Irregular Periods & Ovulation: Tracking Your Cycle

Question
My husband and I are trying to start a family.  I have the most irregular cycle.  I have been off the pill since April 2003 and have only had one 28 day cycle.  Every month (or sometimes 2) it comes at different times.  They have been as close as 21 days and as long as 8 weeks.  My last period was August 18th.  Is there a way I can tell when I am ovulating?

Answer
If your last period started on August 18, you may have ovulated any time after August 31. There is no way to definitely pinpoint the day of ovulation. You can purchase an ovulation predictor kit from the pharmacy and test your urine for the LH surge. If the color changes, you will ovulate approximately 12 hours from that point. You may have to see your gynecologist in order to regulate your cycle.