Hello doctor, I am 18 years old and female. I have a 28 day cycle period and I am currently five days late. I have recently become sexually active and use condoms. I took a home pregnancy test the day I was due and it came back negative and I also took two to three days after my period was due which also came back negative. I have recently been extremely stressed due to school and have come down with the flu approx 9 to 10 days ago. I have been on APO-Cephalexin antibiotics for approximately 4 to 5 days. I was wondering why my period is late? Please help.
Hello. If condoms are used correctly, they are about 80 % effective in preventing pregnancy. Stress and illness and taking certain new medications can definitely affect when your period comes. Have you had any early symptoms of pregnancy which most girls experience before they even have a positive pregnancy test? If you need accurate confirmation of pregnancy as soon as possible, you can have blood work done that I recommend for patients in your situation. Also, finding a different contraceptive option that is right for you can help in the future. Just let me know what your preferences are and I could help if you would like to explore birth control options.