Irregular Periods & Potential Pregnancy: What to Do

Question
As a result from taking birth control to regulate my
menstrual cycle, my period came down November 2nd 2008 and
lasted for 7 days as normal. It didn't come on again by
itself until June 10th/11th 2009 (yeah I know) and also
lasted for 7 days. I had unprotected sex  4 times on July
3rd 2009. My boyfriend didn't release any sperm in me, but
his precum may have gotten in. It is now July 18th and I
haven't had my period. Is it possible that I could have
gotten pregnant? I've had some symptoms, but it could come
from other things. I find myself catching a few headaches, I
get hungrier faster, and I feel minor churns in my lower
belly!  Also, when I feel myself down there now I'm always
wet and leaky, I also feel a slimy creamy white-ish fluid.
Whatever it is leaks onto my underwear and comes out
yellowish-brown.
Is it simple discharge, or something else? But most
importantly, could I be pregnant? Or is it highly unlikely
due to how irregular my period has been? THANK U SO MUCH!!!

Answer
Dear Sharmanique,

Simply having irregular cycles does not make it impossible for you to become pregnant. It actually causes you to be more protective if you do NOT want to conceive because you never know when you might be ovulating.

The symptoms you describe can sometimes be related to early pregnancy, but are often due to hormonal fluctuations within our cycles as well. The abundant vaginal discharge and other symptoms may be related to ovulation right now - which would mean you are not pregnant.

Because there wasn't full ejaculation, it is less likely that you would have conceived but not impossible. You will need to test for pregnancy to know for sure. Although some tests claim accuracy on the first day of a missed period, I usually suggest that women wait until the week after a missed or spotty period before testing for pregnancy, which is approximately 3 weeks after a potential conception date. This tends to minimize the incidence of false negative results and also avoids wasting money on a test for a simple delay of a period by a few days. Therefore, I'd suggest you wait and test in about 7-10 days. When/if you test make sure to use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda