Irregular Periods & Ovulation Tracking: A Guide for Fertility

Question
I am a 33 yr old woman with no children. I was on the pill for about 5 years starting at 22 and getting off at 26. My husband and I have been together for 11 years and married 6. We are currently trying to have a child. My period since being off the pill is generally 21 days but lately has been moving from 22 to 24. To determine my ovulation period would I be better served to get a test from the local drug store?
We have only been trying for about 6 months but i find myself getting very frustrated b/c of my age. Should I just relax and throw out all the gizmos?

Answer
If your period now is 25 days in length (from the first day of your period until the first day of your next period) ovulation occurs on cycle day #11. YOu can only become pregnant if you have sex on cycle day #10,11,12, or 13 each month (as long as your cycle is only 24 days in length). You can pinpoint the exact day of ovulation if you purchase an ovulation predictor kit from the pharmacy and test your urine. If, after a full 12 months of trying, you do not conceive, consult your gynecologist to start a workup. Good luck.