Expert: Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - 12/28/2006

Question
Hello Dr. Roseff,

I am 34 years old and my husband and I are trying to conceive. We have been trying for 2 months so far, I have been charting and monitoring cervical mucus and we haven't conceived yet. My cycle is normally around 31-33 days long.
Due to my age and all the statistics on problems conceiving in your 30's and 40's, I am nervous. I had a sonogram about 3 months ago and they found a clear cyst on the outside of one of my ovaries. My doctor said is was normal and they go away on their own and that my sonogram was all normal. I know its only been 2 months of trying to conceive, but I was wondering if it was normal to have intercourse during your fertile days and still not get pregnant?  Someone told me to just have intercourse ever other day after your period is over to increase the odds of conceiving.
I hope I do not have endometriosis, since I have heard that cyst on ovaries can mean this condition. Is there a best way to detect endometriosis or test to take?

Thank you for your time.

Melanie

Answer
Hi Melanie,

There are lots of different kinds of cysts, and if you had one on ultrasound, don't you think a follow-up ultrasound may be helpful to see if the cyst went away?

It can take an up to a year to conceive under normal conditions, but at your age you may want to seek assistance from a board certified reproductive endocrinologist if not pregnant within 3-6 months of trying.  Also, if there's anything in your history or your husband's past that may potentially affect your odds of pregnancy, you should seek care now rather than later.  Finally, if you're really concerned about your age, you can see a qualified specialist sooner rather than later.  I think it's also important to have a visit with a fertility doctor BEFORE getting pregnant to make sure you're doing all the right things before you conceive (such as not smoking or drinking alcohol, taking enough folic acid supplements, and being tested for cystic fibrosis, as examples).

Trying every other day isn't usually beneficial - Using a good ovulation kit and having relations at the right time is usually better.

Good luck!
Dr. Roseff - In Wellington, Florida;
PERSONALIZED/Individualized Successful care by a Board Certified reproductive medicine specialist in a warm and caring setting....
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