AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
Question Facts: 26 years old, Started BC at 14years, off BC Nov 2009, Husband has child from previous relationship, OBGYN believes I have PCOS (I'm 115lbs, so my PHD Aunt disagrees) cycle is all over the place (every Th/Fri one month, 20 days straight another for example)
I know there have been studies showing that BC has no affect on future fertility of women who had been taking it a few years. I wondered if you know of a study of women like myself who started BC young (during early menstruation and development/teen years)
Have they done a study comparing women who started young vs women who started in their 20 vs women who were never on BC?
Answer Hello,
All studies have shown that BCP's do not affect a woman's fertility or ovarian function despite what age they start on. What is clear is that the woman will return to the state that she was in prior to starting the pills. So, if you started on the OCP's at a young age because you had irregular periods, then you would go back to having irregular periods once you stopped them.
You should tell your PhD aunt that there is a wide variety of PCOD. Not all patients are classic. There are mild ones, who have regular menstrual cycles to the classic ones with obesity, increased facial hair, diabetes and irregular cycles. Therefore, it is possible that you have PCOD, since it is the most common reason for irregular menstrual cycles. Of course, other hormonal disorders have to be ruled out, such as thyroid and pituitary disorders.
If you have irregular menstrual cycles, it is a signal that the ovaries are not functioning correctly, which is the first in a series of steps required to become pregnant. In that case, you will need to use some form of fertility medication, or more rightly called ovarian stimulation medication, to stimulate ovulation.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
