Your sexual health issues

The question of conception

I am 27 and have been trying to conceive for six months. I stopped taking the pill last July and have had quite irregular cycles since then.

My doctor said that my LP was not a problem and the only reason I am getting my period early is because I am not pregnant. Does this sound like I do actually have a problem? My doctor is making me feel like I am wasting his time, but I really feel like something isn't right.
wishing-on-a-star

Dr Valerie: From the information that you have given, everything sounds reassuring. There is nothing to suggest that you might have a fertility problem.

The irregular bleeding may suggest that not all your cycles are ovulatory at present; home kits do not necessarily confirm ovulation. Most urine kits detect a Luteinising Hormone which peaks before ovulation, but they are not 100 per cent reliable at predicting ovulation.

Luteinising Hormone can rise without any egg having been released by your ovary. The tests are therefore a useful guide for timing intercourse to coincide with when you are most likely to be fertile. Generally, a progesterone level of 30nmol/litre or above does confirm ovulation.

Because you are young and otherwise healthy, regular ovulation should be occurring soon, and your chances of conceiving naturally are high. You are very keen to become pregnant, and I totally understand how you must be feeling.

However, your doctor's response is quite appropriate. From a medical point of view, you are not defined as having a possible sub-fertility problem until after one year of regular, unprotected sex.

Within those 12 months, 85 per cent of couples are expected to have conceived. Ninety five per cent of all couples conceive by the end of two years of trying.

If not, more invasive tests may be carried out in a fertility clinic setting. In the meantime, avoid stress, maintain a healthy weight and avoid alcohol intake and smoking. All these are general measures that not only enhance chances of conceiving naturally, but they also ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy. Do talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking pre-pregnancy folic acid.