Not all women’s periods operate like clockwork. Some women have their periods right on schedule every 28 days, while other women’s periods are irregular and unpredictable. Show An irregular period can be frustrating for anyone, but what about if you’re trying to get pregnant? It can be upsetting if you’re trying to conceive and are having difficulties. There are a number of factors that affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant and one of those is irregularity in your periods. Here’s everything you need to know about the link between irregular periods and pregnancy. What are considered irregular periods?Just like no two people are alike, women’s menstrual cycles aren’t alike either. However, there are standard parameters of what’s considered “normal” versus irregular. “A ‘normal’ cycle is anywhere between 21 to 35 days with consistently not more than a two to three day variance from cycle to cycle,” said Emilee Sandsmark, MD, an OBGYN at Banner Health Clinic in Loveland, CO. “Any cycle that occurs more or less frequently than this is considered abnormal, as is a woman who experiences cycles that are 24 days, then 29 days, then 34, etc.” If your period is occurring more frequently than 21 days (polymenorrhea), this is considered abnormal. If it occurs less frequently than every 35 days (oligomenorrhea), this is also considered abnormal. What causes irregular periods?There are a number of things that can affect your period—from stress to weight fluctuations to medications and medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues. But in general, irregular ovulation is what causes irregular menstrual cycles, Dr. Sandsmark said. It’s a common misconception that irregular periods cause irregular ovulation, as it is typically the other way around. “Hormones released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (both in the brain) and the ovary are the messengers that regulate monthly cycles,” Dr. Sandsmark said. “There can be a number of abnormalities at any of these steps that can cause irregular ovulation and abnormal periods.” If you’re experiencing irregular periods, it’s best to talk to your health care provider about ways to treat the underlying issues to allow for more predictable ovulation and more regular periods. Can I get pregnant with an irregular period?“Yes, because women with irregular periods can still ovulate, however, the timing of ovulation may be harder to predict,” Dr. Sandsmark said. Sometimes making lifestyle changes can regulate previously erratic periods and help you conceive. Some women, however, may require the use of other treatment options. Here are some general guidelines when it comes to conception and medical evaluations:
[Also read “Diagnosing Fertility: Common Tests on the Pathway to Pregnancy”] What can I do to determine if I’m ovulating?While one of the biggest indicators of ovulation is a regular menstrual cycle, there are electronic apps and ovulation predictor kits you can purchase. But be mindful, Dr. Sandsmark said, as “some of these tools can vary in quality and data on their usefulness are limited.” Another issue is that unless you have regular cycles, both the apps and predictor kits can be more challenging to use. So those who may need them the most (i.e., you), might have the most difficulty using them. The most accurate and helpful tool is bloodwork. “Bloodwork ordered by your physician done on specific days of your menstrual cycle can help determine the best options for trying to conceive,” Dr. Sandsmark said. TakeawayIrregular ovulation can lead to irregular periods. Irregular ovulation doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, but it can make your ability to conceive a little harder. Seek professional and medical help to regulate your menstrual cycle and better determine when you ovulate each month. To find a Banner Health specialist near you, visit bannerhealth.com. Related Articles:
Join the Conversation Yes, although it's not very likely. If you have sex without using contraception, you can conceive (get pregnant) at any time during your menstrual cycle, even during or just after your period. You can also get pregnant if you have never had a period before, during your first period, or after the first time you have sex. There's no "safe" time of the
month when you can have sex without contraception and not risk becoming pregnant. But there are times in your menstrual cycle when you're at your most fertile, and this is when you're most likely to conceive. Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period. You're
most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. This is the time of the month when you're most likely to get pregnant. It's unlikely that you'll get pregnant just after your period, although it can happen. It's important to remember that sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to 7 days after you have sex. This means it may be
possible to get pregnant soon after your period finishes if you ovulate early, especially if you have a naturally short menstrual cycle. You should always use contraception when you have sex if you don't want to become pregnant. Page last reviewed: 8 July 2021 |
Can you get pregnant if you dont get periods
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