Heavy & Painful Periods & Infertility: What Could Be the Connection?

Question
I am 30, will be 31 at the end of august 2004.  I have 2 children on 5 and the other almost 4.  The first day of my last period was august 7.  My question.  My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for the last 7 months with no luck.  With our other children it was very easy.  The first one took two months and the second one took one month.  The last four or five months my period has been increasingly heavier and more painful, with pain occuring behind my belly button, perhaps just a little lower in the pelvic area.  Doesn't feel like regular cramps.  Previously my periods have been very mild, lasting only 4 days with one heavy day and the rest fairly light.  This is how it has been for as long as I can remember.  Do you think that these things can be related and should I consult a medical practitioner or should we try for a year, before seeking medical advise.  Could it be that things are changing as I get older?  Is this something that I should consult a medical dr about?  Any advise would help.

Answer
If your cycles are around 26-28 days from the beginning of one period until the beginning of the next period, and each period lasts no longer than 14 days in length, it is considered normal. If your last period started on August 7, you probably will ovulate around August 20. You can only become pregnant if you have sex on August 19,20,21, or 22. (That is cycle day #13, 14, 15, or 16). I would suggest concentrating on having sex on those days, each month. When you have been trying to conceive for a full 12 months, then your doctor can do a workup for infertility. I doubt that you have a problem because you did deliver two children in the past. The pain behind your belly button is nothing to worry about and will not stop you from conceiving. Just continue trying.