luteal phase question

[LACh1]

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone could clarify a question for me regarding when my luteal phase actually began.  As my cyycle is relativley unknown to me due to breastfeeding, the pill and quickly getting pregnant after coming off it I have begun to use an ovulation test to check I am ovulating and find out what my cycle is doing.  Anyway I started my period on the 14 of sep with a few spots once then nothing for the rest of the day then a full flow the next day 15th (so would i class the 14 or 15 as the start of my period? ) then I did a few ovulation tests and nothing for a while which was not really a surprise as i tend to have long cycles and ovulate late - then on the 5th of oct I took another ovulation test and it was positive meaning I would ovulate in the next 24 hours. We have not bd as we are not trying this cycle but i am wondering when i count the tww from.  Would it be the 5th (when i did the test or the 6th as that is 24 hours from when i did the test?  I am only being a bit picky as i want to make sure i am having a long enough luteal phase as i know this is important for conception.
Sorry this is so long but hope someone might have an answer so i can get my numbers and dates right for this month and it will hopefully help me next month when the baby making begins.

[Angebelle]

The first day of full flow would be considered the start of your period.  In your case, it would be Sept. 15.    

OPKs only detects a surge of the luteinizing hormone.  A woman could have a surge, but the egg might not actually release from the ovary.  A while back, a member spoke of four days of positive OPK test results.  Talk about confusing!  The OPKs aren't quite reliable enough.  However, the BBT chart is reliable and can tell you so many more things about your cycle and phases, in addition to actual ovulation.  Hope this helps.  

[smjmekg]

I don't really trust OPKs. You try charting your BBT too. Take your temp every morning before you even sit up, at the same time, and after at least three hours of sleep. The day after ovulation your temp will go up at least .4 degrees and stay that way until right before AF or it won't really go down cause you're preggo. It might take a couple months to get your average temps and be able to tell when you're ovulating, but it'll help you pin point ovulation a little better.