Show It's easy to get the care you need.See a Premier Physician Network provider near you. While many women feel that their monthly cycle is mysterious, some also struggle with it being completely unpredictable. If you have irregular periods (i.e., you can’t depend on your period starting every 21 to 36 days), it’s likely that you aren’t ovulating or you’re ovulating irregularly. Around 30 percent of infertility problems are caused by not ovulating, or to use the technical terms: oligo or anovulation. What is Anovulation?Ovulation is when your body releases an egg that can be fertilized and you can become pregnant. This generally happens 11 to 21 days after the first day of your period. If you can predict that you’ll have a period every 24 to 32 days, you are most likely ovulating. On the other hand, when you don’t ovulate and you more than likely won’t have a menstrual cycle at all, it’s called anovulation. If your periods are irregular, you may be dealing with oligovulation. And, unfortunately, you may also be dealing with infertility. You can still have a period even if you’re not ovulating. (Technically, it’s not a period, but practically, you’re still dealing with bleeding.) Your period starts when your endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, builds up and is shed 12 to 16 days after ovulation. But if you don’t ovulate, the endometrium can still be shed and cause bleeding when it can’t sustain itself or when your estrogen level drops. If your periods are irregular, you may be dealing with oligovulation. And, unfortunately, you may also be dealing with infertility. What Causes Anovulation?Here are the most common causes of anovulation:
What Happens When Anovulation is Chronic?Many treatments for anovulation are simple and effective.
Unfortunately, some causes of anovulation cannot be treated. But come what may, you are not alone. Talk to your doctor. Surround yourself with people who listen and who can support you. No matter what, you have what it takes to deal with this. It's easy to get the care you need.See a Premier Physician Network provider near you. Source: National Institutes of Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Pregnancy Association; Epigee Woman’s Health Small Steps: Time to Talk To ease back into daily routine after a miscarriage, invite a trusted friend over for coffee. Schedule an appointmentTo find an OB/GYN or primary care provider, call (937) 489-4880(937) 489-4880 or complete the form below to receive a call from our call center to schedule an appointment. |