Fertility
Charting Basics
So
what do you need to get started charting? A basal body thermometer,
a
chart, and a pen or pencil. Thats it! You can purchase
a basal body thermometer at any drug store. They are very
inexpensive. It is important that you use a basal body thermometer
and not a regular mercury thermometer. The reason is that
basal body thermometers are more accurate. Basal body thermometers
read temperatures to one tenth of a degree. Temperature changes
may be small so the more accurate the better.
Fertile
signs to record in your chart
Basal
Body Temperature: What should you be recording in
your chart. The most important fertility sign in charting
is your basal
body temperature. When charting your basal body
temperature it is important that you record
your temperature first thing in the morning before
you get up, eat, smoke, or drink anything. Take your temperature
the same time every day.
Cervical Mucous: Cervical
mucous is another way to track your cycle. Generally
your cycle starts off dry. As you get closer to ovulation
it will turn to a creamy consistency. During ovulation your
cervical mucous will become stretchy and clear, resembling
egg whites. Recording your cervical mucous patterns will help
you to determine when you ovulate.
Cervical Position: Another indicator of ovulation
is the position of your cervix. You can check your cervical
position by gently inserting your finger into your vagina.
You will want to record if it is hard to reach (high position)
or easier to reach (low position). You may also want to record
if it feels firm or soft. Your cervix will become more difficult
to reach as you approach ovulation.
Ovulation Prediction Kits: Ovulation
prediction kits are a very popular way of determing
ovulation dates. They work by measuring the amount of Luteinizing
Hormone in your urine. There is a surge in LH (Luteinizing
Hormone) just prior to ovulation. LH levels are only elevated
for a couple of days. These are the days that you are most
fertile. Recording your LH surge is a good way to predict
when you ovulate.
Uterine Cramping or ovulation pain: Some
women notice cramping on one side or pain resembling menstrual
cramps when they ovulate. If you notice cramping or pain record
this in your chart. This may help you monitor when you ovulate.
Headaches/Moodiness: Headaches and moodiness
sometimes accompany ovulation. Occasionally women notice that
there is a pattern to when they get headaches or when their
moods change. Writing down everything you notice during your
menstrual cycle can give you a better idea of when you will
ovulate or when to expect your period.
Breast Tenderness: Many women notice changes
in their breast prior to menses or ovulation.
Increase/decrease in libido: It is not uncommon
for a woman to have an increased sex drive during their most
fertile days. Increased libido can be another factor in determing
when you ovulate.
Other
things to record in your fertility chart
Other
observations you will want to record on your chart. Write
down any questions you have for your doctor as you think of
them. Sometimes you forget what you wanted to ask and having
them written down comes in handy. You will also want to write
down when you have intercourse. You should be able to look
at your chart and see if your timing was right.
- Record
any medications you are taking and what day you
took them. Some medications will affect your fertility.
Discuss with your doctor any medications you take
and how that it will affect you.
-
If you are sick or have a fever be sure to write
a comment on your chart. You can use your fertility
chart to write down anything that you notice about
your body and your cycle.
-
If you drink alcohol (especially if you have had
a lot to drink) this needs to be recorded in your
chart. Alcohol can affect your sleep patterns,
temperature, and fertility.
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