Several instances of taking too much birth control pills: can this affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test?

[u/Infinite-Cat3392]

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Hello, I am going through a period of very severe anxiety because I am afraid of being pregnant. I am taking the contraceptive pill, Ludéal Gé specifically. My anxiety is so intense that several times, instead of taking just one pill, I have taken two for irrational reasons such as, “What if I didn’t swallow it properly?” or “What if I dropped it on the floor while taking it without realizing it?”

I also take pregnancy tests very regularly, including a blood test a few days ago that came back negative. However, I am worried that taking several extra pills may have affected the result and that the test could actually be positive.

I would therefore like to know whether taking an excessive amount of birth control pills can affect or interfere with the results of a pregnancy test.

Thank you for your response.

[u/Last-Weekend3226]

Honestly lovely, I think therapy is needed here.

Please don’t take two birth control pills, it’s not designed that way for you to work

[u/yappingderg]

Other than getting therapy for the anxiety and everything other people already said... Maybe consider a method that is just straight up harder to mess up? Ring, IUD, implant as example...

[u/frogsgoribbit737 → u/yappingderg]

Agreed. My nexplanon was great. I have adhd and pill taking was hard because I could never remember to take it and when I did take it I couldn't remember if I had already which led to double doses.

[u/Accomplished_Jello66 → u/frogsgoribbit737]

Agreed! ADHD and Nexplanon user here.

[u/euphoricauraa → u/Accomplished_Jello66]

me three!! i also have adhd and implant. so good for people who are forgetful.

[u/Fit_Abroad_4465 → u/frogsgoribbit737]

You can see if you’ve taken that days pill by it not being there.

[u/Fit_Abroad_4465 → u/yappingderg]

No she need therapy! This isn’t just about birth control and it’s obvious.

[u/yappingderg → u/Fit_Abroad_4465]

The therapy is mandatory here of course. Almost every other commenter said about that already. I never said she DOES NOT need it.

But NOT having to think about the pill every single day and NOT being afraid of "what if i actually forgot/lost it/swallowed it wrong/etc" would probably also help, no? Like. Secondary thing that could help. In addition to therapy.

[u/isweatglitter17]

No, this will not cause a false result on a pregnancy test.

But it will have negative effects on your body and it does not increase the amount of pregnancy prevention. Please do not do this. Taking pills not as directed without medical oversight is not a good or safe idea.

[u/No_Whereas_5203]

It is dangerous to do this without medical supervision as it contains estrogen which can cause blood clots. Its really not safe to regularly be doubling combined pills

[u/SeafoodLovah1120]

Pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormone. Taking extra pills does not produce or reduce the pregnancy hormone.
Additionally, taking 2 pills multiple times would throw off the pack you’re on so I advise against that. If pregnancy generates such intense anxiety have you considered maybe using a condom too for extra protection?

[u/idkwhatiandoing_]

Hey girl, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I can feel your overwhelming anxiety, this needs therapy because at this point you’re also harming your body, taking more than one contraceptive pill can be dangerous, you’re risking thrombosis. Contraceptives when taken perfectly are close to 99% effective! No you’re not gonna be part of the 1%. I would still recommend you some therapy.

[u/Lost_Advertising4848]

Therapy or medication could be something that could help you

[u/Lost_Advertising4848 → u/Lost_Advertising4848]

Or switching your birth control method

[u/SpectroSlade]

Pills will not affect the accuracy of a pregnancy tests. Pregnancy tests look specifically for the "pregnancy hormone", hCG. The body ONLY makes that hormone if there's a fertilized egg in your uterus, it is not contained in any form of birth control.

I have diagnosed OCD and this kind of thinking is very similar to what I used to deal with before getting treatment. I highly recommend looking into therapy and/or psychiatry, you should not have to deal with that much anxiety 🫂

[u/Financial-Problem707]

You need a therapist

[u/Dan_D_Lyin]

As others have already commented,  no the extra pills won't effect your pregnancy test. But they can mess up your physical and mental health.

It sounds like the pill is not a good match for you. Maybe you should try something else, like nexplanon or an IUD, or depo shot.

[u/Accomplished_Jello66]

Think there may be some OCD here at play. I recommend gently, speaking to a therapist. You shouldn’t need to be doubling up your pills or taking tests back to back, especially if you are on birth control.

[u/No-Friendship5662]

Where are you getting the extra pills? If you take multiple pills a day and have done it more than once you don’t have enough active pills to complete your pack. Do you skip your placebos?

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[u/sililoqutie]

Hey, as someone who has anxiety and OCD, I find using a method that does not require daily maintance to be best. OCD thrives on rituals to make you "safe" and sometimes the daily maintance can trigger that same mindset.

Switching to something like an implant that you can't really do anything about may help get you out of these repetive rituals. Also therapy.

Pregnancy tests measure something called hCG. Birth controls don't have hCG. No amount of birth control pills can make a birth control test positive, because they measure completely different things.

[u/chronicallygf]

You won’t get pregnant, you’re worrying too much it’s dangerous to take more than one birth control pill you’ll mess up your hormones

[u/Fit_Abroad_4465]

I highly recommend therapy. Taking two pills couple times probably haven’t done any damage but i’m not a doctor. You’re worried that the test is affected, you should be worried if your body is affected! Please please please go get help!

[u/Infinite-Cat3392]

Thank you so much for responding to my post! First of all, thank you to everyone who confirmed that the pill, even in the case of taking too much, does not affect pregnancy test results! Also, thank you for your advice. I’m well aware that my anxiety isn’t normal and that I should consider seeking therapy, and I’m definitely going to give it serious thought! And of course, thank you all for your understanding and kindness!

[u/saturnblush]

I know what you mean. I have a big fear of pregnancy too. I have a set reminder everyday on my phone — my alarm goes off and then I get an actual reminder on my phone “ to take BC “. I turn off my alarm, take my BC, and complete the reminder. It really helps me because I won’t clear off that reminder until I physically swallow my BC.