Patient's question:
A menstrual period came one month after childbirth. In the following months, each period was delayed. Initially, it was delayed by five to six days each month, but this month it was delayed by eleven days. Is this delay a problem? Should I seek medical attention, or is there no issue? Please help me with an answer!The help I need: Please help me determine whether this is normal or if I need to seek medical attention.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, the algorithm for ovulation day is to count 14 days backward from the day your next menstrual period starts. Sperm can survive in the body for three days, while an egg survives for one day. Therefore, the five days before and four days after ovulation day constitute the fertile window. During the fertile window, the probability of pregnancy increases due to ovulation. However, since your menstrual cycle is irregular, it is not possible to accurately predict ovulation day using calculations. It is recommended to monitor ovulation with ovulation test strips. Start monitoring six days after your period ends and do so daily until the test strip shows a strong positive result, indicating that the egg is about to be released. At this point, you can have intercourse, maximizing the chances of conception. Good luck.