Last period was late, how to calculate cycle this month?

[southlundon]

Hi all
I've got one DS who is nearly 3.5 and I came off the pill a year ago to 'see what happens'. Nothing has happened since then, but I'm sure that's because we don't do 'it' as often as before (both knackered etc) and probbaly not at the right time.

However, I've been trying to calculate my ovulation dates a bit better for the past couple of months by using a really useful free iPhone app which has worked quite well and my cycle does appear to be fairly regular at 28 days (or sometimes 27). I understand that I probably then ovulate 14 days before the start of my period.

Trouble is, my last period was 4 days late (oh how I thought I must be pregnant and it lasted for 8 days, most unlike me, so I do wonder if something had occurred and failed) so my little app has told me that I'm due to ovulate two weeks after (i.e. two weeks before my next period is due).

So what I'd like to ask you sage MNers out there is whether my cycle remains the same, regardless of a late period, or whether it does actually reset itself?

All advice most gratefully received!

Hi :)

Long story short - you can't ttc using an iphone app! They're inaccurate, as you've just discovered. If you need to know when to SWI, it's better to use OPKs or chart using a thermometer and Fertility Friend.

Thanks for replying Fluffy.

I know it's not that accurate, it's just a tool as I didn't really know how long my cycle was or when to expect my period etc. I'm actually too scared to start using thermometers etc as then I'll feel really under pressure. I'd rather (for the time being anyway) just keep one eye on things without really 'trying' iyswim?

Forgetting about the app (perhaps that's a red herring), when calculating cycles, if you have had a late period the month before would you start your cycle again from the start of that period, or from the date it was originally due? I've been pretty regular for the past year or so otherwise.

I'm sure they should have drummed how to do this in us at school - it seems such a basic requirement of being a woman!

Very sensible :)

You'd start it from the date your period actually arrived - that said, mine (and most women's) cycles vary 2-3 days every month anyway :)

And I agree entirely - far too much focus put on how not to get upduffed at school!

Much appreciated - let's hope last night's gymnastics did the trick then