AboutDeborah Expertise I can answer questions about pregnancy symptoms, contraception, abortion, adoption,and
teen parenthood. Specifically, I can give up to date, accurate medical information, latest
studies as well as statistics pertaining to health issues surrounding pregnancy, and factors
to be considered before deciding to become a teen parent.
Experience I have answered over 3000 questions in this area on other health sites, most in the area of teen pregnancy.
Education/Credentials I have a bachelor's Degree in Biology, and am halfway through a Master's Degree, also in Biology. I have access to and read many of the top medical journals, from which I also get the best, most thorough and accurate to answers to pressing medical and health related questions.
Past/Present Clients ehealth over 3000 posts
pro-choice talk over 6000 posts
Expert: Deborah Date: 8/2/2008 Subject: first time
Question QUESTION: So my bf and i are considering having sex for the first time. We want to be as smart as posisble about it because i am 17 but i'm nervous because my menstrual cycle is not consistent yet. Will this affect the chance of me getting pregnant?
ANSWER: Dear Katie,
It depends on what method of birth control you are going to use. Which are you planning to use?
write back,
Deb
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: We plan on using condoms with the spermicide coating. Thanks!
Answer Dear Katie,
Your menstrual cycle won't have an effect on pregnancy, but it will be more difficult for you to determine if you are pregnant or not. Women who have a 28 day cycle know exactly when to expect their periods each month. If their period is late, they know that is a symptom of pregnancy, so they can take a home pregnancy test to make sure they aren't pregnant.
If you consider a hormonal method of birth control in the future, it may help regulate your periods. Many people take the pill and use condoms with spermicide also. That is just about the most effective method of contraception next to abstinence.
Since you won't be able to use your period as a way to know you aren't pregnant each month, I would keep a home pregnancy test handy if I were you. You might also want to consider having Plan B Emergency Contraception around in case the condom breaks or falls off inside of you during sex.
Remember that no birth control method is 100% effective. It's good to have a talk with your boyfriend before you have sex, about what you would do if you got pregnant by accident. For example, if you are unwilling to have an abortion, let him know. If you would want to keep the baby, it would be good for you to know up front if your boyfriend would be supportive of that choice.
It'a a lot to consider, I know. But you are very smart to be covering all of your bases by asking questions, as you are doing.
