Really long cycles

I have been trying for about 3 months to have a baby.
I stopped taking BC in June and since then have had extremely long cycles, 42 and 40 days. I am now currently on day 38 and BFN on all tests.
I just don't get what is going on. I tired OPK this month...but I am not sure I used them correctly...I was testing with FMU and now I think I need to test in the afternoon. IS that right?

Help...just feeling so frustrated.

Thanks for the vent....I may start charting this month.

Re: Really long cycles

I use to test in the morning, but I never got a + reading, so now I test in the afternoon around 4 and the last two months I got my + opk, I think I just ovualte in the afternoon.

Re: Really long cycles

I would start charting. I have been going through the same thing and my cycles have been long except for my last that was only 20 days. I have been using OPKs and so far no positive and I am in day 19....I have not been charting or temping, but I think I am going to once AF comes.

Good luck

Re: Really long cycles

Here is an article I found on Fertility Friend.


Do I have to do anything special to chart my BBT when the time changes for Daylight Saving Time?


The effect of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on your temperature is usually limited to the day of the change because you adjust quite quickly. In addition, the exact effect depends strongly on your own metabolism. Some people will see no effect at all while others will see a slight change (increase or decrease). Because in general having one temperature slightly off will not change your chart interpretation, Fertility Friend's recommendation is to record your temperature as usual without correcting it in any manner. We recommend that you keep taking the temp at the same time. If you took it at 6 in the morning before the change, then take it at 6 in the morning after the change.

Re: Really long cycles

the first few months beig off BCP were utterly crazy...

Mine would be long 2 months then short...

I would say this went on about 5 months or so...
Now i am exactly 28 days

Not until recently did i start using OPK...and it was recommended that the best times to use it were between 11-3 and 5-10

Message edited 10/29/2006 8:54:20 AM.

Re: Really long cycles

My cycles are VERY long as well. (Ranging from 38-66 days). Anyway, I suggest charting, it really gives me insight as to what is going on. I know it is frustrating, but many women have cycles that are longer than 28 days. They even say up to 36 days is still in a typical range. I know...SO ANNOYING!

Re: Really long cycles

I started getting my period at 30 days for three months after going off BCP. Now I am at day 31 with cramps and no visual signs of AF. I know I am fine. I know I am not pregnant. I have just resigned myself to the fact that I will not be one of those women who gets her period every 28 days. I used an OPK the first month and last month and they both had me ovulating on day 17. Im thinking that stress is playing a role here.

Re: Really long cycles

Long cycles are very frustrating! I feel your pain.

If you are up to it, try charting! Now I know I O between CD21-25, so I don't expect my AF to show until CD34-39.

You are not suppossed to take OPKs with FMU. Try taking them in the afternoon instead. I bought my OPKs in bulk from http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/. Start testing with the OPKs 16 days earlier than your shortest cycle. So if your shortest cycle was 38 days, start using the OPKs on CD22.

Re: Really long cycles

Thanks ladies...I just purchased a BBT and TCOYF.

Hopefully things will go well.


AF is still a no show along with any sympotms of either her or pregnancy....so we'll see.

Thanks.