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Expert Q&A
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| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
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What is the likelihood that I have a serious fertility problem? I have only been married a short time, and we are not going to seek pregnancy for another year or so, but we are not preventing it in the meantime. I do chart my BBT and mucus as a part of natural family planning. In the past I had always had a slightly long and irregular cycle (30 to 35 days, but consistent bleeding time). However, for the past 17 months my cycle has been to the extreme of irregular (anywhere from 41 to 72 days). My doctor told me last June that I was probably not ovulating (which seems likely from my lack of mucus and BBT). He suggested it could be from weight gain since college (I graduated two years ago and gained about 30 pounds in the first six months or so, but I have been pretty even since then). He did not seem terribly worried. Also, my BBT rarely goes above 98, and does drop below my chart into the upper 96s. I would like to be able to get pregnant in the near future, and I am worried about the possibilities. Any suggestions?
It does sound like you are not ovulating, which of course, will affect your chances of getting pregnant. Since you have some time until you are planning on actively trying, I would advise you to start a regular exercise program and try to lose the weight. If getting near your ideal body weight doesn't help, then you should get an endocrine screen (for example, to rule out thyroid disorders that can cause anovulation and dysfunctional bleeding patterns). Ultimately, you may need help getting pregnant with ovulation-inducing medications."
Related Expert Q&A
- It has been 41 days since the first day of my last period. Is it normal to go that long in between periods?
- My cycle only lasted 2 1/2 days and is lighter than normal. Is that going to interfere with us trying to conceive? Also, will it increase our chances if he ejaculates a couple days before my fertile time?
- What is the likelihood that I have a serious fertility problem?
- I am a shift worker. Is there any way I can monitor my basal temperature?
- If you have very light spotting for two or three days before your period actually begins, which day do you count as the first day of your period?
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