Short luteal phase

Hi GJK,

Such a relatable question. I stopped the pill in December and had very short cycles. The shortest was 22 days, the longest 26 days. After using ovulation tests, I realized I also have a fairly short luteal phase, namely 10 days. But because my ovulation shifts every month, my cycle length varies too, although my luteal phase remained at 10 days. Maybe this is the case for you too, that your ovulation is later this month, meaning you might have a longer cycle this time and your luteal phase is therefore longer than 8 days. Or have you also used ovulation tests in previous cycles?

I’m not pregnant myself yet, so I can’t say from personal experience whether a short luteal phase means you have less chance of getting pregnant this cycle. However, I’ve read enough stories online from women who got pregnant despite having a short luteal phase. So it’s definitely possible.

Whether that’s the case for you this cycle remains to be seen...

Best, Babbel

By the way, I just saw that your question was from last Saturday and that your period was due last Monday...
Hopefully, you know by now whether your short luteal phase had any effect or not

Hi GJK,

I just read in another forum that MS has shown up again. What a disappointment that is, isn't it?
Fortunately, your luteal phase turned out to be longer than you thought, now about 10/11 days, right? Good to gradually get more insight into your cycle.
I also found out through ovulation tests that my luteal phase was quite short. And once I figured that out, I could also notice it through other symptoms (e.g., fertile mucus). I stopped the pill at the end of November and have been trying for about 8 months now. I did keep in mind that this could happen, but I didn't hope for it, so the disappointment and doubt grow every month.
But still, it's always a 'guess', we unfortunately can't plan it. If it doesn't work in the coming months, the step to the GP will become smaller and smaller, because I really want to know if everything is physically okay.
I've started using ovulation tests and temperature again to get more insight into my body, but I still find it quite difficult. I've been taking a homeopathic remedy, Shatavari, for 2 months, which restores your cycle (I used to have a regular cycle before I started the pill again). And now, over the past 2 months, I've had a luteal phase of 14/15 days, so the remedy does something... Now hoping it'll be successful soon

Hi GJK,

That disappointment is indeed tough, especially when you're already two days overdue. It really comes as a shock. And what you're saying, you know you did everything right, and yet it still doesn't work out. That's so frustrating.

I've learned, unfortunately, that pregnancy is something you can't really plan. And since I'm naturally a planner, I find that really hard.....

And if everyone around you happens to get pregnant within a month, I can imagine those questions really get to you. Of course, we know the average wait is a year and you only have a 20% chance of conception each cycle, etc., but once you're in it, all you want is one thing: a positive test!

I'm now in round 10, which is partly due to my short cycles early on. Also, looking back, I often had intercourse right next to my fertile days instead of during them... But we've also had plenty of months where we did everything right, so the doubt keeps creeping in. We're just waiting again and continuing with ovulation tests and temperature tracking to get more insight into my body.

I expect my fertile days this coming weekend, but my partner is getting jaw surgery today. The recovery apparently is quite painful, so I don't expect anything to happen this cycle....

When do you expect your fertile days?

Hi GJK,
I see that you're pregnant now. Congratulations. My luteal phase is about 9 or 10 days... I'm a bit worried about this after 'everything you've read'. How long did it ultimately take you to get pregnant? I'm now in my 4th round (with one round skipped) and waiting for my egg...

Thanks for your reply. That’s so annoying about your mk! But it’s nice that you got pregnant again so quickly. That puts me at ease a bit. It’s true that time flies when you’re on the waiting list… that definitely helps! I wish you a wonderful pregnancy!
Love, Muus