QuestionI get my period about every 18-20 days since being off the pill. My husband
and I have been trying for the past year. This past week I was late with my
period (it came day 25)- It has been brown discharge and i only say a little
blood one morning. I took a hpt but it came up negative. This has been going
on for 5 days. Should Icall my doctor or wait it out. Please help- thanks
AnswerDear Bridgette,
You have a short cycle, which can make it a bit more difficult to conceive. If your cycles are typically 18-20 days in length, we would expect you to ovulate on approximately cycle day 4-7. Women usually ovulate 14 days prior to the beginning of the next period. Because this would be right at the end of the previous period, obviously this makes it more difficult to conceive.
The delayed cycle (CD 25) and the fact that you are having brown discharge as opposed to normal period bleeding may indicate a few different things, but most likely there is a slight hormonal imbalance. Now, as far as the pregnancy test, it would probably not have been real conclusive until one week after the next period was due. So, you may or may not have tested early (you didn't say when you did the test). It wouldn't hurt to re-test 7-10 days after the initial test - if you continue to think you may have conceived.
Otherwise, it is not absolutely necessary that you see your doctor at this point. If you feel better about it, by all means go in and have a quantitative blood pregnancy test done. However, you can also wait and see what occurs with the next cycle first. Since you are trying to conceive, if you have another unusual period, you can seek the help of your doctor to aid in that endeavor.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
