Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gynecology (Expert Forum)
I'm so confused
Answered by
Keith Downing, MD - Obstetrics, Gynecology
MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding gynecology issues such as: Cervical Disorders, Colposcopy, Cramps, Cystitis, Fallopian Tube Disorders, Menstruation, Ovarian Disorders, PAP Test, Pelvic Exam, PID, PMS, Surgery, Tests, Ultrasound, Uterine Disorders, Vaginal Disorders.
I'm so confused
by Stephie25, May 29, 2008 02:51PM
Hello. I am a 24 year old female who has not ever been pregnant. I feel as though I can not have kids becasue me and my boyfriend have been intimate with one another for 10 months now and we dont use condoms. Is there some type of test that I can get done or are there signs that I should be looken for that will let me know whether or not I can have children? I love kids and I want so bad to ahve one of my own. Please help.
Thank You
Thank You
Doctor's Answer
by Keith Downing, MD, Jun 02, 2008 09:19PM
, Jun 02, 2008 09:19PM
Hello,
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of intercourse without contraception. So you have yet to meet that criteria. This definition has deep historical roots; it was based in part upon a study of 5574 English and American women engaging in unprotected intercourse who ultimately conceived between 1946 and 1956. Among these women, 50 percent conceived within three months, 72 percent within six months, and 85 percent within 12 months.
So keep trying. If after 12 months you have yet to conceive see an ob/gyn to initiate an infertility work up.
Also I want to pass along some information on how to optimize your chances of conceiving. A woman with a regular menstrual cycle ovulates near the middle of her cycle. In a 28 day cycle this would be around day 14. The probability of becoming pregnant after unprotected intercourse is 15% 3 days before ovulation, 30% 1-2 days before ovulation, 12% the day of ovulation, and <1% 1-2 days after ovulation. Having intercourse every other day around the time of ovulation will increase your chances of conceiving.
Lastly, the most common causes of infertility are male factor (your partner can undergo a semen analysis to determine this), ovulation abnormalities, and tubal factor. These can be evaluated by your general ob/gyn.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of intercourse without contraception. So you have yet to meet that criteria. This definition has deep historical roots; it was based in part upon a study of 5574 English and American women engaging in unprotected intercourse who ultimately conceived between 1946 and 1956. Among these women, 50 percent conceived within three months, 72 percent within six months, and 85 percent within 12 months.
So keep trying. If after 12 months you have yet to conceive see an ob/gyn to initiate an infertility work up.
Also I want to pass along some information on how to optimize your chances of conceiving. A woman with a regular menstrual cycle ovulates near the middle of her cycle. In a 28 day cycle this would be around day 14. The probability of becoming pregnant after unprotected intercourse is 15% 3 days before ovulation, 30% 1-2 days before ovulation, 12% the day of ovulation, and <1% 1-2 days after ovulation. Having intercourse every other day around the time of ovulation will increase your chances of conceiving.
Lastly, the most common causes of infertility are male factor (your partner can undergo a semen analysis to determine this), ovulation abnormalities, and tubal factor. These can be evaluated by your general ob/gyn.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
