Can You Be Infertile and Still Have Regular Periods?

If you’re having regular periods, it’s easy to assume your fertility is fine. But for many women, regular cycles can mask underlying fertility issues—and that can be confusing and frustrating.

At fertie, we hear this question all the time: “My periods are regular—why am I not getting pregnant?” If that’s you, you’re not alone. Let’s break down why regular periods don’t always tell the whole story and what you can do next.

Does Having Regular Periods Mean You’re Fertile?

Short answer: Not necessarily.

Regular periods usually mean you’re ovulating regularly, which is an important part of fertility. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle. You can have a textbook 28-day cycle and still experience challenges with:

• Egg quality

• Blocked fallopian tubes

• Uterine abnormalities

• Male factor infertility

• Hormonal imbalances not obvious in your cycle

Common Causes of Infertility Despite Regular Periods

Egg Quality and Age

Even if you ovulate regularly, egg quality declines with age.

• After 35, egg quality decreases, making it harder to conceive naturally.

• Regular ovulation doesn’t guarantee healthy eggs.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

• You can release an egg every month, but if your tubes are blocked, sperm can’t meet the egg.

• Blockages often show no symptoms and can only be diagnosed with tests like HSG (hysterosalpingogram).

Endometriosis

• Many women with endometriosis have normal cycles.

• Endometriosis can impact egg quality, cause inflammation, and make implantation harder.

Uterine or Cervical Issues

• Polyps, fibroids, or uterine scarring can prevent implantation, even if ovulation and periods are normal.

Male Factor Infertility

• About 40–50% of infertility cases involve sperm issues.

• Even if your cycle is perfect, conception requires healthy sperm.

Personal Insight: When My Regular Periods Didn’t Mean Fertility Was Easy

“I was 33 with clockwork cycles, but after a year of trying, nothing was happening. It turned out my AMH was lower than expected, and my partner had mild sperm issues. We ended up doing IVF, and knowing what was going on gave us a plan. Regular periods gave me false confidence, but testing gave me clarity.”
— fertie Community Member

What Should You Do If You Have Regular Periods But Can’t Conceive?

1. Start with Fertility Testing

Even if your cycle is regular, testing can reveal issues you can’t spot on your own:

• AMH blood test (to check ovarian reserve)

• Pelvic ultrasound (to check ovaries and uterus)

• HSG test (to check if tubes are open)

• Semen analysis (always check both sides!)

2. Consider a Fertility Consultation

A fertility specialist can interpret your test results and recommend next steps—whether that’s timed intercourse, IUI, or IVF.

3. Don’t Wait Too Long

If you’re under 35 and have been trying for 12 months (or over 35 and trying for 6 months), it’s time to speak with a specialist.

Final Thoughts

Regular periods can feel reassuring—but they don’t always tell the full fertility story. Ovulating monthly is a great sign, but there are many other factors that can affect your ability to conceive. From egg quality and tubal health to your partner’s sperm, fertility is about more than just timing—it’s about the full picture.

If your periods are regular but you’ve been trying to conceive without success, trust your instincts. It’s okay to ask questions, explore testing, and advocate for clarity. You're not being dramatic—you're being proactive.

And if you're unsure where to start or how to interpret your results, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we guide you through fertility testing, what to ask your doctor, and how to take the next step with confidence and calm—whether you're planning ahead or ready to take action now.

You don’t have to figure this alone

Inside fertie, you’ll get:

• Expert-led courses to make informed decisions

• Private support from women on the same path

• Exclusive partner clinic perks & discounts

Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.