QuestionHello Dr. Ramirez, I recently had my IUD removed in November as my husband and I have decided to have our 4th (and last) baby. I have been using the urine LH strips to check for ovulation since my periods are not yet normal. My December period was 34 days from my November but my January cycle was only 23 days. On January 22nd I showed that I was ovulating and then I started bleeding and clotting when I used the restroom, not as bad as my normal periods but heavier then just spotting. We are wondering if we can still conceive this month??? I am 35 now and would really like to get pregnant as soon as possible.
Thank you for any information you can provide.
AnswerHello Nicol,
If you had fairly heavy bleeding vaginally, that is a sign of breakdown of the endometrial lining. It is unlikely that there would be implantation from this. But, you never know. I have seen many miracles occur so nothing is absolutely for sure.
If you continue to have irregular cycles, and in consideration of your age, you might want to consider ovulation induction to correct your cycles and increase the chances of a pregnancy. However, make sure to see a repudable infertility specialist and not a general OB/GYN so that the cycle is done correctly and you don't end up with octuplets.
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.
