False positive tests and breakthrough bleeding

Hi there. I'm new and I'm not really sure where to put this. So please feel free to move it somewhere appropriate. This is the only forum that I have found that comes close to appropriate for my little issue.

I'm hoping that someone has an idea what I might be going through, because I have no clue, and nor do the doctors.

Last year I took a break from the pill for 3-4 months, I had been on it for almost 5 years by this point. During this break time I had no bleeding whatsoever (my cycle had been 'normal' prior to this). This worried me considerably as I was constantly fretting that I was pregnant. My husband and I were using condoms while I took a break from the pill and we had no plans to begin a family for another few years. This is still the case. I did a LOT of HPTs that all showed negative. To free myself of the constant worry I went back on the pill.

In August, after being back on the pill for 1 month, I had a positive HPT, it freaked me out a little. Anyway I had a blood test that afternoon and rode a rollercoaster of emotion while I waited for the results. A few days later I was informed it was negative, no baby. That's fine. Life went back to normal.

In November I had another positive test. I didn't believe it and so a few days later I did another test which came back negative. Then in either December or early January I had another positive test, but this was once again followed up with a negative test.

Prior to doing each test which came back positive, my boobs ached, I was nauseus, had headaches, was moody and incredibly tired. But my cycle appeared normal.

In January I started to have problems with my cycle. I had a breakthrough bleed (as I was still on the pill) which lasted for about 4-5 days. After about 10 days I had another breakthrough bleed. And so on throughout the 28 day cycle, 10 days off and 4 days on. Then when I was actually due for my period it was incredibly light, I guess because I was empty!

After my period I went to my doctor to try to find out what was going on. She took urine, bloods and swabs etc to begin to rule things out. They all came back clear. I had an ultrasound to rule out cysts etc which has come back normal. However the report has noted that I have multiple follicles on my ovaries. The doctor says this is strange because they shouldn't be there while I am on the pill. I have no idea about these things.

I have just finished another cycle, which was perfectly normal. No odd symptoms and no breakthrough bleeding. My doctor did another pregnancy test in early Feb which came back negative.

I saw my doctor again this morning and she doesn't know how far to push it. Nor do I. She wants to leave it a month and see how this cycle goes. Which I guess makes sense, but I have a feeling that whatever was wrong is still wrong.

I have written down the names of some gynaecologists and am thinking of making an appointment, but I also think maybe there is value in waiting a little while too to see what happens.

Anyway, any ideas or info would be really appreciated. I'm not dealing terribly well with this, and the 'not thinking about it' card has been working well, but I think I have reached the point where I need to start to think about this little issue.

Thanks everyone.
Mornir

I am sorry, I have no idea, I am gobsmacked! However if it is bothering you, maybe you should go and see a gynaecologist to put your mind at ease. They are the specialists so they will have a bit more of a clue than a GP. I can understand the waiting game being old....it makes you worry after a while! Best wishes with it all and I hope you get some answers soon.

Hi,

I had a simular experience a few years ago. (Apparently my cause was a fibroid / cyst). I remember searching google under 'false positive' which brought up alot of things that I could consider / rule out.

Its hard to know for sure, so going to a good gynaecologist is a good idea.

Wishing you all the best.

Thanks girls.

I have certainly decided to go see a specialist. Even if there is nothing wrong, I need to put my mind at ease I think.

Bec, I see you are a Tasweigen, are you in the north or the south? If you are near Hobart can you reccomend and good gynocologists? My mum has suggested Rupert Sherwood, and a girl friend suggested Lisa Turner. I am sure I'll be safe in either hands but i love the word of mouth referral:)

Thanks for the wishes, it sure helps at times like these.

ps. What a great forum, when I do eventually go down the family path I know where I will be coming!

I do actually! My mum recently went to see Dr. Campbell for a prolapse and ended up (thank goodness) having a huge ovarian cyst removed. So I would recommend him, he is really lovely too. An older fellow, but really experienced and lovely. I am in hobart....well huonville actually.