Does having irregular menstrual cycles lead to infertility?
My best friend complained to me that her menstrual cycle is always irregular, and she is worried whether this condition might affect her future fertility. Can consistently irregular menstruation lead to infertility?
Doctor's answer (1)
Menstrual cycle regularity is one of the important indicators of women's reproductive health. Whether irregular menstruation leads to infertility depends on the specific circumstances:
1. Factors such as excessive mental stress, improper diet, weight fluctuations, and irregular lifestyle habits can also cause menstrual irregularities. Although these factors do not directly affect normal ovarian function, ovulation is key to conception. If ovulation is unstable, it becomes difficult to predict the optimal time for conception, thus reducing the chances of pregnancy.
2. Long-term irregular menstruation accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged bleeding may be related to conditions like endometritis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These conditions might directly impact normal ovarian function, thereby affecting the implantation of a fertilized egg. Prolonged presence of such conditions may impair a woman's fertility, as they are often associated with ovulation problems.
Therefore, not all women with irregular menstruation will experience infertility. A comprehensive assessment combining individual health status, lifestyle habits, and medical test results is necessary. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are advised to undergo regular gynecological examinations and seek timely medical attention when necessary to ensure their reproductive health.
