Ovulation & Pregnancy Without a Period: What You Need to Know

Question
could you consive (get pregnant) with out ovulating? Can you ovulate if you don't have your pirod?  

Answer
Dear Rhianna,

Having a period does not necessarily mean that ovulation has taken place. Some women may have what is called an anovulatory cycle, (meaning no ovulation) and can experience some bleeding which is mistaken for a period, but it is actually not a true period. This bleeding is caused by either a buildup in the uterine lining that can no longer sustain itself or by an estrogen level drop.

Together estrogen and progesterone stimulate the endometrium to prepare a thick blanket of blood vessels that will support a fertilized egg should pregnancy occur. When pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates and becomes the corpus albicans. Once this occurs, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, and the endometrial lining is shed and bleeding occurs. So even though your body is not producing the typical hormone patterns which would stimulate ovulation, thicken the endometrium, and then shed the endometrium (with no pregnancy), you may have some bleeding from the estrogen drop.

In short - you can have period-like bleeding without ovulating but no, you cannot conceive a pregnancy without a viable egg (ovulating).

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Brenda