QuestionHello, Dr. Ramirez, I'm writing to you from North Carolina, how nice to meet you. I am 27 years old, have always had irregular periods and for about 6 years I was a heavy drinker. A couple of years ago, we decided to try to conceive; I stopped using birth control (NuvaRing and before that, OrthoTriCyclenLo), cut out a lot of the drinking (I'll have about 6-8 drinks a week now) and started exercising. The problem is that I haven't gotten pregnant! I've read that the general definition of infertility is trying to conceive naturally for 1- 2 years without success. I've also heard that a combo of Provera and Clomid could help me conceive and I was wondering if it's time to talk to my doctor or just be patient? Also, could my history of heavy drinking be the cause?
AnswerHello Angela from the U.S.,
The definition of infertility is if a woman under the age of 35 has not achieve a spontaneous pregnancy after 1 year of trying or 6 months if she is 35 years old or older. So, it sounds like you meet that definition and it is time to go see an infertility specialist. I would recommend that you seek out a doctor that does ALL levels of infertility and not just some parts and then refers the patient to a specialist. If they don't do all, then they probably are not a sub-specialist in infertility.
Your drinking is a problem. There have been some studies showing a decreased fertility rate with heavy drinkers but I don't believe it is well established. But if you want to try to maximize your chances then you have to stop. In addition, it is well documented that increased alcohol, even a binge, can increase the risk of miscarriage and fetal malformation.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
