Not pregnant but what the heck?

[ruffgirl]

Hey everyone, this might be TMI but I am really confused about what is going on. We just started TTC our first so I have been reading a lot of posts but haven't posted on here yet. I went off the pill in May and had 4 regular cycles, about 28-30 days long. We started TTC in September and DTD every other day from day 10 to day 20. I had not been charting though, and never got a strong positive with OPKs. When AF was due, I started feeling crampy, especially in my groin area, but didn't actually get AF until day 38. When it came, it started out with light spotting (unusual for me) and then was really heavy and I cramped horribly (much worse than normal). I talked to my doctor at that point and she wasn't concerned, said I was just late. But then AF only lasted two days (normally 5), although I continued spotting very lightly (and still am at day 5). Oh, and I have consistently gotten BFNs.

I now understand that I need to chart so I can understand what the heck is going on. But, I have never been so late with my period and also never had one as short or painful as this last one. Is this really just coincidence? Anyone have any experience like this? And most importantly, should I expect to ovulate as normal this month?? Thanks for any advice...

[ValH]

I had a somewhat similar experience. After I quit taking BC, I had normal periods for about five or six cycles. After that, though, my cycle starting being weird. My O date has stayed normal, but I've had a lot of spotting (both before and after AF), some painful periods, and one very light period (only three days of very light bleeding). I've been to my doctor twice (mainly out of concern for the painful periods and spotting) but was informed that it's perfectly normal for a woman's cycle to be a bit "odd" sometimes and that it's nothing to worry about.

Now, I must say that I don't buy into the "it's normal" mentality, and have an appointment with a new doctor next month. But maybe it is just normal, and I'm just paranoid.

Anyway, good luck to you!

[kismetbaby]

Kinda sounds to me like you had an early miscarriage. . .but if you never got a BFP then maybe not.

I think you need to chart to be sure/find out when you are ovulating and how long your luteal phase is. Sometimes coming off the Pill can affect your luteal phase and thus your fertility. I know its frustrating to be waiting, but a couple of months of very consistent charting should give you a much better idea of what's going on and also something to go to a Dr with should you suspect a problem.

[ruffgirl]

Thanks so much for the replies. Kismet, that is what I thought it was (and still think it might have been). It was very unusual for me to go as long as I did, and also to have the symptoms that I did. But I was surprised that I only bled for 2 days--I thought it would have been longer if that was the case.

I guess either way, I am in the same position--start charting, keep trying, and wait and see. Thanks again for the input--I know you all are right!