Please help me figure out my cycle/maximise my chances

[Littlemissmuffet720]

Hi, I'm wondering if someone can help me. I swear I am not bad at maths but...
Last period 12 march. Used a ovulation tracker with a projection of 26/27 days based on the two periods I've had since TTC again(I'm sure before Ds they were 28 days)
Anyway, today was the supposed period day for a 27 day cycle and I came on this evening.
All fine, until I counted back on the calendar and it's only 25 days. I even got DH to check and he made it 24.
I don't get it? Where did those missing days go?
I'm counting from first day of period to first of the next.
No way I do it adds up.

Also, does anyone know if a shorter cycle is bad news for conception? Three cycles now and I didn't conceive my first easily. I'm using ovulation sticks and having sex on my most fertile days plus a day or two around them.
I know every 2 days is recommended but honestly, DH sex drive is lower than mine so I imagine he'd get fatigued.

I'm in my late thirties so any tips greatly appreciated to help speed things along.

Tia

My cycles are anywhere between 25 and 29 days.

Last cycle it was 25 days and I'm on cd14, ovulation day this time, so I'll have a 28 day (or, hopefully not!). It is normal to fluctuate a bit.

In terms of dtd, NHS do say that every 2-3 days is fine. I understand the frustration when you're ttc but dtd regularly will improve your chances.

Apologies in advance if I point out the obvious!

This is based on an average 28 day cycle
Day 1 - First day of period
Day 9-14 - Fertile Time of the month (sperm can survive for up to 5 days, but an egg only 12-24 hours)
Day 14 - Ovulation Day
Day 15-28 - Luteal phase
Day 28 - last day of cycle before period
Day 1 of next month - first day of next period

Obviously everyone is different and this is only a rough guideline; definitely stick with the ovulation tests. A short luteal phase can be a problem for conception but I believe it isn't classed as a short luteal phase unless it is under 10 days

I worked it out to 25 days as the 12th March is classed as day 1. My cycles vary from 26-30 days. Also do you know which day of your cycle you ovulate? I know the egg needs time to mature fully in the follicular phase and like a previous comment mentioned so long as your luteal phase is 10 days or longer you shouldn't have any issues hopefully 🤞🏻