Recording periods for ovulation!

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Hi!

How should I be logging my period in the apps? Is it from the very first spotting, or when you feel like you’re properly on and is it until you are completely free of blood/spotting?

For example, I will get spotting a day or two before I consider my period starting ie more of a flow and different colour. Then I will have a normal flow for a few days - 3/4 and then I have 1/2 days spotting before I am completely clear. So it could be 8 days or 4 days? Or somewhere in between!

For how many days should I log my period lasts?

What do you ladies do?

I'd say the flow unless your spotting is significant? Doesn't really matter when it ends for the app calculations though I don't think, it should be all based on your first cycle day regardless.

I've started logging mine from the first day of spotting. Generally I'll spot for a day, then have heavy flow for 2 days then back to spotting as it ends.

I count from the 1st day of normal flow even though I spot for a couple of days before that.

I just checked youngwomenshealth.org and an ivf website and they both said spotting doesn't count. Myhormonology.com though says it counts if it leads to a full flow with any days break in between. All sort of confusing! Looking at older threads on MN though most ladies on here seem to log it from the first day of flow. Hope it helps a little bit!

My fertility nurse has always asked for the first day of proper bleeding not just spotting.

Ah that’s so helpful!

Thank you very much :)

For years I used to just log it in a little paper diary! I'd add different pictures for say spotting as opposed to bleeding.

I now use ovia app, which has the option to add either spotting or bleeding and how heavy. I too was told you count the 1st day of actual bleeding, not just spotting as the start of AF.