QuestionI am 34 and have an almost 2 year old. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 5 months. I also went off the pill 5 months ago. Everything seemed to return to normal quickly. First month was a 32 day cycle but after that they have been 29-30 days. I have been getting positive OPKs on the 15th or 16th day each month so my luteal phase also seems long enough. I'm not sure when I should be concerned. All of the information about when you reach 35 has me very stressed out as it is only 8 months away at this point. Should I be concerned at this point? Could it be that the pill is still affecting me? Due to the fact that my insurance will not pay for me to see a specialist I don't want to jump the gun on that, however I also don't want to waste time.
Thanks
AnswerHello Brandi,
I think you may be worrying unnecessarily. We don't define infertility until a woman has been trying unsuccessfully for one year. Although 35 is a significant age from a fertility point of view, it is still not critical. Critical occurs from 36 years on. If you are not successful by one year of trying, then at that point I would recommend that you see a fertility specialist. Keep in mind that the average woman under the age of 30 takes 8-12 months to conceive. It does not always happen right away.
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
