I have been trying for a baby for close to a year. I have been detected with on and off urinary tract infection during my period.

This month, on my Cycle Day 8 and 9, I have experienced a pinkish discharge after urinating bowels. I also felt itchy below. And I always experience this pinkish spotting before my menses comes.

Can you advise me what's wrong? Is this the reason for me not being able to conceive? Thanks.

Denise Teo

Dr Fong replies:

Some slight pinkish staining a few days before your 'actual' menstrual flow is quite normal. This is because the womb lining (endometrium) is starting to break down before the actual event.

Some women might experience a little spotting during mid-cycle. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during the time of ovulation. Usually this occurs for only one to two days.

Gynaecologists use the first day of the menses as reference when counting the cycle day. So if we assume ovulation has occurred around day 8-9, your menses will usually come about 14 days later. In other words, if someone ovulates early on day 8-9, she probably has a 24-day cycle, and if another person ovulates on day 14, she will have a 28-day cycle.

In order to maximise your chances of conceiving and getting pregnant, understanding your 'fertile' period is important.

There are many factors that can delay pregnancy, so a proper clinical examination and investigations are required to ascertain if these factors are present. However, I do not think what you have described is the 'reason' for not being able to conceive.

Couples who have been trying for a year or more are advised to seek consultation. This is important as it will allow them the chance to address any issues. Also, a woman's age is one of the main determinants of fertility, so the younger you are, the better your chances of getting pregnant.

The itch that you mention could be an yeast infection, especially if it is associated with a whitish discharge that may look curdy like milk curds. Menstruation can sometimes cause irritation to the vulva area, so it may help to keep the area dry by changing more often or using larger pads during 'heavy' days.

Got a question on your reproductive health? Email it to us at Just Woman and we will get by Dr Fong Yoke Fai, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National University Hospital.