My husband & I have been trying to conceive since jan. my cycles don't always start the same day sometime it's a couple days earlier or maybe a couple days later... my periods are not as heavy but last about up to 10 days & my last one stopped & started again after 2 days ( I think) but it was just spotting. My obgyn nurse told me that I would ovulate between 10-14 days of the first day of my cylcle... is that true?

Hi yorkiegirl1104... welcome to AMHD,

It used to be thought that women, particularly with a 28 day cycle, would automatically ovulate on day 14. For many women, the 10-14 day rule would be true, but for many others it would not be. A better "rule" would be 12-16 days before the next period is due, regardless of how long your cycle is, but that is just a guide to use as a starting place as well. Many women will naturally ovulate outside the norm... either a bit earlier or a bit later.

Use the dating method as a place to start. Then watch for possible changes... some women will notice cervical mucus becomes more fluid and clear in the days leading up to ovulation. Some women will notice some slight cramping, often on one side or the other, about the time of ovulation. You could try ovulation predictor tests, or temping and charting for a few months may show you a pattern as to when you are most likely to be ovulating.

Generally, if you have an idea of when ovulation is likely, start trying in the week before and right through to a few days after suspected ovulation. If you can have sex every other day throughout each cycle, you have the timing covered. Pregnancy is most likely to occur when the sperm are already present when an egg is released, so sex in the days leading up to ovulation can give you the best odds of success.

Keep in mind as well, that timing is only part of the equation. This is partly why there is only about a 20-25% chance of becoming pregnant in any given cycle and why doctors don't usually consider possible fertility concerns if you don't become pregnant until after a year of actively trying.