Understanding Your 33-Day Menstrual Cycle: Fertility & What's Normal

Question
Hi Lawrence!  I am 28 years old, have a 4 year old son.  I quit birth control pills last december.  My first period after that came on January 11th, then on February 12th and the last one came on March 16th, it was not until then that I realized that I have a 33 day cycle.  Is this normal?  My husband and I are planning to get pregnant after april this year.  Which would be my fertile days having a 33 days cycle?

Answer
You apparently do have a 33 day cycle. A cycle is considered normal if it is 21-35 days in length (from the first day of your period until the first day of your next period). Ovulation occurs 14 days PRIOR to the first day of your next period. If you had a 28 day cycle, ovulation occurs on cycle day #14 (fourteen days prior to your period). If you have a 33 day cycle, ovulation occurs on cycle day #20 (fourteen days prior to cycle day #33). Therefore, concentrate on having sex on cycle day #19,20,21, or 22 each month. I wold also advies you to purchase an ovulation predictor kit from the pharmacy to help pinpoint the day of ovulation.