Ovulation Issues: Your Questions Answered by an Expert

Ovulation issues

Hello, I would like to ask the doctor some questions regarding ovulation.
My menstrual period was from September 21 to September 26 last year, and on the fifth day of my period, I had unprotected intercourse.
At that time, I took emergency contraception.
My next period came around September 30 to October 3 or 4.
After that, since my expected period did not arrive, I went to see a gynecologist and took a pregnancy test, which was negative.
The doctor prescribed me medication to induce my period, and I started my period again around October 27 to November 1.
Since then, my menstrual cycle has been approximately 26 days at the shortest and 29 days at the longest, with the last three months falling between 28 to 29 days.

I would like to ask:
1.
Given that so much time has passed, could the emergency contraception I took affect my ovulation afterwards?
2.
If I have vaginitis, could it affect my chances of getting pregnant? If I have vaginitis, can I still use discharge to determine my ovulation period? If so, how can I determine it?
3.
Is it possible to ovulate during menstruation?
Thank you, doctor.
Wishing you health and peace.

Qq, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, this duration should not have an impact.
Vaginitis can potentially affect fertility, as inflammation makes it more difficult to determine ovulation, and ovulation does not occur during menstruation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/12

More Info

Understanding ovulation issues is crucial for women who are trying to conceive or are concerned about their menstrual health. Your questions touch on several important aspects of reproductive health, and I will address each one in detail.

1. Impact of Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) on Ovulation: Emergency contraceptive pills, commonly referred to as "morning-after pills," are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation. If you took the ECP shortly after unprotected intercourse, it is unlikely to have a long-term effect on your ovulation cycle. The hormonal components of ECPs can temporarily alter your menstrual cycle, but they should not cause permanent changes. Given that your menstrual cycles have since stabilized to a range of 26 to 29 days, it appears that your ovulation has returned to a normal pattern.

2. Vaginal Infections and Fertility: Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can potentially affect your fertility, but they do not directly prevent ovulation. However, if an infection is present, it can create an unfavorable environment for sperm, making it more difficult for conception to occur. Regarding the assessment of ovulation through vaginal discharge, it is important to note that while cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle, infections can alter its characteristics. For example, during ovulation, cervical mucus typically becomes clear, stretchy, and resembles egg whites. If you have an infection, the discharge may be altered, making it difficult to accurately assess your ovulation through this method. Therefore, it is advisable to treat any infections before relying on discharge characteristics to determine ovulation.

3. Ovulation During Menstruation: Generally, ovulation does not occur during menstruation. The menstrual cycle is divided into phases: the follicular phase (before ovulation), ovulation, and the luteal phase (after ovulation). Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, approximately 14 days before the start of your next period. However, in some cases, particularly in women with irregular cycles, ovulation can occur earlier or later than expected. It is also worth noting that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you have unprotected intercourse just before your period, there is a possibility of ovulation occurring shortly after menstruation, leading to conception.

In summary, your use of emergency contraception should not have long-term effects on your ovulation. Vaginal infections can impact fertility but do not prevent ovulation directly. Lastly, ovulation typically does not occur during menstruation, but variations can happen. If you have further concerns about your menstrual cycle or fertility, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized guidance and support. Regular check-ups and open communication with your gynecologist can help you maintain reproductive health and address any issues that may arise.

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