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Hi
I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on when I should start using my OPKs as my cycle lengths are irregular.
(Background)
Stopped pill 09 September 2005 - period on 25 Dec 2005 (Cycle length >100 days)
first 'real' period 18 January 2006 (cycle length 25 days)
Next period 28 March 2006 (cycle length 69 days)
Currently on CD30. Should I wait until AF arrives and take average of last two cycles or wait for CD55 of this cycle?
Thanks in advance.
hi Tess,
Like you I have had irregular periods since stopping BCP. I wouldn't even try OPK's if I were you as it's been 6 months since you stopped pill and you are still having very long cycles. So, my advice would be to check in with your GP about your long cycles, which indicate that you may not be ovulating. You might need to see a specialist to work out if you are ovulating (this can be done with a blood test). If you are in no hurry with TTC then you could wait a bit longer to seek medical advice.
Unless you test with OPK's every day from about day 14, you may not catch the surge. You might end up using heaps of OPK's this way but it would be the only way to detect if/when you are ovulating.
Hi Bethany
Thanks for your post - I have already been to see my GP and they have done blood tests which came back 'normal', I also had an ultrasound that said I have PCOS. The GP said that this was why my periods were irregular.
I thought if I tried to start temping and using OPKs for a couple of cycles to see if I was ovulating, then the GP would refer me to a specialist without having to wait until we had been trying for 12 mths.
Just was not sure when to start but your advice of starting from CD14 is helpful. I will try that for one cycle and see what happens.
Thanks again.
hay tess im no expert But i have been TTC since around Dec 2005. but went of the pill October 2005. My last 4 cycles were.......54,39,53,57. So i prepared myself for a long one again after seeing GP. I started temping my last Cycle and i got a positive OPK on day 20 of my last cycle I tested from day 14 so i wouldnt miss anything. i brought a 20 pack from lullaby conceptions for $35. And it is delivered to you very descretly. worth the money, andi saved money as i had to use a few to catch O day (because i thought i was going to have a long cycle again) then 14days exactly later AF came. But at least i know i can pin point O day. So maybe try that. My GP drew me up a chart to put on the fridge temp, did i BD that day, did i use OPK, and the date matched up with cycle day to keep track. much like fertility friend. im hoping this is our month AF just finished.....on day 7 of cycle. good luck hope that helped. :-k
Thanks tommygirl
I am currently on CD34 so will wait until CD14 of my next cycle - like you and Bethany suggest. I know it will be expensive buying all these tests but it is well worth the money if I can just find out if I am ovulating or not.
I have already bought 20 OPKs from Lullaby Conceptions and a thermometer so am all ready to get serious next cycle.
Started taking my temp today so that I can get into the swing of things before it becomes important not to forget. I think I will create a similar table myself to put up on the fridge as it will be easier than entering the data secretly at work on the PC.
Thanks again - good luck to you.