Strange bleeding question...

[robugmum]

Dh and I decided to start ttc last month. I got my period on July 21st after a 48 day cycle. The ones previous to that were 34, 30, and 38 days long. So, needless to say, I'm not regular but almost always on the long side. Anyway, we started doing the bd every second day or so (we were pretty excited not to have to withdraw). I had three days of very light bleeding on August 1st (11 days after last period) then another 6 days of bleeding that started on August 15th (25 days after last period). I had bad cramps for the whole 6 days. Neither one felt like a period. The bleeding was much lighter than usual and very steady, ie. no buildup or lightening, it just stopped and started. I took a pt and it was negative but it would have been too early for it to be accurate anyway. Does anyone have any theories about what's going on with my body?

[Kharen]

By chance, are you charting your cycles? I ask because it is difficult to tell what might be causing bleeding at different points in your cycle without some corroborating information. If you're ovulating (which can be confirmed through temping), your bleeding could possibly be ovultory bleeding (which might account for one of your bleeding episodes, but the other?). If you're not ovulating and are having what are called anovulatory cycles, unexplained bleeding can be caused by imbalances in your hormone levels. Have you recently gone off of hormonal birth control or have you been breastfeeding?--both can cause changes in hormon levels that might result in abnormal bleeding.

My advice--and you will probably hear this from other MDCers--is to check out "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler--if you haven't already done so. I always say it's like a user's guide for anyone with a uterus. It's an excellent book that will teach you the ins and outs of charting, and charting truly reveals a window to your cycles and, consequently, some insight re: your bleeding.

I'm sorry I don't have any other ideas! But I wish you the best in your TTC journey!
K

[robugmum]

Thanks for the info! I actually bought the book and a basal thermometer today. I've been meaning to do it for ages and this last bout of strangeness has finally spurred me on. I've charted my cycles and been aware of my cervical fluid for years but until now I haven't done temps. I'm hoping it will help me understand my cycles better and get pregnant too!