Casey, age 18, writes, I don’t have a regular period, I can go months without having one. And I’ve just recently started being sexually active and the first time I engaged in Sexual Intercourse we didn’t use a condom. But we used plan b the next day. And then the next week the same thing happened and we took plan b again. I’m now having some cramps. Since I’ve never had a regular period I have no idea when to take a pregnancy test. Do you think I should? What signs should I look for? The unprotected sex happened June 12th.
Dear Casey,
Most likely, the cramps are related to your taking Plan B. And, taking two doses of Plan B within a short time period can easily mess up your system, so, even if your cycle was regular, you would probably miss your next period (or have it delayed). You could take a home pregnancy test in a week, but it would most likely come back negative since you took Plan B so soon after having sex. Do note that Plan B is an emergency contraceptive and shouldn’t replace a daily birth control pill (if you plan on having sex regularly).
Typically, you would take a home pregnancy test the day that your next expected period should have ended. So … if you had sex on June 12th, and your period should have started on June 24 and ended around June 28, you would take the home pregnancy test on June 28 or any day after. Some HPTs say you can take them on the first day that your next expected period should start, but that tends to not be as accurate since the hCG in your urine (which is what home pregnancy tests are looking for) may not be concentrated enough. That’s why I always recommend to take the test when your next period should have ended. (Of course, if your period comes, then there is no need to take the test). And, when you do take the test, be sure to take it first thing in the morning with your pee that is concentrated throughout the night.
Best wishes,
Hannah
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