My period is irregular: can I get pregnant?

Pregnancy requires ovulation, sperm exposure, and implantation. Irregular bleeding can mean ovulation is happening at changing times, or not happening in some cycles. Anovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency are possible explanations, but the bleeding pattern cannot diagnose the cause. Calendar-based fertile-day estimates are less dependable when cycle length changes.

If you do not want pregnancy, use contraception consistently because an irregular cycle does not remove pregnancy possibility. If you are trying, have sex regularly rather than relying only on predicted dates and arrange a fertility review when cycles are persistently irregular. Pregnancy testing is appropriate after sex when bleeding is late or unusual. Bring cycle dates, symptoms, and medicine details to an appointment.

Seek urgent help for severe one-sided pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test. Arrange a routine assessment for absent periods, repeated very long cycles, hot flushes, nipple discharge, or symptoms of androgen excess such as new facial hair and severe acne. Earlier review is sensible when pregnancy is a priority.

Ask whether you are likely to be ovulating, which tests could explain the irregularity, and when fertility or contraception support should begin. Discuss whether treatment such as metformin for PCOS or the combined pill is suitable for your goals.