Possible signs of Ovulation?

[unhappenable.livejournal.com]

Hello! I've been lurking here for a while, but joined in order to post!

So, I'm trying to really figure out my cycle, because I'm still pretty irregular (I'm 21) and wanted to see if there was any sort of long term pattern (like maybe shorter cycles in the winter or something?) so I've been paying more attention than usual.

I'm pretty sure I ovulated on the 1st because my breasts were quite sensitive and I think I felt the "popping" sensation. The only thing that has me doubting is the fact that I had absolutely NO libido the night before or since. My boy was trying his hardest, and I only let him because I knew he really wanted to make me feel good, but quite frankly I was bored when he was just focused "down there". I couldn't check my mucus because it was mostly oral and I figured that would have compromised the viscosity.

Anyway, so my question is whether it's still possible that I ovulated, despite having no libido, because I've heard it's very common to have increased libido instead. Also, while I'm here, do you gals think it's possible to have a long term pattern like what I'm looking for? Or am I just irregular, through and through?

Oh yeah, and I was thinking that a possible factor could be my depression meds - I started taking 10mg of lexapro in August and then upped it to 20 in early December. When I first started in August, I noticed a decrease in libido, so is it possible that the doubled depression meds finally kicked it to my libido at such a hormonal stage in my cycle? Or would it be coincidence?

(P.S.-My mind is totally blown at being able to discuss this so candidly--yay for vaginapagina!)

Comments

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

I couldn't check my mucus because it was mostly oral and I figured that would have compromised the viscosity.

I'm a little confused -- you can (and actually, should) check your cervical mucous outside of sexual activity or arousal. WebMD recommends (http://www.webmd.com/content/article/4/1680_51214.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}) checking it twice a day by either swiping a finger around the vagina or even just examining the discharge on toilet paper. Remember too that fertile cervical mucous generally begins between three to nine days prior to ovulation.

At any rate, I've definitely had ovulations where I haven't been interested in sex -- after all, there's more at play in libido than just hormones and fertility. And the depression meds could definitely be having an effect. So that's certainly possible.

What I might recommend is picking up the book Taking Charge Of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. It's an incredible read for learning to understand your body's cycles and the signs of ovulation! Additionally, the folks at fam might have some more detailed info on tracking irregular cycles. :)

[unhappenable.livejournal.com]

Re: mucus; I was under the impression that the day of is the most important day to check. Maybe I need to reread some info on that and keep it in mind for next time.

Thanks for the recs, too. I'm definitely going to look out for that book, and I checked out that com last night before posting this, but couldn't find anything that seemed specifically to answer my questions.

[goddessdeath.livejournal.com]

I have to agree that with Lexapro, you could be noticing decreased libido. I took that a few years ago because the doctor told me that it probably wouldn't affect my libido. Wrong! I could not orgasm to save my life.

Also, I was wondering if you've thought of talking to your gynecologist about getting on the Pill to help regulate your periods...Just a suggestion! :)

[unhappenable.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my doc didn't give me any warnings about the Lexapro when I started. Gee thanks, heh.

Actually, I'm way over due for an appointment (haven't ever been :/) and that is definitely going to be one of the topics of discussion.

[goddessdeath.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, you should definitely make an appointment with one soon since you're sexually active. The way I notice that I'm ovulating is I get a crampy feeling, almost like one-sided period cramping, but it comes about two weeks after the first day of my menstrual cycle. That and I'm usually high on the libido end of things.