Began mentally preparing myself for the next steps, and weaseled into a state of depression. I think I should also mention that I’m diagnosed with PMDD, so my emotions and mood are totally screwed during the luteal phase. God I hate the luteal phase.

Saturday while I was helping with some yard work outside, I got intense lower back aches and got home to find out I bled some. Looks like my period had started. Then as normal, the bleeding picked up overnight and the usual second day was heavy bleeding hell with the typical cramping and some mild clots/tissue. Yesterday the bleeding let up a LOT, and today I pretty much didn’t bleed at all until a tiny bit in the evening. What gets me is that my periods did not used to be like this. I used to bleed for at least 7 days, though it seems the past couple months they’ve been getting a bit shorter and the bleeding lightens up a lot quicker after the second day. Maybe this is completely normal for your cycles to change in your early 20s and I’m just being ridiculous. (Also side note because I think it’s important, I’ve never been on any form of birth control except I’ve taken plan B a couple times).

This just all seems like REALLY inconvenient timing to be a coincidence. The one time I have unprotected sex, and my body decides to play games. I was relieved when I got my full period flow until I read online about women who still got periods regularly during their pregnancy, and now I’m back to square one. Even my friend who is highly knowledgeable in the medical field says you can still get a period when you’re pregnant. AND continuously test negative up until the third trimester. (Way to help calm my nerves). If it was so uncommon I don’t think she would warn me about that. I did take a pregnancy test today and it still read negative, however it was the evening and I just drank a lot of water so it was probably more likely to still be false.

Also I am fully aware that most of this probably sounds absolutely ridiculous. I’m just anxious and stressed as hell, I wanted to get this out there for potential answers/advice. Free will, not hurting anyone, so why not.

The human body is so confusing and makes no sense. Please anyone, I’d be happy to read your input, whether it be your own experience, your personal thoughts, whatever. Just please be kind. Also if you’ve read this far, I really appreciate you.