Cycle day and AFC question

mayflower513 · March 2018

This may be a dumb question but here goes.

I always spot before my period starts. This month I started spotting on Saturday, March 10. I was due the 17th, but I think technically it started Friday night (the 16th) at like 8 or 9 pm.

My paperwork says that for scheduling purposes, the first day of FLOW is the first day of your cycle where your flow starts before 3 pm (spotting doesn’t count). For example, if you get your period at 2pm THAT is day one of your cycle but if you start at 4pm the NEXT day is day one.

So that’s pretty clear. But.. what do I use for charting purposes? The 16th when my P started at like 9pm, or the 17th like they use for scheduling purposes?

btw, my AFC ultrasound is today! Which brings me to another question. Today is day 3 or 4 depending on the above. I ovulate on day 11 or 12. Would my follicle count potentially be affected since I ovulate sooner than day 14? Should I be doing this on day 2?

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@cmarieb35 Fertility friend suggests marking day 1 of your period as the first day that you have red blood flow, not spotting. So I'd go with the 16th.

I've had my baseline ultrasound (w/AFC) on days 2/3/4/5 of my cycle and I think any of those are acceptable for looking at all the things the doctor needs to see at baseline (lining, no cysts/etc, AFC). I think later is better for me because my period is typically 5 days so my lining has shed appropriately by days 3/4. I think you are in good shape!

mayflower513 · March 2018

@wishing-and-hopingThank you!

I had 9 follicles on each side and my lining was 7.5. Is that too thick for day 3??

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

No I think that's fine. It seems like there's a wide range of normal at baseline. I have had 4ish 5ish 6ish 7ish and the latest time 11 something!! I was technically on CD like 1.5 which is why, so he said to wait a few days and if I had continued heavy bleeding, only then could I start my meds. The 11ish got me the "best lining" he had seen from me on CD 12, so I think it's all about the process and how the lining sheds/builds back.

mayflower513 · March 2018

Thank you again @wishing-and-hoping

roisis · March 2018

Hi @cmarieb35 - not a dumb question - I nearly always find it difficult to 'decide' when AF actually starts! It feels like it should be the easiest thing in the world but my periods have always been a bit crazy and it's really not obvious! Like you I always have several days of (sometimes heavy) spotting before I really start. But yeah - my clinic is very clear that it must be red blood flow to consider the start (and before 3pm for it to be considered that day). So I agree you're on track

GL

mayflower513 · March 2018

Thank you @roisis - nothing can just be simple, can it?!

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