Community post

A couple things
1. It can take your body a while to regulate after being on birth control. So the calendar you are using may not be exactly accurate. Plus, some people just don't ovulate on a "regular time". I am between 13-18 days with an average of 15.
2. I have a friend who got pregnant and had to have ovulated on cycle day 5 or 6. She didn't test that early, tested the rest of the month and never got a positive. She only BD on day 5. It is possible.
3. You might want to invest in some ovulation test strips. I have heard good things about the internet cheapies. i prefer digital myself.
I hope this helps!

Thank you for your answer! I figured it might take some time for regulating after being on birth control 5 years, but after researching I read several different things on getting off birth control and conceiving. This is very confusing my husband is only home 2 weeks out the month, so timing with a normal schedule would be nice, but its kinda frustrating trying to understand charting and checking CM when you don't exactly know what your checking/looking for. I've checked other peoples sample charts, which makes me think I could have ovulated earlier than thought, but I will be investing in some ovulation test if needed next cycle & will do charting still. I know its only my 1st month charting so im sure it will take some time to figure out my body. :D Thanks again!

That is very confusing. I'm sorry. i know how frustrating this process can be. The ovulation tests are really the only thing that keeps me sane and helps me to time things better.
Another thought, you could ask your doctor about getting a progesterone test done (usually around day 21ish) to verify if you actually ovulated (especially if you aren't using OPKs).
Hang in there!