Secondary Infertility
Question
I have diabetes. I had a child in 2001 (a healthy girl). My husband and I waited a year before trying again. We tried for two years. When I finally got pregnant I miscarried at about nine weeks. I was so upset. I didn’t understand why. Another two years has gone by and nothing. I started seeing a fertility doctor, and come to find out that I had endometriosis, so I went in for a laparoscopy. Why haven’t I gotten pregnant? I am on thyroid medication also. I am already taking prenantal meds and a folic acid. I was told they help you conceive. Is there something else I should be doing?
Mindy
Answer
Last Updated: December 28, 2014
Dear Mindy,
There are at least three reasons to consider as a cause of your infertility: diabetes, hypothyroidism and endometriosis (hopefully fully treated). Your next steps are to be sure that your thyroid disease and diabetes are under exquisite control.
Next, start charting using the Creighton Model as it is the most medically adapted form of charting your cycles. Have fertility-focused intercourse, i.e., have intercourse on the fertile days.
Try to find a medical provider that is an NFP Medical Consultant or who is at least familiar with NaProTechnology. That medical provider can do further studies to determine what help your reproductive system needs so that you can conceive.
Don’t forget that, if not done already, your husband should have a semen evaluation. I strongly recommend taking the time to have what I call an “ethical collection,” i.e. using a special, perforated collection sheath worn during natural vaginal intercourse. If your doctor does not provide these, they can be obtained from CANFP.
Dr. George Delgado
There are at least three reasons to consider as a cause of your infertility: diabetes, hypothyroidism and endometriosis (hopefully fully treated). Your next steps are to be sure that your thyroid disease and diabetes are under exquisite control.
Next, start charting using the Creighton Model as it is the most medically adapted form of charting your cycles. Have fertility-focused intercourse, i.e., have intercourse on the fertile days.
Try to find a medical provider that is an NFP Medical Consultant or who is at least familiar with NaProTechnology. That medical provider can do further studies to determine what help your reproductive system needs so that you can conceive.
Don’t forget that, if not done already, your husband should have a semen evaluation. I strongly recommend taking the time to have what I call an “ethical collection,” i.e. using a special, perforated collection sheath worn during natural vaginal intercourse. If your doctor does not provide these, they can be obtained from CANFP.
Dr. George Delgado
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, MD, President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology. He and wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
