From CANFP
Can't Get Pregnant After 12 years on the Pill
By Winnie Neill
Dec 17, 2006, 14:19
Question
I am 31 years old and trying to conceive my first child. I went off the pill the end of January, but did not get a period until July. Since then they have been irregular ranging from 32-42 days, however, my periods were irregular before I went on the pill about 12 years ago. I initally went on the pill to alleviate the heavy, painful periods.
I usually have long (8-9 days), heavy periods, with very painful cramping. I also start to spot 2-5 days before my period starts. This spotting starts anywhere from 6 to 10 days after ovulation.
I have been on synthroid for the past 3 years and my dosage was reduced from 112 mg to 100 mg in February of this year.
I am concerned that the premenstrual spotting is hindering our ability to get pregnant. I have ovulated 4 times since July and our timing has been great as I use the BBT, Fertility Monitor and LH predictor strips.
Do you think the premenstrual spotting is an issue? Is it the irregular periods? Or am I starting to worry for no reason?
Jennifer
Answer
Dear Jennifer,
After trying to get pregnant for five months, I understand your concerns and worry. The length of time you have been trying is not long under the conditions and it just may be a matter of time. However, I think it is wise to be aggressive and seek medical advise. Your length of pill usage, irregular periods, heavy bleeding with cramping, premenstrual spotting and thyroid medication are all issues which should be addressed. The use of BBT, Fertility Monitor and LH predictor strips can all indicate possible ovulation; however it is the cervical mucus which enables the sperm to live in the female body long enough to insure fertilization. Not knowing your location, I would encourage you to seek a natural family practitioner who could instruction you in identifying your fertile phases. In addition, you should seek a medical doctor for a complete hormonal and physical examination. The old saying: "It is better to be safe than sorry." It is not my intent to cause alarm, but rather that you have a complete picture of your situation, so that the right course of action can be taken.
Best of luck in your journey to achieve a pregnancy.
Winnie Neill, FCP
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