Question about spotting and when to start charting. And totally TMI.

E35

  I have heard spotting defined as brown or pink spots on TP (not red.) Now, FF says to start charting on the first day of your cycle, not the first day of spotting, and this is confusing me. 

 This morning I was a day late and tested  (BFN) even thought I had red - a good serious amount of red - on my TP.  I expected my AF to kick right in but nothing the rest of the day.  So, do I count today as spotting and not start charting until things pick up?  Or, since it was red do I count it as my first day?

Since I've been off BCP I find that I normally spot for a couple of days before I could wear a tampon or need anything other than the thinnest liner. 

My last two cycles when like this:

12/17 to 12/20 spotting (not red) on and off but then really got my AF on 12/21. 

11/15 to 11/18 spotting (not red) 11/19 and 11/20 nothing.  AF on 11/21.  

 

Abeille

I've seen this question on other boards and it was explained as CD1 is the first day you need to use a tampon or pad.  That's what i go by.

ETA typo

E35

Thanks gals!