Q:

I just started my period one week early, I was sick this past week and I also had a cold sore outbreak on my nose (not a new thing), could the stress of being sick have caused my period to come early, it has been regular since before I was 13? Also, I have not had intercourse but have been in close contact situations recently, is spotting early a possible sign of pregnancy? What other symptoms would I have if that were the case?

 

A:

Sure, abnormal bleeding could be from being stressed and recently ill. But you can't be certain without confirming you have a negative pregnancy test.

Any possibility of genital contact with ejaculation warrants a pregnancy test when you have irregular vaginal bleeding. Pregnancy does happen from non-penetrating ejaculation, and abnormal spotting is common in early pregnancy without other symptoms, as nausea and breast tenderness generally aren't noticeable until after the missed period.

That said, you can be pregnancy tested in the Student Health Center by the triage nurse. It is also wise to set up a time to discuss your contraceptive options with the Peer Sexual Health Educators, so you aren't worrying about this possibility in the future.

~The Doc