Can cramps during the Luteal Phase inhibit implantation??

[Daffodil]

Hi there,

I have been TTC for over 2 years. I have Secondary Infertility.
Every month, my period symptoms start earlier and earlier during the luteal phase. I am currently 4 days past ovulation, and yesterday at just 3 days past ovulation the menstrual cramps started, as well as the lower backache. I also get this warm sensation through the middle of my pelvis that I can't figure out what could be the cause of it. It's almost like there is fluid rushing around in there. This has been a fairly new development, I've only noticed it for the past 6 months or so.

My RE disregarded any of this as being a cause for concern because my 7 dpo progesterone tests have all been normal (around 27) and my Luteal Phase is average length (12 days.) I am 30. A Lap revealed no Endometriosis. HSG all clear. CD3 labs normal. AMH level 2.5. Antral follicle count 18. Semen analysis perfect. TSH level fine. Yet, I just can't seem to get pregnant. I've been wondering if something is "off" with my luteal phase.

So I suppose my question is, can having menstraul symptoms so early after ovulation inhibit implantation? Could my uterus contracting to cause these cramps make it so that an embryo can't implant? If so, is there ANYTHING that I can do about this? I already take vaginal prometrium.

[Scott Roseff MD]

No, the cramps won't likely affect your implantation. If your progesterone was so terrific (around 27), why would you be taking vaginal Prometrium? Something's amiss, as you've been ttc again for too long. Sounds like either something may have been overlooked (like sperm DNA fragmentation testing) or something else - Consider a second opinion from a different, board certified RE....

Hope this helps,
Dr. Roseff in Florida

[Daffodil]

I don't know, they put me on the prometrium and THEN my progesterone was 27. I'm not sure what it would be without it.

I'm not sure if we've had any sperm DNA fragmentation testing..my husband has fathered 3 children and so they don't think the problem lies with him.

[Scott Roseff MD]

If your husband had three children within the last 6-12 months, then I wouldn't necessarily point fingers in his direction. If it was longer ago than that, sperm can go from phenomenal to horrific in that amount of time, and we wouldn't then be able to say it "can't be him".

Hope this makes sense,
Dr. Roseff in Florida