Girls with irregular periods might ovulate at different points in their cycle, making it hard to know when they are most fertile. Girls who have hormonal contraceptives like the depo-provera injection or progesterone-only pills can also experience changes in their menstrual cycles.
Condoms protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs, such as hepatitis). But even with the best birth control methods, it is still possible to get pregnant.
Irregular Periods
Many girls get their first period between the ages of 10 and 15, and they can have irregular periods for a few years. This is completely normal. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can be longer or shorter than that.
Even when a girl uses birth control, she can still become pregnant if she has sex during the fertile window. A woman is most likely to ovulate on the 9th through 15th day of her menstrual cycle. If sex happens on those days, she can become pregnant even though she was using a condom and pulling it out when she ejaculated.
Irregular periods may not be a concern and are very common in girls and young women, but it is important to talk to your doctor if you have symptoms like severe cramps or heavy bleeding that last for more than a few days. Irregular periods can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or polycystic ovary syndrome.
A pregnancy test is the only way to know if you are pregnant, but you should wait until your period has started before taking one. A pregnancy test works by measuring the levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine or blood. The level of hCG must be high in order for the test to detect a positive result.
Hormonal Changes
Many women find that their periods are late despite using a reliable form of birth control. This is because some forms of birth control alter the normal menstrual cycle, especially hormonal contraceptives such as the Depo-Provera shots or the progesterone-only mini pill. This change in the normal hormone balance can cause your period to be lighter, heavier, or even skip completely.
Protected sex and a late period can also be the result of other factors such as a hormonal imbalance or a health problem like thyroid disease. This can be especially true for teens who are not yet fully matured and have a more unpredictable menstrual cycle.
It’s important to understand what can cause your periods to be late so that you can take a pregnancy test when you think you’re due and get the help you need before it’s too late. However, you don’t need to worry about a missed or delayed period if you’re using a reliable method of birth control and have been having sex with your partner only during protected times, such as when you are both aroused. During arousal, your hormones can get all jazzed up which can sometimes delay your period by 1-2 days. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor for a pregnancy test. They can give you advice on how to deal with a late period and what to do if it happens again.
Stress
If you’re under a lot of stress, it can disrupt your hormonal balance and lead to late periods. This is also true of changes in weight or exercise routine. It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional if you’re struggling with high levels of stress.
Having sex on your period is not as dangerous as some might think. It’s completely normal and does not put you at any greater risk of pregnancy than sex at any other time of the month. While some people do feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about having sex while on their period, it should be treated no differently than any other type of sex.
Although your period is at its most fertile during the beginning, middle and end of your bleed, it’s still possible to get pregnant even if you used a form of birth control. If you’re concerned about getting pregnant, it’s best to take a home pregnancy test or visit your doctor for a pelvic exam. If you’re looking for further guidance, contact a healthcare professional at Nao Medical for personalized advice. Schedule a consultation today!