Infertility: Key Questions for Women Facing Challenges

Is there infertility?

I would like to ask the doctor the following questions:
1.
During my single period, my menstrual cycle sometimes skipped two months and only came in the third month.
Could this make it difficult to conceive?
2.
After being in a relationship for six years, I had sexual intercourse, but starting in June of the sixth year, my period stopped.
Three months later, in September, I visited a gynecologist who diagnosed me with menstrual irregularities and prescribed medication.
After taking the medication, my period did return, but it still did not come back for three months after it ended.
I went back to the gynecologist, who said my obesity was causing the menstrual irregularities and advised me to lose weight.
The doctor also mentioned that I have a low number of eggs, making it difficult to conceive.
I do not want to rely on medication, and my period has still not returned normally for two years (now married).
I visit the gynecologist every three months.
Why did my menstrual cycle suddenly become irregular? (My lifestyle remains the same.)
3.
As a couple wanting to have children, how many times a month is considered normal for sexual intercourse? My husband and I sometimes have zero times in a month (most of the time), and at most, we have intercourse twice in one day, with a total of two to three times a month.
Is there a problem with our sexual activity that is making it difficult to conceive?
4.
My husband and I have been together for seven years (including two years of marriage).
For six years, we cohabited without contraception or using condoms, and despite ejaculation inside, we have not conceived.
Is this due to having a low number of eggs and obesity, or is it because we are not having enough sexual intercourse?
5.
What is the likelihood of conceiving twins? Is it safe to take ovulation medication long-term? Please help me with these questions, thank you.

Xiao Hui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/07

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you have been engaging in regular sexual intercourse for over a year without conception, it is considered infertility.
It is recommended that both partners visit a hospital for further evaluation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/01/07

More Info

Infertility can be a deeply distressing issue for many couples, and understanding the underlying factors is crucial for addressing the challenges faced. Based on your questions, let's explore the various aspects of infertility, particularly in relation to menstrual irregularities, lifestyle factors, and reproductive health.

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles and Fertility
Irregular menstrual cycles can significantly impact fertility. If you experience long gaps between periods, such as two months or more, this could indicate anovulation (the absence of ovulation), which makes it difficult to conceive. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often associated with irregular cycles and can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to identify the cause of your irregular cycles and to explore treatment options that can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve your chances of conception.

2. Weight and Menstrual Irregularities
Obesity can indeed contribute to menstrual irregularities and fertility issues. Excess body weight can lead to hormonal imbalances, which may affect ovulation. If your doctor has advised weight loss, it’s worth considering as a strategy to improve your overall health and potentially enhance your fertility. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can sometimes restore ovulation and improve fertility outcomes.

3. Frequency of Intercourse
Regarding the frequency of sexual intercourse, while there is no "one-size-fits-all" answer, regular intercourse is generally recommended for couples trying to conceive. The average recommendation is to have intercourse every 2-3 days throughout the menstrual cycle, particularly during the fertile window (the days leading up to and including ovulation). If you find that you are having intercourse infrequently (e.g., only 2-3 times a month), this could contribute to difficulties in conceiving.

4. Factors Affecting Conception
Given that you and your husband have been trying to conceive for an extended period without success, it’s essential to consider both partners' reproductive health. Factors such as low egg reserve, hormonal imbalances, and even male fertility issues can play a role. A comprehensive fertility evaluation for both partners can help identify any underlying issues that may be affecting your ability to conceive.

5. Twin Pregnancy and Fertility Medications
As for the desire to conceive twins, it’s important to note that the likelihood of having twins can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, and the use of fertility treatments. Fertility medications, such as Clomid or gonadotropins, can increase the chances of multiple ovulations, which may lead to a higher likelihood of twins. However, these medications should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to the potential risks and side effects.

Conclusion
In summary, addressing infertility involves a multifaceted approach that includes understanding menstrual health, maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring regular intercourse, and considering both partners' reproductive health. It’s crucial to have open and honest discussions with your healthcare provider about your concerns and to explore appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options. Infertility can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and information, many couples can find pathways to conception. Don’t hesitate to seek out a fertility specialist if you feel that your current care is not meeting your needs.

Similar Q&A

Coping with Infertility: Emotional Support and Guidance for Couples

Hello, doctor! I have been married for almost six years and have been unemployed for two years in hopes of getting pregnant. However, I find it very difficult to conceive. All my friends who married later than I did are now pregnant, and everyone is focused on raising their child...

Dr. Gao Jingling reply Psychiatry
Hello Mimi: It’s truly tough for you to give up and endure many things in order to conceive! In reality, having your own child cannot be forced. However, it seems that you and your husband have not yet reached a consensus on whether to pursue assisted reproductive technologies. T...

Understanding Fertility Challenges with Pituitary Dysfunction in Women

Hello, I have hypopituitarism, which has resulted in poor development of secondary sexual characteristics. I need to take female hormones and progesterone every month in order to have menstruation. I have two questions: 1. Does this mean I have infertility? 2. If I want to concei...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. There are many causes of infertility; hormonal abnormalities can certainly lead to infertility, but if you have normal ovulation, it does not necessarily mean you will be infertile. 2. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies are similar method...

Navigating Fertility Challenges: Seeking Answers and Next Steps

Hello Dr. Jan, I have been married for over two years. Initially, I didn't have a strong desire to conceive, but I became proactive about it at the end of last year. However, there has been no progress, so I sought help from an obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The first ...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A good physician should patiently and thoroughly explain the patient's condition and treatment plan. If you feel that her attitude is unsatisfactory, it may be worth considering a different doctor (for infertility, it is more appropriate to consult a reproductive endocrinolo...

Understanding Infertility: Key Questions and Concerns for Women

Hello, I have a few questions: 1. I have had a miscarriage in the past and have been trying to conceive for the last five months without success. Could my previous pregnancy contribute to infertility? Should I undergo infertility testing? Does my partner need to participate in ...

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse. Ovulatory bleeding is generally considered a normal physiological phenomenon and does not affect fertility; however, it may indicate hormonal imbalances.