Can I Get Pregnant?
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
I am wondering because I had dry sex with my boyfriend almost three weeks ago? -that was like a week and a half after my period had ended-. There was no sexual intercourse, we both kept our underwear on. Not only was I wearing underwear, but also a pad (on of those light days one).
I have taken three pregnancy tests, the ones you buy at the drugstore, and they have all been negative. I am supposed to get my period around this days (mid 20s), I have been feeling light cramps and lower back pain, but I have not gotten my period, not even the dark discharge I sometimes get before my period. I have read many articles saying there is no way I can be pregnant, but I'm still scared.
ANSWER
If you are already having "dry" sex, and do not want to be pregnant yet, it is time to get good contraception. I'd suggest a visit with your GYN provider as soon as possible. But the real question is whether this "dry" sex resulted in wet underwear for you. Because if it did, there is a small chance that you may have conceived. The only goal in life for a sperm is to get to the egg, and they have their ways! If you still don't have your period, it is time to test again. If it is negative, it is probably just stress that is making you "late." But if you miss a second period, then do test again. Meanwhile, I'd suggest you abstain from any type of sex until you are both using contraception.
--Cynthia, CNM. PhD.
Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, is the General Director of the Family Health and Birth Center which provides prenatal, birth, postnatal, gynecological and primary health care to underserved women and their families in Washington, D.C. Recently Cynthia served as Associate Professor of Nursing at Seattle University. There she not only taught, but remained in full scope clinical midwifery practice at Valley Medical Center where she cared for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
