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Could pregnancy risk be the reason for a delayed period at 18?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Wendy S Bowman

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wendy S. Bowman is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist committed to women’s health and wellness across all stages of life. She specializes in prenatal care, safe deliveries, reproductive health, and the management of gynecological conditions. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Bowman provides comprehensive, personalized care to support women’s health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

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.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 7, 2017
Reviewed At October 17, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wendy S. Bowman is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist committed to women’s health and wellness across all stages of life. She specializes in prenatal care, safe deliveries, reproductive health, and the management of gynecological conditions. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Bowman provides comprehensive, personalized care to support women’s health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wendy S. Bowman is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist committed to women’s health and wellness across all stages of life. She specializes in prenatal care, safe deliveries, reproductive health, and the management of gynecological conditions. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Bowman provides comprehensive, personalized care to support women’s health and well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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