QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I had a Laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy last Thursday (14th January) and was wondering roughly how long does it take for my period to return? Will there be a long delay? I had the procedures done on day 21 of my cycle but I hadn't actually ovulated by that stage so I am doubting that I will ovulate at all this cycle given the invasion? Thankfully everything is working as it should be.
My Gyni also did a D&C - do I assume that as I had a D&C, day one of my cycle would be that day seeing as the lining of my womb would have been cleaned out?
ANSWER: Hello Katie from Ireland,
There should be no change in your cycle from the surgery. It should occur at the time that it is supposed to occur. However, the D%26C will change everything because the uterine lining was denuded. That will affect your cycle and it will take 4-6 weeks for your next period to occur.
You cannot calculate your cycle days after a D%26C. It has been drastically altered and cycle days are determined by the start of a natural period because of ovulation and hormone production. Cycle day# 21 was not a safe time to do your procedure, unless you were on birth control, because of the risk of a pregnancy being present at that time. Hopefully, that was no the case.
Sincerely,
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 facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Dr Ramirez,
Thanks for answering my question. Just to say to you that at the time of my procedure, a blood test was performed prior to surgery to check that I was not pregnant so no worries there.
Can I ask you one final question - I am due to start IVF and was wondering how long should I wait before commencing treatment? Could I start when I get my next period or should I wait 2 periods?
AnswerHello Again,
Good on the pregnancy issue. However, not to be argumentative, a pregnancy test at cycle day # 21 is not adequate because implantation will not have occurred yet. It will just be occurring around that time. This is only for future reference for you and other interested readers as it is "spilled milk" now. Do you have that saying in Ireland?
The minimum you will need to wait is for one natural cycle to occur. That is, after your next period starts, you should wait one full cycle, then you will be ready. In my program, we will usually wait for the 1st period after the miscarriage or D&C, then start the patient on birth control pills in preparation for an IVF cycle to follow.
Sincerely,
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 facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
