A luteal phase is the time from ovulation to menstruation. This is the time that if pregnant, the fertilized egg would travel from the fallopian tube and into the uterus to implant. The luteal phase normally should be over 10 days, usually anywhere from 10 to 17 days long. Anything under 10 days is considered a luteal phase defect. If pregnancy should occur and you have a luteal phase defect, you will have an early miscarriage. Some doctors believe that if the luteal phase falls under 12 days, then it is a problem.
A luteal phase defect is a luteal phase below 10 days. This cannot sustain a pregnancy. This is because the uterine lining begins to break down, bringing on the menstrual bleeding and causing an early miscarriage. The number one reason for a luteal phase defect is low progesterone. A doctor can do a progesterone test 7 days past ovulation to determine exactly how deficient a woman with a luteal phase defect is. From that point there are several ways of correcting it..
Probably the number one way a doctor will recommend to correct a luteal phase defect is through prescription drugs such as Clomid or progesterone suppositories. The suppositories are taken through the vagina after ovulation has occurred and until either day 14 post ovulation or at some point weeks later during a pregnancy, if pregnancy occurred. However, there are over-the-counter methods that help to lengthen the luteal phase.
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