How do LP's work?

**missi86** · June 4th, 2008, 05:22 PM

Hey ladies!

I was just wondering about Leutal Phases. I heard and read that they are meant to be pretty steady each month, but I have been having different positive OPK's on different CD's, but still having a 33 day cycle?

I decided to ask the experts before searching online and getting conflicting answers lol

**missi86** · June 4th, 2008, 11:24 PM

Anyone?

Please?

**OceanPrincess** · June 5th, 2008, 07:46 AM

Hey missi,

Here's my (un)expert opinion

So the luteal phase is the part of your cycle between ovulation and Day 1 of your cycle, when AF arrives. As far as I'm aware, it is supposed to be standard, as you say below, each month.

So that's how we know when we have ovulated (more or less) - by counting back 14 days from AF. And that's why its so hard to predict when you will O, because the time between AF (Day 1) and O is changeable for some women, each cycle can be different.

Most women have a luteal phase that lasts 10-16 days - averaging at 14 days. It should generally be the same each cycle.

I'd say its more likely to be your OPKs that are confusing the issue. I haven't used them but I know from other girls on here they can be notoriously unreliable!

Hope this has helped!

**briggsy's girl** · June 5th, 2008, 07:51 AM

the strength of your positive OPK may have varied on which CD you got the result, but your LP should be consistent. Anything less than i think 11 days is a short LP which may cause dramas with implantation, but any more than that and it should be fine. OPK's are a test that is hard to pin a lot on as they detect the surge of luteinising hormone - which may occur over a couple of days.

i'm not great with this stuff due to not having a "cycle" per se, so my explanation might be a little confusing - just wanted to let you know someone was reading - hope someone pops in with a bit more info!

**missi86** · June 5th, 2008, 11:52 AM

Thanks for your replys ladies.

I haven't been using them this cycle. I'm trying to have a 'relaxed' month, although I know that I would be Oing sometime this week so I'm trying to get as much BD in as possible. Sadly I have only BD once, on CD13 (I think). Hopefully we can BD on Friday which should be CD18 or there abouts. I feel pretty confident that CD19 is my usual O day, it's just that other lot of OPKs that gave me a positive on CD15!

Now you all know why my mood is set to 'doubtful'