Anovulatory bleeding?

Question

I had a baby 17 months ago and we are TTC again. The last time it literally took one try and I got pregnant. This time, although it's only been three months, I am getting worried. I just did an OPK and it always shows up negative. I started it about two weeks before and although I should be ovulating around now, or yesterday, it's still showing negative. I do it twice a day, so there's no way I have missed it.

Prior to my last baby, my cycle was totally regular, always 28 days to the second practically. Now, it's more likely 34-35 days. Is it possible that I am not ovulating? If not, what is the treatment?

I am seeing a doctor today, but was hoping someone could share their experience or provide some insight.

Answer 1

As long as you are having periods at fairly regular intervals you are more than likely ovulating. After each of my three children my cycles changed. OPK's do not work for every woman, if their LH surge is not strong enough. Some tests will only detect 12 hours before AT BEST.

Answer 2

Hey, Karla!  I would guess that you are ovulating, but if your cycles are a little longer, you're probably ovulating just a little later than normal.  Plus, supposedly, it is actually really common for women to ovulate around day 17 in a regular cycle rather than 14.

If you are not ovulating at all, you might have something like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), but it doesn't sound like this is the case.  My doctor thinks that's what I have, but my cycles were WAY out of control, to the point of skipping a month or two altogether.  I know that one of the "treatments" is clomid, which basically forces ovulation.  It worked like a charm for me!

Good luck at your doctor's appointment today... let me know how it goes!  I'm sure he/she will put your fears at ease.  

Baby dust!  :)

Answer 3

Giving birth can totally mess up your cycles afterwards, especially if you're breastfeeding.  You can have a period without ovulating, definitely.  A lot of women have trouble conceiving after already having a baby.  Depending on your age, though, I think most doctors would tell you not to worry unless you've been trying for over a year.

One thing you can do to track ovulation and what is going on with your cycles, is to take your temperature first thing in the morning, before you even get out of bed.  There is a spike in temperature right after ovulation.  And check your cervical mucous.  There is lots of information online about tracking temperatures and what the different consistancies of mucous mean.  That could give you a better idea of what's going on.

Good luck!