HomeAnswersPsychiatryanxietyI am getting anxious about pregnancy despite getting multiple negative tests and reassurances from doctors after past physical contact. How can I overcome this?

How to overcome intense anxiety and fear of pregnancy despite multiple negative tests?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 8, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old who is currently dealing with a significant pregnancy scare. I want to be completely honest to receive the best advice possible. The last time I had any form of unprotected sexual contact was a while ago, and there was no penetration or ejaculation. I have remained a virgin since then. However, to be cautious, I took emergency contraceptive pills as a preventative measure. Despite this, I am an extremely paranoid person, and all of these circumstances have triggered intense anxiety attacks. The situation worsened as I started reading various stories online, which only fueled my fears. I have experienced major depression, resulting in significant weight loss. I have been reluctant to eat because I feel that my stomach expands, making me look pregnant, which deeply saddens and depresses me. Now, months later, I have been reassured by multiple negative pregnancy tests and even underwent an ultrasound that confirmed an empty uterus. I have sought advice from numerous doctors, but I can not seem to shake off the thought of being pregnant due to past physical contact. Please help me, as my boyfriend is becoming tired of my actions. I simply want to regain my happiness and return to normalcy. I am desperate to find ways to stop constantly thinking about this.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand the concerns you are facing, and it seems that you may be experiencing pregnancy phobia, which is common at your age. However, based on the information provided, it is more likely that you are dealing with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This disorder can manifest in various ways, including excessive worry and fear.

To help alleviate your symptoms, I would suggest seeking counseling and considering the use of anxiolytic medications such as escitalopram (Escitalopram oxalate), under the guidance of a psychiatrist. These medications can assist in your recovery process. Engaging in light exercises and outdoor activities may also help keep you occupied and reduce anxiety. It would be beneficial to avoid pregnancy-related news and materials available on the internet to minimize triggers.

I recommend visiting a psychiatrist in your local area to discuss the above-mentioned treatment options. It is worth noting that your eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and pregnancy phobia fall under the category of anxiety disorders and can often be addressed using similar treatment approaches.

I hope this answer helped you,

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki
Dr. Awadhesh P. Singh Solanki

Psychiatry

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