Can I get pregnant with irregular cycles?

We tell you what is considered an irregular cycle and when to go to a specialist if you are looking for an unsuccessful pregnancy. Sometimes it can present difficulties, but it can be something simple that has a simple solution.

Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts between 25 and 36 days. If your cycle is longer or shorter, or its duration varies each time (more than four days apart), we are talking about an irregular cycle. Very heavy bleeding or periods that last more than a week also indicate cycle disorders.

These anomalies are usually due to imbalances in the production of hormones responsible for controlling the ovarian cycle and that occur in the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, two glands present in the brain. Some pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome or sexually transmitted diseases can cause these hormonal disorders, and other times these are caused by ovarian failure. In this case, the ovary no longer has a normal number of follicles and no longer secretes hormones. As a result, the ovarian cycle is shortened and the amount of menstruation decreases until it disappears.

On the other hand, problems external to the genital system such as anemia, diabetes, or thyroid diseases also cause the appearance of irregular cycles. Furthermore, circumstances such as stress and anxiety, or even alterations in daily life such as taking a trip cause delays or advances in menstruation, although most of the time they are temporary, and the cycle normalizes when these factors disappear.

Can I get pregnant if I have irregular cycles?

Having irregular cycles does not mean that you are sterile, although it does mean that you may encounter more difficulties when it comes to getting pregnant. Sometimes, irregularities in the cycle mean that ovulation does not occur, and then pregnancy cannot be achieved naturally. In that case, you should go to the doctor, who will first look for the origin of these anomalies and take measures to regulate your cycle. Many times this is enough to achieve pregnancy. If not, other solutions such as assisted fertilization would be resorted to.

Another problem you may face if you have irregular cycles is that late periods will not always be proof that you are pregnant. Instead, you should look at other symptoms such as the appearance of nausea, breast enlargement, or excessive tiredness. If you have any doubts, take a pregnancy test.

The same thing happens with ovulation since you will not be able to calculate exactly which are your most fertile days and instead, you will have to be attentive to the “signals” that your body sends: modification of vaginal discharge, pain in the chest and in the lower abdomen, or increased basal temperature.

Trying it naturally is always the best option but, if you have not achieved pregnancy in a year, you should go to the gynecologist so that he can decide if you can start assisted reproduction treatment.

Among them, artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are the most common (although not the only ones).