Can you get pregnant if you have irregular periods? This is a very common query. Although there are various options like IVF (Invitro fertilisation) to help you conceive, most women think that irregular periods also affect the chances of getting pregnant through IVF. This is the reason, why we caught up with Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Gynecologist, Co-founder of Cocoon Fertility, Thane. When asked about this common question, here is what the expert had to say. Before that, read about why you should not ignore irregular periods.
Before knowing whether irregular periods affect IVF, you need to know about what are irregular periods. Menstrual cycle normally ranges from 21 days to 35 days. Some people get periods after 21 days and some after every 35 days, which is considered normal. However, if you are getting periods beyond that time frame or if the gap between periods is more than two weeks, it is known as irregular. Also, if menstrual cycle is shorter than that (get after 15 days) or longer than that (after 40 days, 50 days), it means your periods are irregular.
This could mean two things - either you have PCOS or few eggs are left inside your body. Also, if you get a period after a gap of 40 days between periods, it does not necessarily indicate PCOS. It could also mean that you are approaching menopause. So it is important to know why you are getting irregular periods. Here's more on can I get pregnant with PCOS. As far as IVF is concerned, irregular periods are not likely to affect IVF cycle. This is because, in IVF, medications are given from outside to grow more eggs. The drugs take control of the entire hormonal system of the body. Hence, in IVF, all hormones are given from outside so you do not have to rely on the body for the hormones. Hence, you can control the hormonal imbalance caused due to irregular periods and get pregnant through IVF. Dr Anagha concludes by saying, ''As long as a woman has egg reserves, she will respond well to fertility medications given during IVF, even if she has had irregular periods before. And in many people with irregular cycle, IVF has given successful results.'' You may also like to read about infertility and its treatment options.
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