QuestionQUESTION: I am 38 and recently weaned my 25 month old. I have had two cycles, 24 days apart which is a little early for me, normally they are always 27 days.
We are trying to conceive again. I did not conceive with the first cycle and I'm not sure about the current one as I am due for AF on Jan 14 (24 days) or Jan 17 (27 days).
My question is this-will it take me a few cycles to resume my fertility and/or have successful implantation because I breastfed for so long (and also my age, I suppose)? My obgyn suggested I could take progesterone but I'd rather not do anything like that at this point. I have had 3 normal pregnancies and 2 miscarriages (not consecutive). Or should I assume I am fertile now because my periods are back (if not exactly regular) and I am not nursing at all?
I did break down and took a HPT today (negative) but since I have no idea when I ovulated I don't know if I took it too early. Today would be CD 19.
ANSWER: Dear Cathy: the return of fertility can be very gradual or sudden. a period cycle that is only 24 days long is usually considered too short to get pregnant. It is the post luteal phase that is shortened (that is why he suggested progesterone) and needs to be at least 10 days long to sustain implantation of the baby. I'd give it a couple more cycles and then if they haven't lengthened out, you could try the progesterone. I don't think it's too harsh and can be found in natural source if needed (wild yam cream is one source).
I breast fed for longer than 4 years (3 kids 4 years each) and my periods returned around 15 months. You were able to suppress your periods throughout the whole breastfeeding time, which is unusual. Pregnancy tests are pretty accurate but you are right that they are not helpful the closer to ovulation.
You can also have periods without ovulation for a while as your body gets used to the new hormone levels. Because you are almost 3 years older than when you got pregnant the last time, the "age" factor is something to recognize. Some women, though, are infertile in their younger years and have babies in their 40's! For others, it's the reverse: they are fertile young and eventually, no more babies by the end of their 30's. Of course, no one knows which one they are until they experience it. I'm hoping you get your fourth! And any others you want!
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QUESTION: Thank you for your thorough response. I did get my period yesterday, on day 28 so can I assume my cycles have become normal and I am ovulating? I have completely weaned my son.
Should we try this month and then if it doesn't happen go to my ob/gyn? How would I know if I am ovulating or not-should I try an OPK?
AnswerIf you start charting your cycles you will know when you ovulate. Since you are having your period now, you are at the right time to start. I always took my basal temperature at the same time every morning (it's best to pick a time that you can count on) and record the number on a chart. Around the time you ovulate you will see a spike in the temperature (a rise of at least .4 degrees).
In addition, you might notice an increase in the amount and the stickiness or slipperiness of the mucus discharge. When the temperature is up and the mucus is slippery (not dry) then you are ovulating or within a day of doing so. That's the time to try to get pregnant and to be able to ascertain if you are indeed ovulating. When the temperature falls your period will be starting. The mucus will dry up after you ovulate also. If your temperature stays up past when you think your period should start, then you are pregnant! Yeah!
I'd give it more than one month to get your cycles more regular. I don't think you need an OPK, that's just an expense that isn't necessary if you are charting. Let me know if you have any other questions.
http://www.nfpandmore.org/
Towards the bottom on the right side of this website link (above) you will find a link to print a chart to use to keep track of your data (temperature and mucus). You can find a basal thermometer at any drug store. Digital is fine.
