When is Cycle Day 1????

[GaleTX]

I've answered this question for other people on here before: it's the first day of real bleeding.  I've had cycles where I've had spotting for a few days, then "real" bleeding, so I always counted that as CD1.  Each time I've had a vaginal ultrasound or labwork done, everything says I'm right on track with the CD I say I am. 

We are getting ready to do IUI + Clomid for the third (and final) time, so I'm waiting on CD1.  My cycles are usually 34 days long, sometimes with spotting beforehand for a few days.  This month, CD34 came and went with no spotting.  No completely unusual, but on CD 38 I had bright pink (not red) blood just before I went to bed. I figured the following morning would be CD1. CD 39 I woke up and went from bright pink to dark red/brown (like you'd find towards the end of AF) for maybe two hours.  Since then, nothing.  I'm now on CD 41 and wondering if that's it?  Do I count CD38 or 39 as CD1 or should I wait and see if AF truly starts? If it weren't for the Clomid factor I wouldn't care, but knowing when to take it is obviously important. Any ideas/suggestions?

[MegEliz]

Well i am late to answering this - i just found this whole genre on here since I have always pretty much stayed with the miscarriage group on here. ANYWAYS - I spot every period 2 days before it gets heavy and my Dr said to count day one spotting as CD1 when taking my clomid. I know  some doctors say differently and it used to stress me out bc i kept saying - "shouldn't it be just one answer?" I have found tho that it really doesn't matter bc i am supposed to take clomid on days 5-9 but some people take it 3-7 and either way it always ends up that regardless how i count my CD it is always either cd 3 or 5 so i just take my clomid anyways i figure i am good ! So far that logic has been working for me.

Not to put a feather in your cap but did you test - maybe you are preggo? I am wishing you luck with this next cycle and hoping that this results in a happy and healthy 9 months to you and your baby!

[wissa19]

Yep.  RE says day 1 is day you actually have bright red flow.  Also, I agree with MegEliz.  The days really do not matter so much because everyone seems to take clomid on different days.  You just have to take in the first 10 days.  :)  Good Luck!