In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Evaluating fertility after four months of trying?
March 27, 2005

Question

I have been trying to conceive since December, (about 4 months). I am worried something could be wrong. I took a pregnancy test too early in my cycle, and it said I was pregnant, within a week, I got my period.

A Rav advised me to take an ovulation test the day of Mikvah – to my surprise Mikvah night I was not ovulating, but the day after mikvah night, it said I would ovulate within 24-48 hours. My husband and I tried almost every day during our permitted days – and nothing happened. Is something wrong?

Answer

It is still a bit early to conclude that something is wrong. If anything, your positive pregnancy test and ovulation test indicate that you are ovulating and able to conceive. Ovulation typically takes place 12-16 days prior to the onset of the next period, so ovulating in the window that you describe is perfectly normal.

For the purposes of conceiving, it is usually sufficient to have relations every other night during the fertile window. Try to make sure that the desire to conceive does not overshadow the other important elements of your physical relationship.

A physician will generally initiate a medical evaluation only if a couple has not conceived after one year of trying, or, if the woman is over 35, after six months.

For now, just keep trying, and use the times mentioned above to judge when you would see a doctor. Please feel free to write back with any further questions.

Updated August 2020
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