Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
Hi Aunt Vadge,
My girlfriend and I are worried. She hasn’t had her period this month – at the time of writing it’s ten days later than last month. We haven’t had proper sex, but we’re worried it may have been a case of precum getting into her vagina.
If she isn’t pregnant, what other things could make her miss a period? She’s scared to go to a doctor or talk to anyone, so I’ve taken it on myself to find advice. We’re very worried.
Sincerely,
Worried
Dear Worried,
The quickest way to stop the worry is a pregnancy test. A home test from any pharmacy or supermarket is cheap, private and reliable once a period is already late – and at ten days late, a test taken now will give a clear, trustworthy answer.
So that’s the first step: take the test. It’s also worth knowing that yes, pregnancy from precum is possible (it can contain some sperm), which is exactly why a condom, used every time and from the very start, matters so much – but a test is what will actually tell you, rather than guessing.
If the test is negative, try not to panic about the missed period itself: late or skipped periods are extremely common and usually harmless, caused by things like stress, illness, recent travel, changes in weight or exercise, or simply ovulating later than usual one month.
A single late period after a negative test is very often a one-off. If periods stay irregular, or another is missed, that’s the point to get it checked.
The most important thing, though, is this: please don’t let fear of seeing a doctor keep either of you from proper support. A GP – or, even better, a young people’s sexual health clinic – is the right place for all of this: pregnancy testing, contraception advice, and confidential, non-judgemental help with whatever you decide.
These services are very used to helping people your age, and in the UK they offer confidential care. Whatever the result, a real-life professional can give accurate, personal advice in a way a website never can, and you don’t have to carry this on your own.
If it would help to have a trusted adult alongside you, that’s worth considering too. Take the test, take a breath, and book in with a clinic for the rest.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please reach out to a GP or a confidential sexual health service.
