Ovulation Medications: Symptoms and Concerns for Pregnancy

Taking ovulation medication?

Hello, Dr.
Lin! My menstrual period started on December 19th, and the doctor prescribed me ovulation medication, which I began taking on the fifth day of my period for five days.
After that, I waited five days to have intercourse with my husband.
On the third day after finishing the ovulation medication, I started feeling discomfort in my lower abdomen with a sensation of heaviness, particularly in the left lower abdomen and near the bladder, along with constipation.
The discomfort is a dull pain that lasts for about thirty minutes and then subsides, but it recurs for two days.
During these two days, I followed the doctor's instructions regarding intercourse.
Could you please advise me on what might be causing my symptoms? Additionally, my menstrual cycle is often irregular, lasting over 32 days.
I had a myomectomy in June of last year, during which the doctor also found that I had endometrial hyperplasia.
They addressed that issue and conducted blood tests, all of which returned normal results.
It has been six months since then, and I am hoping to conceive, which is why the doctor prescribed me ovulation medication.
I am unsure if my symptoms are related to my previous surgery or past issues.
Based on my menstrual cycle and surgical history, should I expect to conceive this quickly? My husband and I are both over 40 years old and are eager to have a child.

Xiao Yi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/04

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Please visit the outpatient clinic for a more thorough examination.

Reply Date: 2017/01/04

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding ovulation medications and your symptoms. It’s great to hear that you are actively trying to conceive, especially after your previous surgery for uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperplasia. Let’s break down your situation and address your symptoms and concerns.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that ovulation medications, often prescribed to stimulate ovulation, can sometimes lead to side effects. Common side effects may include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation. The symptoms you are experiencing—lower abdominal discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, and constipation—could be related to the medications you are taking. The discomfort you describe, particularly the dull pain that comes and goes, may also be influenced by your recent history of surgery and the underlying conditions you have had.

Given your history of uterine fibroids and endometrial hyperplasia, it’s understandable to be concerned about how these factors might affect your current situation. After surgery, it’s not uncommon for women to experience some changes in their menstrual cycle and symptoms related to their reproductive health. The fact that your menstrual cycle is longer than 32 days and irregular can also contribute to the challenges you face in conceiving. Irregular cycles can make it more difficult to predict ovulation, which is crucial when trying to conceive.

Regarding your question about whether you could be pregnant, it is indeed possible to conceive shortly after ovulation medications, but it typically takes time for the body to adjust, especially after surgery. If you have followed your doctor’s instructions regarding timing intercourse after taking the ovulation medication, you have maximized your chances for this cycle. However, it is also important to note that conception may not occur immediately, and it can take several cycles for some couples, particularly those over 40, to achieve pregnancy.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience severe pain, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They may want to perform an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to ensure that everything is healing properly and to rule out any complications related to your previous surgery or the current use of ovulation medications.

In summary, your symptoms could be related to the ovulation medications, your surgical history, or a combination of both. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, who can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Additionally, considering your age and the desire to conceive, it may be beneficial to discuss with your doctor any additional fertility assessments or treatments that could support your journey to pregnancy.

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey to parenthood!

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