Irregular Periods & Fertility: Understanding Your Cycle

Question
My cycle switches every month from 22 days one month to 28 days the next back to 22. At first I thought I had irregular periods but since tracking for 8 months have seen a clear pattern. I have also been TTC for 1 year. I have a apt. with OB in 2 weeks for infertility consult. Could my period affect fertility?

Answer
Dear Jen,

Yes, it certainly could affect fertility. You may be ovulating every other cycle (on the 28 day cycles), or every cycle but for the short cycles the fertile time of the month for you will need to be adjusted, or you may be only ovulating sporadically, or not at all.

Initially, the best way to determine that is to do some testing on your hormone levels - probably for two months in a row since you have determined this pattern. I would suspect that your OB doctor will do this testing since you have been TTC for a year with no luck. He/she may also choose to refer you on to a fertility specialist.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda