Post-NuvaRing Ovulation Issues: When to See a Doctor?

Question
Hi! I was on nuvaring for about 5 years. I stopped in June. I have had periods every 25-29 days since then but I have tracked all other signs for ovulation in hopes of conceiving and to my surprise, it seems I do not ovulate (negative OPKS, no change in temperature showing ovulation, no changes in cervical mucus). I am 31. Should I go see a doctor (OB-GYN or specialist?) and could this be because of past nuvaring use? Oh I also noticed all my periods after BC have been so different than they were before- much lighter and shorter. thanks!!

Answer
Hello Mariana from the U.S.,

I would recommend that you see a fertility specialist if you are trying to get pregnant.  A general Ob/Gyn is fine if they have good knowledge of infertility evaluation and treatment but most do not, even though they may say they do infertility.

Because you have resumed having regular periods, it is most likely that you are ovulating, just not detecting it.  There are better ways to evaluate for that.  The Nuva ring would have prevented your ovaries from functioning so if there were residual effects, you would not have periods at all.

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