How Can Irregular Periods Affect Pregnancy Chances?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

Irregular periods can make it harder to predict ovulation, which may lower the chances of getting pregnant. This happens because ovulation might not occur consistently, making it difficult for sperm to meet an egg.

Explanation

When you have irregular periods, the timing of ovulation—when an egg is released—can be unpredictable. Ovulation is a key moment in the menstrual cycle when a woman is most likely to become pregnant. Studies have shown that women with irregular cycles may ovulate less often or at unexpected times. This lowers the chances that sperm will be in the right place at the right time to fertilize an egg. Irregular cycles can sometimes be a sign of hormonal imbalances or other conditions that affect fertility. In addition, fewer or irregular ovulatory cycles might be linked to higher instances of early embryonal loss, which means that even after conception, the pregnancy might not continue as expected. If you have irregular periods and are planning a pregnancy, it can be useful to track other signs of ovulation like changes in body temperature or cervical mucus. Talking with a healthcare provider can also help to understand your cycle better and to find ways to improve your chances of conceiving.

(References)

Kolstad HA, Bonde JP, Hjøllund NH, Jensen TK, Henriksen TB, Ernst E, Giwercman A, Skakkebaek NE, Olsen J. Menstrual cycle pattern and fertility: a prospective follow-up study of pregnancy and early embryonal loss in 295 couples who were planning their first pregnancy. Fertil Steril. 1999 Mar;71(3):490-6. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00474-9. PMID: 10065787.
Xiping L, Xiaqiu WU, Lirong B, Jin P, Hui KK. Menstrual cycle characteristics as an indicator of fertility outcomes: evidence from prospective birth cohort study in China. J Tradit Chin Med. 2022 Apr;42(2):272-278. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2022.02.010. PMID: 35473349; PMCID: PMC9924698.
Soria-Contreras DC, Perng W, Rifas-Shiman SL, Hivert MF, Chavarro JE, Oken E. Menstrual cycle length and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in Project Viva. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2022 May;36(3):347-355. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12866. Epub 2022 Feb 16. PMID: 35172020; PMCID: PMC9050743.

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