Infertility

[Ariel]

Someone I know of who has an eating disorder recently found out that she is infertile.

Now, this is really worrying me, because I don't think she weighs much less than I do, if at all. I have a BMI of 17.5 at the moment, but it used to be as low as 16.3. I assumed that it was only when you where really underweight that infertility could be a problem.

My periods never stopped but they did become irregular, and I have much more painful periods than I used to which I have been told could be due to my eating disorder.

How do I find out if I am? I know you're all going to say go to a doctor but since i'm only 16 that could be a problem. Are there any signs that could potentially tell me if I am or not?

[penggwin]

if you still have regular periods then you are definitely okay..but if they are still irregular it could affect.. i'm not sure of any other way to check other than the doctor to be honest..

[elzie]

The only way you could find it is via dr.

[The Hatter]

if you still have regular periods then you are definitely okay..but if they are still irregular it could affect.. i'm not sure of any other way to check other than the doctor to be honest..

This isn't true. Many women still have periods, regular or irregular, and are infertile.

OP, if you're concerned you SHOULD talk to a doctor. I realize you're only 16, but I would assume that you have possibly had appointments with your doctor for pap smears and the like. If you haven't, 16 is a good age to start see a gyno. Obviously, the only thing that will improve your chances of not becoming infertile would be to recover (common sense).

[Bathory]

if you still have regular periods then you are definitely okay

loooooooool.

But seriously, see a doctor. Hatter is right.

[GreedvsNeed]

It's not only a low weight that contributes to infertility or Amenorrhea. I thought that at first,too but I am the best example that periods can also completely stop with a healthy weight... I am also concerned about it and went to my doc to talk about it. Since I didn't have my period anymore in half a year I thought it might be about time to check if I can ever be a mother or if ED has taken that from me....

Please go to a doc very soon... it doesn't matter how old you are. You can get infertile at any age! Especially when you are very young you should get your period regulary. Perhaps it wouldm ake things better if you took the pill for this reason. (I don't know if you purge or abuse laxatives)

don't wait too long

[tripurity]

Everyone has pretty much said everything that needs to be said, but I will add the following:

I have a BMI of 15.6 and still get regular periods. With that said, a fertility specialist still recommended that in order to get pregnant and carry the baby to term, I would have to gain at least 25 pounds. And even if someone was at a healthy weight with regular periods, that doesn't mean they aren't malnourished, and that can cause fertility issues as well. So every woman and every body is different -- the only sure way to know is to see a doctor.

If you are still too scared or unable to do that due to your age, then I'd start researching this online.

[Skarla Buttons]

I asked a doctor about this once (i made a really great joke when she was scanning my uterus and i said "no baby!!?!?!?" but she didn't get it) but anyway, i told her that i wasn't getting my period and that i was underweight and she told me not to worry, that if I ever wanted to get pregnant i should just gain some weight and everything would be just fine.
i think that is a lie - if you could just be underweight and then you would never have to use protection everyone would do it.
so, yes, you should see a doctor.

[ket]

I lost mine practically as it started, i had it really irregular for ages then it did get regular for a bit and then just vanished, if i get one or two a year thats a lot, and i was stupid enough to not care because that was one annoyance out of my life, this was years ago when i was healthy, tbh im still healthy just not techically with my BMI but back then my bmi was about 17 naturally, i ate healthily and lots but was just a small person. I have avoided the doctors for many many years because i really do love children and they are definately in my life plan so what if the doc says no sorry no kids life over, i would be crushed. I always assumed if i got heavy they would just come back but now im not so sure :/ anyone managed to get them back after losing them?

[Example]

Are you serious? 17.5 bmi is the maximum you can be diagnosed with anorexia. Use your head. I'm sure whilest looking up 'thinspo' you come across the woman who overcame SERVERE anorexia to have a child.

Learn to think before you embarrass yourself like this.