Can I get pregnant if I've never had my period?
– Ariana

Yes, a girl can get pregnant before she gets her first period.

Getting pregnant is related to ovulation. Because a girl can ovulate before having her first period, it is possible to become pregnant if she has sex.

Pregnancy isn't the only concern about having sex — any time a girl has sex, especially unprotected sex, she runs the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) (also called a sexually transmitted infection, or STI).

Abstinence (not having sex) is the only way to completely prevent STDs or unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are the only type of birth control that offers protection against STDs, but they're not as good at preventing pregnancy as other kinds of birth control. Girls get the best protection if they use a condom every time they have sex, and also use a hormonal method of birth control (like the Pill).

If you have ever had sex, or are thinking about having sex, talk with your doctor about birth control options, STD testing, and ways to prevent STDs.

If you've had unprotected sex, a condom broke, or you used birth control but haven't had your period, see your doctor immediately to get tested for pregnancy and STDs.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.