OK- all you moms who have overcame fertility problems: I need your help.?

Question

I am trying to figure out my period. What day do I start and stop counting the days? Is it the first signs (like something when I wipe, but only then) or does it have to be actually flowing. And the same thing about the end, is it when it is bad enough to use something or when there is no more brownish discharge?

Thank you so much in advance.

Answer 1

You start counting on the first day of flow.  If you only notice blood when you are wiping, then that is just counted as spotting.

So, let's say you spotted yesterday, but had to use a tampon today.  Today would be the first day of your cycle, and yesterday would be the last day of your previous cycle.  Does that make sense?

Also - I might bleed for about seven days, but counting spotting days that might rack up to 10 because i typically spot for two or more days after my period ends.

If you are trying to chart, you can use my chart as a reference.  

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/21f3...

on the days with little asterisks are the spotting days.  the days with H M or L are flow days.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

There is no best answer as to when exactly your period has now officially started. Best is to pick a sign that is clear for you, and always use it. E.g. if you forever checking for the smallest little sign, make that first almost invisible drop then be your day 1. But if you only consider it started once you by accident notice it on your panties, and you have to start using a pantyliner or a tampon, make that your day one. But STICK to it :) don't change your formula. That way, you will get to know your cycle.

With regards to stopping counting, my personal advice is that it is over when you don't have to use a pantyliner to prevent spotting.

Answer 3

Doctors state that your first day is when you have bleeding not spotting.  If you only have signs when you wipe, it's not actual bleeding.  You could all spotting at the end usually with this symbol (*) and use this symbol for bleeding days *

Brown spotting for days can be a sign of hormone inbalance.  You might want to have your fsh and e2 tested (on cycle day 3) to see if they are elevated and your progesterone tested after ovulation.  It's not uncommon for young women to have hormone changes under 35 years.

Answer 4

you start counting the first day of your period on the day it starts, you dont need to count to the end of it although it may be useful to know so the first day you dont have any bleeding or hardly any then it would be the end. you dont then count again until your next period and the day before this date is your cycle length. if you have fertility problems i assume they would be irregular, so its important to keep a record of them and how you are getting along, also if you notice any signs of ovulation. i have fertility problems myself and used to have the most messed up periods, but they settled down this year and im now pregnant. good luck.