Before changing anything, take an honest look at five areas: your cycle history, your lifestyle, your gynecological history, your general medical history and your partner. It takes about 20 minutes, and it tells you what is probably fine, what to optimize and what to bring to your doctor before you start.
Check yes for what applies to you:
If you checked the first 5 and not the last 2, your cycle is probably regular. If most of the first ones failed, or you checked either of the last two, it's worth a conversation with your gynecologist before trying: there may be something to adjust.
Ideally you check all 8. An unchecked item doesn't mean you're “doing it wrong.” It means there's a clear lever to optimize in the months ahead.
These items aren't scored. They're the history to have clear in your head, and on paper, for your preconception visit.
| Gynecological history | General medical history |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis or suspicion of PCOS | Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism |
| Diagnosis or suspicion of endometriosis | Diabetes or pre-diabetes |
| Fibroids, polyps or cysts on ultrasound | High blood pressure |
| Previous gynecological surgery | Autoimmune disease (lupus, RA, psoriasis) |
| Treated STD/STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea) | Anemia or iron deficiency |
| Previous miscarriage | Psychiatric history under treatment |
| Previous ectopic pregnancy | Ongoing use of medication of any kind |
Source: Map to the Positive, Chapter 06.
Several common medications affect fertility or are incompatible with pregnancy, from some antidepressants to acne medications (especially isotretinoin). Never stop a medication on your own. Bring the complete list to your preconception visit for review.
This block isn't optional. In up to 30% of cases, the male factor is the main cause of the difficulty in conceiving. He needs to be in the process from the start.
This self-assessment is Chapter 06 of Map to the Positive, in Station I, Foundation. Your answers point to what comes next in that station: the 11 preconception tests, smart supplementation, coming off birth control, the habits to adjust, and a preconception visit you walk into prepared, with your history and your questions in hand.
Take 30 days. If it does not give you more clarity than everything you have read for free so far, ask for a refund and you get every cent back. We cannot promise you a pregnancy. We can promise you will not be guessing.