Late ovulation?

I used to use the ortho evra patch.  I took my last patch off July 26 and had my period.  I went a month completely off birth control and had my period August 23.  I started testing my ovulation September 1 and the closest I got to a positive test was on the 3rd.  I was also tracking my cervical mucus and it never really got to the consistency I thought it should.  It's been getting closer to ovulation mucus so out of curiosity I took my last ovulation test tonight and it showed positive.  My question - is it possible I ovulated late because my body doesn't have the patch to set a schedule anymore?  Should I test for pregnancy on the 16 or wait a little longer?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The answer to your question probably depends upon what your cycles were like before you started the patch.  If you had long or irregular cycles before the patch, you will very likely resume the same.  If your cycles were clock work 28 day cycles before, they are likely to be again.  I usually recommend waiting until he period is late before testing for pregnancy.  If you have a 28 day cycle, test on day 29, etc.  That way you don't spend a lot of money on tests only to start your period the next day.

Hope this helps!
Dr B