This myth could be costing you months of trying to conceive.

Today, I'm going to share a question I received from a patient this week.

She asked, "is it possible to ovulate on day 14 but have a 36 day cycle?"
I hear questions like this a lot.
And the short answer is no. It is not possible.

Don't worry I will explain why.
Because if you are in a similar situation I hope it will save you months of missing your fertile window.
And your opportunity to get pregnant.

You can't have both an early ovulation AND a long menstrual cycle.

Let me break it down for you.
Many women think they're ovulating early in their cycle, but then their period doesn't show up for weeks.
They end up with a cycle that feels like it's dragging on forever.

But here's the thing – it's scientifically impossible.

Why?

The luteal phase (that's the time between ovulation and your period) can't be longer than 16 days. That is, unless you're pregnant.

So what's really going on?
You're either ovulating later than you think, or (brace yourself) you might not be ovulating at all.
If you did ovulate, its likely 11-14 days before your period arrives.

I know, it's frustrating.

Here's what you can do about it.
Make sure you are tracking your ovulation properly.
Don't rely on your app! They "predict" your ovulation based on an algorithm not your own unique cycle.

Here are some tried-and-true methods:

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tracking: It's old school, but it works. This method doesn't predict ovulation but helps you to identify patterns in your cycle. If you want to know more about BBT tracking, I have written about it here https://jayaferreira.com/bbt/
2. Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Get friendly with your discharge. This is a great sign that you will ovulate soon!
3. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): A "peak fertility" reading will predict that you will ovulate in the next 12-24 hours.
4. Fertility Monitors: These high-tech gadgets track multiple fertility signs for a more accurate prediction. I love TempDrop and the Oura Ring.
   
   

Remember, knowledge is power.
If your cycle is later than normal, there is a big chance you also had a later ovulation.


Is there a particular method you're struggling with?
Or maybe you've had success with a technique I haven't mentioned?
Hit reply and let me know.
I'm always here to help you navigate your fertility journey.

Jaya x