Missed Period for 15 Days: Could Pregnancy Be Possible?

If your period is 15 days late, is there a chance of pregnancy?

Hello Doctor, I usually have a regular menstrual cycle, but occasionally it can be delayed by about 10 days.
My last menstrual period was from August 29 to September 4, and my typical cycle is around 30 days.
I have never had penetrative intercourse with my boyfriend, but on September 27, 28, and 29, we had intimate contact where he rubbed his glans against my vaginal opening for about 30 seconds.
There was some pre-ejaculate fluid, but he did not ejaculate.
Later, I performed oral sex on him, and he ejaculated.
I expected my period to start on October 2, but it has not arrived yet.
Therefore, on October 12, I took a pregnancy test using the first morning urine, which showed a negative result with only one line.
I am unsure if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
What is the likelihood? Thank you, Doctor!

Xiao Lan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/16

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My menstrual cycle is usually regular, but occasionally it can be delayed by about 10 days.
My last period was from August 29 to September 4, and my typical cycle is around 30 days.
I have never had penetrative sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, but on September 27, 28, and 29, we had intimate contact where he rubbed his glans against my vaginal opening for about 30 seconds.
There was some lubrication, but he did not ejaculate.
Later, I performed oral sex on him, and he ejaculated.
I expected my period to arrive on October 2, but it has not come yet.
Therefore, on October 12, I used a home pregnancy test with the first morning urine, which showed a negative result with only one line.
I am unsure if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Is the likelihood high? Answer: Rubbing the glans against the vaginal opening for about 30 seconds without ejaculation does not pose a risk for pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/10/16

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, especially after a missed period, it's essential to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the menstrual cycle, sexual activity, and the timing of pregnancy tests. In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on August 29 and lasted until September 4, with a typical cycle length of about 30 days. This means that your next expected period would have been around October 2. However, you noted that your period was late by 15 days as of October 12.

You also described engaging in intimate contact with your boyfriend on September 27, 28, and 29, where there was no penetration, but there was some genital contact. It's important to understand that while the risk of pregnancy from such activities is generally low, it is not zero. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if it comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a potential risk of pregnancy, albeit small.

The fact that you took a pregnancy test on October 12 and received a negative result is significant. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to take the test after a missed period, and since you tested 10 days after your expected period, the test should be fairly reliable.

However, there are several factors that could lead to a false negative result. These include:
1. Testing Too Early: If implantation occurred later than expected, hCG levels may not be high enough to detect at the time of testing.

2. Diluted Urine: If you drank a lot of fluids before taking the test, it could dilute the urine and lower the concentration of hCG.

3. Faulty Test: Occasionally, pregnancy tests can be defective or expired, leading to inaccurate results.

Given that you have a history of occasional late periods, it's also possible that your cycle is simply irregular this time. Stress, changes in weight, illness, or hormonal imbalances can all affect menstrual cycles.

If your period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable to retest or consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can provide a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy. Blood tests can detect lower levels of hCG than home pregnancy tests and can confirm pregnancy earlier.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy from the activities you described are low, they are not impossible. The negative pregnancy test you took is a good indicator that you are likely not pregnant, but if your period does not come soon, consider following up with another test or a visit to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

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