Pregnancy Chances with Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Pregnancy probability

I would like to ask about my partner, who has a history of irregular menstrual cycles.
Since October 2018, she has been seeing a gynecologist and taking medication to regulate her periods.
We always use protection during intercourse and make sure to withdraw immediately after ejaculation to avoid contact.
We also check to ensure that the condom has not broken.
She has been taking the medication during her menstrual periods.
Last month, she happened to miss picking up her medication.
Her last period was from January 26 to January 31.
We had intercourse on February 14, 22, 23, and 24, while using protection, but as of today, March 3, she still hasn't gotten her period.
Is there a chance of pregnancy, or could it be related to her not taking the medication?

Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your partner has a history of irregular menstrual cycles and has been visiting a gynecologist since October 2018 to take medication for menstrual regulation.
We have been using protection during intercourse, and after ejaculation, we ensure to withdraw immediately to avoid contact.
We also check to make sure the condom did not break.
During her menstrual periods, she consistently takes her menstrual regulation medication.
Last month, she did not pick up her medication during her break, and her last menstrual period was from January 26 to January 31.
We had intercourse on February 14, 22, 23, and 24, using protection each time.
However, as of today, March 3, she still has not gotten her period.
Is there a chance of pregnancy, or could it be due to not taking her menstrual regulation medication?
Answer: It is likely due to not taking the menstrual regulation medication.

Reply Date: 2019/03/03

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy chances with irregular menstrual cycles, there are several factors to consider. Irregular menstrual cycles can significantly affect ovulation, which is crucial for conception. In your case, it seems that your partner has been managing her menstrual irregularities with medication, but there was a lapse in taking her prescribed medication recently. This could potentially impact her cycle and ovulation.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that irregular cycles can lead to unpredictable ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If your partner's cycles are irregular, it may be difficult to predict when she is ovulating, which can make it challenging to conceive. The absence of her period, especially after having unprotected intercourse, raises the possibility of pregnancy, but it is not definitive.

Given that your partner did not take her menstrual regulation medication last month, this could have contributed to her missed period. Hormonal medications can help regulate cycles, and stopping them abruptly may lead to fluctuations in hormone levels, potentially delaying ovulation or causing anovulation (the absence of ovulation). This means that even if you had intercourse during her fertile window, the chances of conception could be affected if ovulation did not occur.

To determine if she is pregnant, the best course of action would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If the test is positive, it would indicate pregnancy. If it is negative and her period does not arrive soon, it may be wise for her to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Additionally, if irregular cycles persist, it may be beneficial for her to revisit her healthcare provider to discuss her menstrual health and any underlying issues that may be contributing to her irregularities. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.

In summary, while there is a chance of pregnancy given the circumstances, the irregularity of your partner's menstrual cycle and the missed medication could also play a significant role in her current situation. Taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare provider would be the best steps to take moving forward. It’s essential to maintain open communication with her healthcare provider regarding her menstrual health and any concerns about fertility, as they can provide personalized advice and treatment options.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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