Am I Ovulating? Fertility After a Miscarriage

Is there ovulation?

I have one child who is almost two years old.
On May 20th of this year, I took a lot of medication due to feeling unwell and was concerned about its effects on a fetus, so I underwent an abortion.
Since then, I have been closely monitoring my physiological changes.
I noticed that I have not experienced the egg white cervical mucus that typically occurs before ovulation.
My menstrual cycle is regular, ranging from 28 to 30 days.
A few days after my period, I do experience mild abdominal pain similar to ovulation, but it is not pronounced.
My highest body temperature has only reached 36.69°C, and the lowest was 32.29°C.
I have not been using contraception.
I am worried that the abortion may have caused infertility.
Last month, my cycle was only 26 days before my period returned.
Could my ovaries have lost their ovulatory function due to the abortion? Based on my physiological symptoms, am I experiencing infertility?

april, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/11/23

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Surgical abortion does not cause anovulatory infertility; however, complications such as adhesions in the fallopian tubes may occur postoperatively.
If the hospital where you undergo the abortion maintains proper sterile techniques, you can feel reassured.
Additionally, the two-year gap between your first and second pregnancies suggests that you may have a naturally lower fertility rate.
There is no need to rush; consider tracking your basal body temperature for 1-2 months and then consult with a gynecologist to help identify your ovulation days.

Reply Date: 2000/11/23

More Info

After experiencing a miscarriage and undergoing a surgical abortion, it is understandable to have concerns about your fertility and whether you are ovulating. It’s important to note that many women can return to their normal menstrual cycles and ovulation patterns after a miscarriage or abortion, but individual experiences can vary significantly.

First, let’s discuss the signs of ovulation. Typically, ovulation is indicated by several physical signs, including changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature (BBT), and sometimes mild abdominal pain known as mittelschmerz. The presence of egg white cervical mucus is often a sign that ovulation is approaching, as it helps sperm travel through the reproductive tract. If you are not noticing this type of mucus, it could be a sign that ovulation is not occurring, but it is not definitive.

Your menstrual cycle length of 28-30 days is considered normal, but the recent change to a 26-day cycle may indicate some fluctuations in your hormonal balance. It’s also worth noting that after a miscarriage or abortion, it can take some time for your body to readjust, and cycles may vary as your hormones normalize. The temperature range you provided (36.69°C to 32.29°C) suggests that there may be some irregularities, as typical BBT during the luteal phase (post-ovulation) is usually higher than during the follicular phase (pre-ovulation).
Regarding your concern about whether the abortion has affected your ovulation, it is possible but not guaranteed. Surgical procedures can sometimes lead to scarring or changes in the reproductive organs, but many women still ovulate regularly afterward. If you are not experiencing the typical signs of ovulation, it might be beneficial to track your cycle more closely. You can use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) that detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation. This can provide a clearer picture of whether you are ovulating.

If you continue to have concerns about your fertility or if you suspect that you may not be ovulating, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform tests to evaluate your hormone levels, check for any underlying conditions, and assess your overall reproductive health. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can impact ovulation and menstrual cycles.

In summary, while it is possible that your recent abortion may have temporarily affected your ovulation, many women do regain their normal cycles. Monitoring your symptoms, using ovulation tests, and consulting with a healthcare provider can help you better understand your fertility status. Remember that it is not uncommon for cycles to be irregular after a significant event like a miscarriage or abortion, and patience is often necessary as your body readjusts.

Similar Q&A

Can I Get Pregnant After a Recent Miscarriage? Tips for Quick Conception

Your menstrual period was from March 27 to April 1, with an average cycle length of 27-28 days. You had unprotected intercourse on April 7 and April 10. Given that ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next period, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially si...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you are wondering whether you are pregnant, it's important to stay relaxed and maintain a positive mindset. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Trying to Conceive After a Miscarriage: Understanding Your Cycle

Hello Doctor: I had a miscarriage on July 2, 2016 (at six weeks, with natural embryo resorption). My first menstrual period came on August 4. I started using ovulation test strips on August 17, and the second line has been faint but visible. I just visited a gynecologist to check...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Ting: Generally speaking, the first and second menstrual cycles after a miscarriage or a normal delivery are often anovulatory. So there's no need to worry too much. If your menstrual cycles are usually regular, the chances of conceiving in your next pregnancy are ...

Understanding Your Chances of Pregnancy After a Miscarriage: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello Doctor, I successfully conceived in 2020 and had a heartbeat, but unfortunately, I experienced a miscarriage around 9 weeks. After the surgery in August, I have been trying to conceive again, but this year has been unsuccessful. Eventually, my period did not come, so I went...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you are likely not pregnant. Wait another week and see if your period arrives. If it still doesn't come, you can take another test. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Miscarriage Outside Ovulation Period?

Is it possible to get pregnant during a non-ovulatory period after having experienced a miscarriage, or is the likelihood of conception higher during the ovulatory period?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: Fertilization and pregnancy require both an egg and sperm, which means it can only occur during ovulation. However, eggs and sperm have different lifespans, and the ovulation period (or fertile window) can vary among individuals and different cycles. Theref...