Conception Time Frames

Hi Kristin: I'm 36 and have JME. I don't want to scare you, but I have been trying to conceive for almost 4 years now. I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). There is some evidence that this is linked to women with temporal lobe epilepsy and to Depakote use. I was on Depakote for over 15 years. Anyway, you may want to go to an OB/GYN or even a reproductive endocrinologist to determine the cause of your irregular cycles. I also had irregular cycles with PCOS. The good news is that I am on metformin for the PCOS and it regulated my cycles within a couple of months. I also switched to Lamictal and I believe that helped too. I see a reproductive endo and am undergoing fertility treatments. I don't think that is necessary for all women with epilepsy though. Let me know if you have other questions! Best of luck to you!

Some women are fertile myrtles, some take longer..whether we have epilepsy or not. I was married 4 years before I conceived but we were both busy with college and starting our careers so we were not anxious. Surprisingly doc found a teratoma(benign cystic tumor) on one of my ovaries when I was 24 and after that was removed I was preggo within a few months. Now I was undiagnosed back then, tho I had signs and symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy. We knew so little about it 25 yrs ago. I did however think I might be a little clairvoyant and a few other 'gifts' that go along with temporal lobe problems. I had a 'drop attack' in pregnancy (never diagnosed) was pre-eclampic in labor,then after a few head and neck injuries to really set my brain off I had my first tonic clonic in perimenopause. My seizure disorder seems quite hormonally triggered. Good luck to you and try not to get caught up in too much tension regarding conceiving, if you don't mind a bit of advice, as it kinda undermines the process. (for hubby as well if you know what I mean...LOL!) I have a handful of relatives and friends who couldn't quickly conceive and were similarly anxious...when they finally decided to adopt and relaxed about that issue; bam; they got pregnant. No coincidence I'm sure!!LOL! Best wishes and be well...Good luck in having your baby! Spaznurse

Hi Kristin! The two times I have had a planned pregnancy, it has taken three cycles each time. If your cycles are irregular, you may find that it helps to use a NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING method, to help you pinpoint when you are fertile & ovulating. I didn't read through the whole thread, so incase someone else hasn't mentioned it, NFP generally consists of checking your BBT (basal body temperature), your cervical mucous & cervical position. Best of luck with the TTC!!!