Fertility – long cycle

As you say, it’s the varying length of your menstrual cycle that adds the unknown quantity to the scenario. The only ‘regular’ feature is that we know ovulation occurred some 10-12 days prior to the first day of your period. (Always too late, of course, to do anything about it!) The unknown time span being from the first day of your period to when the next egg appears. Basal temperature records and cervical mucous testing provide useful hints as to when ovulation has occurred. This helps to narrow the ‘fertile’ period. Have a look at our article aboutunderstanding your fertilityandchecking your basal body temperature.

Remember that fertility problems are very common – affecting 15% of couples. For about 50% of couples a pregnancy will be achieved in the first 2-3 months – for 10% it will take a year or more. Your past medical history is important too; smoking, alcohol intake, etc. also need to be taken into consideration. Follow the advice in our article in Prime Health.

You are still well within the ‘normal’ timescale. Obviously, if you’ve been trying for more than a year without success it would be wise to consult your doctor and find out more about fertility tests and treatments.