Post-Pill Period: What to Expect After Stopping Birth Control

Question
Hello Dr. Rappaport.  I am 23 years old with no kids yet.  I stopped taking my birth control pills on February 7, 2004 because my husband and I decided it is finally a good time to start trying for a baby.  I started my first period after stopping the pills on February 11 and didn't get my next period until April 9, so my cycle lasted 58 days.  I am now on CD 47 with no sign of pregnacy.  I haven't tested yet, but I am going to go buy a preg. test tonight.  If it turns out negative, why are my cycles lasting so long?  Is it normal for this to happen?  Is there a chance I am ovulating even though my cycle lengths are lasting so long?  It is kinda hard to get pregnant without knowing!  I am so confused! Thank you for your time.

Brandy

Answer
If you are not pregnant, you may have some hormonal imbalance. YOu can, indeed, ovulate even with long cycles, but it is difficult to ascertain exactly when  and if you are ovulating. YOu can purchase an ovulation predictor kit from the pharmacy and try to pinpoint when you are ovulating. HOwever, often, if you do not get regular periods, you will not ovulate. If so, you may have to be cycled for awhile. Discuss this with your gynecologist.