Delayed Period After Pill: Understanding Conception & What to Expect

Question
Hi,

My husband and I decided to start trying to conceive our first child. I am 26 years old; he is 28. I finished off my last pack of the pill on June 19. Today is August 1, and I still haven't gotten my first period off of birth control.

I have taken home pregnancy tests half a dozen times, most recently 3 days ago. All tests have been negative.

However, I have had cramping on several occasions, usually spaced a few days apart. The cramps were severe enough on July 28 to keep me up very late. Each time I have had cramps, I thought that I was getting my period but have not.

This is all very frustrating since I'm trying to conceive and have no idea if I have ovulated, when I will ovulate, or when my period is due. I will add that I had irregular periods before going on the pill 6 years ago. I would sometimes skip a month or two but never longer.

My questions: Is it possible I am pregnant? What could be some causes of the cramping? Should I see a doctor? Will they prescribe Clomid or a similar drug? I would rather not wait an entire year as typically recommended for couples who are trying to conceive if I don't have normal periods.

Thank you so much for your advice.

Answer
First, if you have not had your period since you stopped the pills in June,you should take a pregnancy test. If it is negative,you are definitely not pregnant. If the test is negative, you should ask your doctor to start your period for you using Provera 10mg twice a day for five days and you should get your period within ten days. You may merely need some progesterone to trigger your cycle. if you start getting your cycles regularly, then you can purchase an ovulation predictor kit to try to pinpoint your day of ovulation. You can only become pregnant if you have sex around the time of ovulation. If you are not ovulating, then your doctor may prescribe Clomid to help you ovulate. We usually do not start an infertility workup until you have been trying to conceive for an entire twelve months (which is really only 12 days of ovulation). Don't get discouraged.