Missed Period: Could It Be Pregnancy or Other Causes?

Menstrual delay

On April 15, my menstruation started, and it ended on April 19.
On April 21, my boyfriend may have had his secretions (clear) on his hands when he touched my clitoris.
My menstruation came around May 16 (lasting 4 to 5 days), and as of now (June 23), my period has not arrived.
Could I be pregnant? Or could there be other possibilities? What might they be? Between May 20 and May 23, I was wearing underwear and outer pants, and there was friction in the genital area.
Is it possible that this could cause pregnancy?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/23

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On April 15, my period started, and it ended on April 19.
On April 21, my boyfriend may have had his secretions (clear) on his hands and touched my clitoris.
My period came around May 16 (lasting 4 to 5 days), and as of now (June 23), my period still hasn't arrived.
Could I be pregnant? Or could there be other possibilities? What could they be?
Answer: It is unlikely that I am pregnant.
From May 20 to May 23, I wore both underwear and outer pants, and there was friction in the genital area.
Could this potentially cause pregnancy?
Answer: It is not possible for this to cause pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/06/23

More Info

When it comes to missed periods, the first thought that often crosses a woman's mind is the possibility of pregnancy. However, there are various factors that can contribute to a missed period, and it’s essential to consider all potential causes.
In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on April 15 and ended on April 19. You had some intimate contact with your boyfriend on April 21, which involved potential exposure to his bodily fluids. Following that, you experienced a menstrual cycle that began around May 16, lasting for about 4 to 5 days. Now, as of June 23, you have not had your period.
Given this timeline, it is important to analyze a few key points:
1. Timing of Ovulation: The menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring approximately 14 days before the start of the next period. If your cycle is regular, you would expect your next period to start around mid-June. If you ovulated later than usual, it could delay your period.

2. Pregnancy Risk: The intimate contact you described on April 21, while not involving penetrative sex, could still pose a risk for pregnancy if sperm were present. However, the likelihood of pregnancy from external contact (like touching) is significantly lower than from intercourse. If you had a period starting May 16, it is less likely that you are pregnant, as menstruation typically indicates that pregnancy has not occurred.

3. Other Causes for a Missed Period: If you have missed your period since May, there could be several other factors at play:
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to missed periods.

- Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain can also affect your menstrual cycle.

- Health Conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can lead to irregular periods.

- Medications: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, can alter your menstrual cycle.

4. Next Steps: Since you have not had your period for a significant time, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test is negative and your period does not return, or if you experience other symptoms such as severe pain or unusual discharge, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a more thorough evaluation, including blood tests and possibly an ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of your missed period.

In conclusion, while pregnancy is a possibility, the presence of a menstrual period in May and the nature of the contact you described suggest that other factors may be at play. Monitoring your body, taking a pregnancy test, and consulting with a healthcare professional will provide clarity and help address any concerns you may have regarding your menstrual health.

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