Please Help Me. :/

[heatheriki_martini]

I had sex with my boyfriend between December 14-January 2, but I had my period between December 16 to 21. My boyfriend and I used condoms, but we didn't at least once or twice. It's now January 26, and I still haven't had my period. I took one pregnancy test and it was negative. What is going on? Please help me. I'm only 17, and I'm not ready for this, my boyfriend isn't either.

[Koharuchan]

First off, if you stress about the possibility of being pregnant, your period will likely come late. It sucks, but that's how the body tends to react to that kind of stress.

Also, when did you take the pregnancy test? For a pregnancy test to be accurate, it has to be taken at least 14 days after conception. Any sooner and it would be inaccurate. Wait a while, and if your period doesn't come or you start experiencing pregnancy symptoms, take another test.

[Aletheia*]

Haru is right!

Stressing can only make things worse. There are a TON of factors that can cause your period to go on strike (so to speak!). Anything from stressing and worrying, changes in diet, exercise (new exercise regimes, working out too hard), weight (which is a huge thing, as well), and other factors including pregnancy.

In order for a pregnancy test to give you an accurate result, it needs to be taken 2 weeks from the time the "accident" occurred. Right now, your body wouldn't be experiencing any pregnancy symptoms, so if you notice you might have some, ignore them. They are just your mind playing tricks on you.

Wait a few more days, and if your period still hasn't come off it's strike ( ), take another test. If that still comes up negative, you may want to visit a doctor to make sure things are going according to plan down there. There might be some underlying problem that we can't tell you about since we aren't doctors.

Also, here are a few things you should ALWAYS remember when taking pregnancy tests:

• As mentioned, wait 2 weeks from the time you had sex, or unprotected sex occurred. You should be able to get an accurate result by then.

• Check expiration dates. These are vitally important when taking a pregnancy test. They can be found on the packaging, usually where you open up the package to take out the test, or the contents within. If the date has since passed, bring it to the attention of a store clerk so they can throw it out (or do whatever they do with expired items), and find a new test that isn't expired

• While tests can be accurate in the evenings, you should ALWAYS take a pregnancy test first thing in the morning when you first urinate. The hCG hormone, or pregnancy hormone, is most potent in the mornings, giving you the most accurate result.

• Buy tests that can 2 or more within it's packaging. Not only do you save money on this in the long run, you always have an extra test or two handy in case you need it

Good luck, and never hesitate to send me a PM with any questions, thoughts or concerns.
Take care!