Irregular Menstrual Cycles and Ovulation for Pregnancy Chances

Is the chance of pregnancy high with an irregular menstrual cycle? How is the ovulation period calculated?

Hello, doctor.
My menstrual cycle has been irregular.
I had my period from October 25, 2017, to November 8, 2017, and then it didn't come again.
I visited a gynecologist and took medication from March 5, 2018, to March 16, 2018, for menstrual regulation.
I took menstrual regulation medication again from March 29, 2018, to April 4, 2018, and from May 1, 2018, to May 10, 2018.
I also took medication from June 7, 2018, to June 14, 2018.
I want to get pregnant, but my periods are still irregular.
I had unprotected intercourse on June 29 and June 30, and I have been feeling sensations similar to menstrual cramps in my lower abdomen, which occasionally hurts.
Today, July 2, I feel even more pain.
Is this a sign that my period is coming soon, or is there a chance I could be pregnant? What are the chances? I would also like to know how to calculate my ovulation period with irregular menstrual cycles.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles.
After my last period from October 25, 2017, to November 8, 2017, I did not have another period.
I visited a gynecologist and took medication from March 5, 2018, to March 16, 2018, to regulate my cycle.
I took more menstrual regulation medication from March 29, 2018, to April 4, 2018, and again from May 1, 2018, to May 10, 2018.
I also took medication from June 7, 2018, to June 14, 2018.
I want to get pregnant, but my periods are still irregular.
On June 29 and June 30, I had unprotected intercourse, and during those days, I felt symptoms similar to menstrual cramps in my lower abdomen, which occasionally hurt.
Today, July 2, I am experiencing more pain, and I am unsure if my period is about to start or if there is a chance I could be pregnant.
What are the chances? I also want to know how to calculate my ovulation period with irregular cycles.

Answer: With irregular menstrual cycles, it is difficult to calculate the ovulation period.
There is a possibility of pregnancy, but the chances are not very high.

Reply Date: 2018/07/03

More Info

Irregular menstrual cycles can be a significant concern for women trying to conceive, as they can complicate the understanding of ovulation and the timing of intercourse for optimal chances of pregnancy. In your case, it appears that you have been experiencing irregular cycles for some time, which can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, lifestyle changes, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

To understand your chances of pregnancy, it is essential to first recognize how ovulation works. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. However, with irregular cycles, pinpointing ovulation can be challenging. For example, if your cycles vary significantly in length, it becomes difficult to predict when you might ovulate.
Given your history of irregular cycles, it may be beneficial to track your menstrual cycle more closely. You can use methods such as:
1. Calendar Method: Keep a record of your menstrual cycles for several months to identify any patterns or average cycle length.

2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): By taking your temperature every morning before getting out of bed, you can detect a slight increase in temperature that occurs after ovulation.

3. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits can help detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation.

4. Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Changes in cervical mucus can indicate ovulation. Around ovulation, the mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites.

Regarding your symptoms of cramping and discomfort in the lower abdomen, these could be indicative of several things. They might suggest that your menstrual cycle is about to start, or they could be related to ovulation (known as mittelschmerz). If you are experiencing pain that is more intense than usual or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider.

As for your question about the likelihood of pregnancy, it is difficult to provide a precise percentage without knowing more about your cycle patterns and ovulation timing. However, if you have had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window (which is typically a few days before and the day of ovulation), there is a chance of conception.
If you continue to have irregular cycles and are actively trying to conceive, it may be beneficial to consult with a fertility specialist or an endocrinologist. They can perform tests to evaluate your hormone levels and overall reproductive health, which may help identify any underlying issues that could be affecting your menstrual regularity and fertility.

In summary, while irregular menstrual cycles can complicate the process of trying to conceive, there are methods to track ovulation and increase your chances of pregnancy. If you are concerned about your symptoms or the irregularity of your cycles, seeking medical advice is a prudent step.

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