[MichiganMama]

Hi Ladies!

I would be so appreciative if anyone could help me figure out my cycles. My first question, if the luteal phase is always around 14 days-can you count backwards 14 days from the start of your AF to get your O date?

I don't chart w/ temps but I have kept track of my cycle start dates for the past few months:

April 17
May 13
June 13
July 8
Aug 7

...anyone able to tell me when I am Oing (or when I will O this next month or two?)

Thank you SO much for any input!

[DeepSouthMommy]

This is definitely where charting comes in handy. Unless every single month is a 28 day cycle, you won't know for sure which day you O unless you are tracking temperature and/or CM changes. Because your cycle varies from month to month your O date will vary as well. And 14 days for the luteal phase is the average, but not everyone's is 14 days. Although I've been having long pre O cycles, my luteal phase has been 13 days. So if I counted backwards 14 days (assuming it was normal), I would miss my O date.

This may not have been exactly the answer that you were looking for, but I hope it helps you somewhat in understanding.

[MichiganMama]

Thanks Michelle!

[Gaby&Emmy'sMama]

I'd definately recommend checking your CM each day, as i think that's the best indicator of O approaching, especially if your cycle length changes from month to month

Going by your August 7th cycle, you could *probably* expect to ovulate between the 19-23rd August

[jsim]

Charting your temps is definitely helpful. I've found out that my LP changes from month to month, so its nearly impossible to use the 14 day method. Plus its good to know how long your LP is to make sure it's long enough to maintain a pregnancy.

[Coley]

All very good answers!!

Charting your temps and CM is really the only way to have a good handle on when O day was. A spike in your temperatures will confirm that O has taken place so that you aren't guessing.

I've had 12, 13 & 14 day LP's just in the past few months... so you really can't use 14 days as a hard and fast measuring tool. Charting is really the only way to be sure.

I hope you'll consider beginning to chart your temps and such. We'd love to have you join us on the board and we'd be happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Hope that helps.

[Admin-pattyandthemoos]

I agree with the other ladies. You CAN count back 14 days to get an idea of when your o date is but it may not be completely accurate. Your luteal phase may not be exactly the same length every month. It is usually around 14 days but it could be anywhere from 12-16 and still be normal. To get the most accurate ovulation date you should use all your fertile signs, temps, cm and any other fertile symptoms you normally have.

If you want to learn more about fertility charting we would love it if you joined us over here!

[MichiganMama]

Thank you for the info and encouragement ladies!! I am reading all the links at the top to get a decent understanding of charting.