[StewieGG]

I have been having unprotected sex with my boyfriend for a year, not trying to get pregnant but I am worried because I simply haven't. I am on a lot of medication, I don't know if that effects fertility. My periods are very heavy, painful and regular. I had a pelvic ultrasound a while back and everything was fine except some fluid was found but that was never elaborated on. Is a year of unprotected sex a long time with no pregnancy, especially since I am in my early twenties? Any advice?

[*Laurie*]

Yes, a year of unprotected sex with no pregnancy is a very long time. But perhaps it's your bf who has an infertility issue. Medication, in my experience, can affect fertility...also, are you sure your meds are safe, should you become pregnant?

[StewieGG]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

Yes, a year of unprotected sex with no pregnancy is a very long time. But perhaps it's your bf who has an infertility issue. Medication, in my experience, can affect fertility...also, are you sure your meds are safe, should you become pregnant?

I'm not sure, I'm just panicking being I desperately want kids in the distant future I would be heart broken if I couldn't have them.

[Artchic528]

My advice is to stop having unprotected sex so that you won't have even the slightest chance of becoming pregnant and exposing a fetus to your meds. Seriously, if you don't want a baby right now, then don't have unprotected sex. I could go on, but I guess you know the rest of the speech. Anyways, if you're worried about your fertility then go see a doctor about it to ease your mind. I'm guessing your OB/GYN can help you with that.

Good luck in the fertility department!!

[Patagonia]

I'm sure you understand that the actual window in your fertility cycle, to get pregnant is...very small! For some it's less than 48hrs.
Timing is everything if you really wanto get pregnant. I'm not sure many understand this unless you've been tracking your cycles & temperatures that run with them & you know exactly when you're fertile.
Like Artchic528 said if you don't wanto get pregnant now bec of meds then maybe you need to find a birth control method that works for you & your partner & this would ease your mind.

[*Laurie*]

You should NOT risk a pregnancy unless you KNOW that your meds are safe to take during pregnancy. You must speak with an OB about that. How heart breaking would it be if you are pregnant and either lose the baby or give birth to a baby that has severe birth defects or dies because your meds were unsafe? Think about it....

You haven't made a decision to have a baby yet you have unprotected sex? You are taking your chances.

Anyway, to answer your question... It's not usual to not conceive after a year of exposure. Perhaps it is your significant other that has the medical issue.

Still, you need to consult with your doctor. In particular, how harmful would your medications be to a fetus. Also this might point to a health problem.

[Patagonia]

Can you answer this? You say you've had unprotected sex for a year. What is the frequency of your sex....per month? Are you having sex during the fertile times of your cycle? Do you actually know when you're fertile?
Many women complain about having trouble conceiving, but do not know when they are most fertile.

[Verity81]

I agree with Patagonia, a women's fertile window is only around 6 days in the month and then it can take couples up to a year of trying (with cycle tracking) to get pregnant. Yes if you wish to have a baby then speak to your pdoc about meds.

Not all women are able to stop meds during pregnancy but some meds are preferred over others by pdocs due to less risk.

If you are worried you can ask your gp for blood tests and your boyfriend could have his sperm checked. That's if you want to have a baby, if you don't then book an appointment to go through contraception options.

[*Laurie*]

Some women's fertile window is much longer than 6 days/month. Mine certainly was longer.

[mama pajama]

Believe me, even if you or boyfriend have issues with conceiving that doesn't mean you won't have kids. Both my sister and I had trouble. Her twins just started college and my triplets just started kindergarten. neither one of us did the expensive invitro either. We had help via fertility drugs though.

I would say stop with unprotected sex until you are ready to be a parent though. It's obviously causing anxiety and that can also cause trouble with conceiving.

[BDPpartner]

I would recommend speaking to your medication prescribers about the side effects of the meds or combo of meds has on your body and any potential pregnancy. I stopped taking birth control 4-5 years ago after it was explained that a side effect of one of my meds made getting pregnant virtually impossible while taking it. It could be that you are experiencing something similar or as others have stated perhaps your not having sex during your fertility window. But at the end of the day if you want children somewhere down the line don't be afraid to ask the professionals.

[Erebos]

Please consider waiting just now, and talking to your drs about the effects your meds will have on your baby.

My 3rd child suffered terrible withdrawals from my anti anxiety meds when he was born, it was devastating to see Back then they assumed he wouldn't be effected.

As he has grown up he suffers terribly with anxiety, has trouble sleeping, is often unsettled and has notable anger control problems and mood swings. (Outside th normal range of what you wld expect.)

I have raised 6 children, he is the only one to suffer in this way, and the only one I conceived under the effects of my meds.
There isn't enough feed back even now, and often drs just say they are unsure.
Watching a tiny baby fight withdrawals is horrific. And to watch them develop obvious problems as they grow up, has been hard.

Speak t your professionals.

About your original post, no a year isn't that long.
In the UK they won't consider you for IVF unless you have been trying for 2 years I think.
Remember there are only 12 small Windows each year, in which your able to conceive. So don't stress.
I wish you all the best, and hope everything works out. Take care.

[Erebos]

Originally Posted by StewieGG

I have been having unprotected sex with my boyfriend for a year, not trying to get pregnant......

Just for the record, if your having unprotected sex you ARE trying to get pregnant. Because pregnancy is the expected result from unprotected sex.
Saying otherwise is like drinking shots at the bar and saying your NOT trying to get drunk.

[chasse]

I would just add that unprotected sex exposes you to all sorts of infections and some infections cause infertility. ie Chlamydia. So get tested, even if you know your bf is faithful etc. He could have it from a previous partner.

If you dont want kids yet you could always get a contraceptive anyway.

The window of fertility is about 6 days and high level of fertility is on just a few days.
If you are curious about your fertility this is the expected time frame that Drs will consider testing but usually they test people who have the intention of becoming pregnant.