QuestionI have been searching all over the net to find out if it is possible to conceive about 6 weeks after last period. I tested positively with a HPT 8 days ago, I had a quant. HCG test today, and was at 1250. Last week the line in the positive test was very faint, tested again today, it was dark, so I'm assuming that the level is up from last week. My last period was Aug 21, so that is well over two months ago, there was no visible fetus when I had an ultrasound, and it is possible that i conceived 3-4 weeks ago, if ovulation can occur with an absent period. My breasts have also been leaking, for about 5 weeks, I breastfed but weaned over a yr ago, so I was wondering if maybe there was an increase in prolactin which caused my period to be delayed?
AnswerHello Christina from the U.S.,
I'm a little confused by your question, but hopefully I'll get it right.
You certainly can ovulate more than 14 days from the first day of the last period. The only part of the cycle that is exact is from the day of ovulation to the day of the period. That is why we recommend counting backwards from the day of ovulation in order to determine when you are ovulating, if you want to use the calendar method. You can then count forward subsequently once you have that information.
Based on your bHCG level, it seems that you became pregnant recently. Certainly, the breast feeding can interfere with your natural onset of a period, but you did ovulate somewhere in that time.
I hope that answers your questions,
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
