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Why have I been unable to conceive for the past five months?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have irregular periods and a history of abortion. Despite having unprotected intercourse, I have been unable to conceive for the past five months.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your concern with me.

I understand your concerns, and it is completely natural to feel worried in this situation. Trying to conceive for a few months without success can be stressful, especially when you have irregular periods. However, medically, five months of trying is still considered early. For most couples, it can take up to 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse to conceive, and even in healthy individuals, pregnancy does not occur in every cycle. So, at this stage, it is not considered infertility.

The more important factor here is your irregular menstrual cycle. Irregular periods often indicate that ovulation may not be happening consistently, which can make conception more difficult. Common causes include conditions like:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid or prolactin issues.
  • Stress.
  • Weight changes.
  • Sometimes temporary cycle disturbances after an abortion.

Regarding your abortion history, in most cases, it does not affect future fertility. It usually only becomes a concern if there are complications such as infection or injury to the uterus, which are rare. If your periods became irregular after the abortion, it is worth evaluating, but this is often manageable.

Another important aspect is timing intercourse. With irregular cycles, predicting ovulation can be challenging, and you may be missing your fertile window. It can help to track ovulation using LH (luteinizing hormone) kits, observe cervical mucus changes (clear and stretchy mucus typically indicates fertility), and have regular intercourse every two to three days instead of relying solely on cycle prediction.

Given your situation, you do not necessarily need to wait a full year before seeking medical advice. It would be reasonable to consult a doctor now if your cycles are very irregular, if you are unsure whether you are ovulating, or if you would like reassurance and guidance. Basic evaluations may include hormone tests (such as thyroid and prolactin levels), an ultrasound to assess the ovaries and uterus, and ovulation tracking.

Hope I have addressed all of your queries and concerns. Do follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Ali Osman

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At April 2, 2026
Reviewed AtApril 2, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ali Osman
Dr. Ali Osman

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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