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Last Updated:
Sep 10th, 2007 - 18:59:21
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Question
I am a heathly 27 year old married woman. I have some concerns about secondary infertility. Being unable to conceive again has me worried. I have recently had my copper intrauterine device (IUD)removed after having it in place for seven years. I have a seven year old daughter. My husband and I would like to get pregnant again. I had the IUD removed three months ago. I've been using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor for three months now and I have not seen a peak fertility status. All it shows is high fertility throughout the last part of my 32 day cycle. My doctor does not seem concered about it. I understand a woman can develop secondary infertility problems at any time. Should we see a fertility specialist? The nagging doubt is creeping up on me.
Answer
It's good to be proactive regarding your fertility. The IUD works by causing inflammation in the lining of your uterus, and it may take a few months to for your lining to return to normal. With the readings your are getting with the Clearblue monitor, you may also have a hormonal problem, which also may resolve in a few months. So your doctor is reasonable in wanting to be patient a little longer before starting more investigation.
However, the more you know of your own body, the easier it will be to diagnose and treat infertility problems. Now is a very good time to learn to chart your cycle with the modern methods of natural family planning. Following the cervical mucus signs will help identify the most fertile time, which can be used along with the Clearblue fertility monitor. It will also help identify the quality of the mucus, which can be one determinant of fertility. I think you would really enjoy the wealth of information you can obtain by the NFP classes, if you have not already attended them.
I wish you well in your plans of enlarging your family.
Lynn Kerr, MD, is an NFP Medical Consultant and member of the Executive Board of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.
Dr. Kerr is an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF/Fresno Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Medical Director of Sierra Adult Health Center.
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