Question Title: Can't get pregnant..had blighted ovum

My husband and I have been trying for 2 years to get pregnant. The only thing I got was a blighted ovum. The doctors told me I was pregnant and let me believe that for 3 months before telling me I had a blighted ovum and that I needed a D&C. I was devastated. I wonder if this has something to do with our problem with getting pregnant? Also, my mother had to take Clomid in order to get pregnant with my sister. Could this be a genetic thing? Do you think I'll have to take it too? My husband and I have done absolutly everything to try to conceive but we get nothing. Can anybody help? We are planning a trip to a fertility specialist in my area very soon but would like as much information as possible before we go. Thank you.

Dear Jenn:

After two years, it is very appropriate to consult with a physician: your decision to see a fertility specialist is logical. Most obstetrician-gynecologists can be helpful to couples attempting pregnancy.
A blighted ovum is an early miscarriage. You did conceive and that is the good news: at least in that cycle, ovulation, connection with sperms through an open fallopian tube, and attachment into the uterine lining did occur. Most early miscarriages (7/10) are associated with a chromosome mismatch. This is unfortunately more common than most couples realize. It is also usually a one-time occurrence.

Clomiphene is a "fertility pill" that is most helpful to women who are not ovulating consistently or who are not preparing the uterine lining to be the best-possible support for the fertilized egg. The fertility specialist will likely evaluate your ovulation pattern (basal temperature record; urine ovulation detection kit; ultrasound studies) and your luteal phase (blood progesterone level; endometrial biopsy) to decide if clomiphene is needed. Clomiphene can also be used to increase the likelihood of extra ovulations (1/25 women on clomiphene have twins compared to 1/90 women who conceive off medication) and thereby increase the likelihood for conception in a given cycle.

Keywords: infertility

This information is provided for general educaton purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.

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