want to start charting but indeterminate period start

[Devaya]

I'm very new to this and am going to get the 'take charge of your fertility' book soon (funds pending!), but want to start charting for contraception (and ultimately conception!) I used to use 'persona' which takes hormone levels from urine, but I found it expensive to have to buy the sticks to pee on and I don't believe it's as accurate as also checking cervical mucus etc. Problem is, my period the last few months seems to be on an indeterminate start day. I'll have light bleeding at about 25 or 26 days, think my period's started, then nothing for another one or two days, and then it starts properly, at roughly 28 days, and continues for 4 days.  Not sure if that makes charting/ fertility prediction tricky?? I conceived my son on day 6 of my cycle, so was still technically bleeding... so I wonder about these things. Also I'm still BF (though only twice a day) so not sure if that impacts on things. My period's been regular (as in roughtly 28 days) for a few months now. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Edited by Devaya - 1/7/11 at 9:41am

[HulaJenn]

no matter if there is a "break" in flow, as long as when it starts the first time it is actual drip/flow and not just spotting (when you wipe only?) then that is considered the first day. And I have heard of lots of people that have longer periods and end up conceiving because AF is still considered fertile type discharge and sperm can survive in it! Good luck! This is a great method for both contraception and onception as long as you do the right research and "follow the rules" :-) Join us over in "Charting to Avoid"  - there are lots of great book and link resources as well as a great group of knowledgeable ladies!

[Devaya]

Thanks a lot! Hhmm, not sure how 'real flow' it is, will have to check next time - bit vague when it comes to remembering these things! Will join the thread you mentioned.

[justKate]

By "real flow" she means the first day of red blood, enough that you need a pad or tampon.  If I'm only spotting on the TP or a liner, I count that as spotting rather than flow.  So if you want to get started, go ahead!  It doesn't matter where you are when you start.  I think, if you're having somewhat regular cycles, FAM will probably work for you.  And of course you can use a back up method until you're confident.  Here's the current Charting to Avoid thread.