Help!

[Chanandlerbong01]

I’ve been trying 4 years. We will have to pay for ivf so I am working to be debt free first so that I can get a loan with reasonable interest.
In the meantime we’re still trying. I don’t understand my periods, for the last couple of years I’ve started spotting for 2-4 days either a week before my period or spotting and then starting my period the day after it ends. When do I count my period as starting?
I’ve been using ovulation sticks (the white and green ones you put in a pot) some days there’s just one line but others it gets slightly darker but never as dark as the line - does this mean I’m not ovulating?
In the past I used clear blue ones and they were more obvious when I was ovulating but I can’t afford to use them every month long term.

Thanks!

I did mention the new spotting during my smear test and she said to see the doctor. So when I booked in with him and told him he said “we won’t worry until it causes a problem” I mentioned the fact I had been trying for 3 years at this point and he said “no, I mean a real problem”

Normally day 1 of your period is classed as the first day of full flow. It's difficult to be sure as what one person would class as spotting another person might class a full (but light) flow. I'd go with your gut feel on this as to what you'd class as your first day of full flow.

With the OPKs, if you're never seeing a positive then it does suggest you might not be ovulating. But equally, you might be missing your peak. When do you normally test? As in from which cycle day do you start and when do you stop? Also, do you test once a day or multiple times a day?

Finally, your doctor sounds incredibly un-thoughtful. I also have spotting before my period and have had a baby. But I agree with you, there is a chance that this pattern of spotting implies an issue with your fertility. It's frustrating that he brushed you off like that.

What tests have you had done so far?

I was testing from 14 days after my first full flow day but I’ve started today 7 days after. I’ve been going until I start full flow, I’m just going to do it everyday from now on.

I’ve had an ultrasound which checked my ovaries etc and blood tests which checked hormones, the results said my oestrogen was low and to speak to my doctor but when I booked a follow up appointment they were clueless