[j&jmom]

When do you temp and how to get the most accurate readings? If things don't happen this cycle I might try this next cycle. Also do you have any suggestions for brands of opk's and thermometers? I just want to prepare if I need to.

[EJsMommy]

I do use a Basal body thermometer that I bought at Target like 3 or so years ago. I started to take the temp orally and found that to be to much of a swing in temp from day to day.
I have now started taking the temp rectally and that proved to be much more even. The trick with temping is that you would need to take it at the same time everyday even weekends (I have not been so good at the exact time). The temperature alone mostly shows you when you ovulated and not before. So doing a temperature and OPKs combo may work for you. For me I just check the CM and position of cervix etc for this. I recently started using Ovulation Calendar and Ovulation Chart - Fertility Charting and that helps me chart all details that I need not just temp for the day.
I hope this helps.

[ldovey83]

I take my temp at 8 am every morning vaginally.. I started the temping orally and found out also that they jump around to much and if you sleep with your mouth open you get the wrong temp.. I found that with vaginally temping I have gotten the correct reads... I also check my CM and my cervix position throughout the cycle.

[BigGrin]

I temped orally (I am a lucky one and sleep with my mouth closed) but I had to be disciplined about taking it at the same time every morning, including weekends. I also used the internet cheapies OPK and started checking around CD10 until I got a positive surge.

While temping is very useful I think keeping track of your cervical mucous is invaluable as it is better at notifying you when you are O'ing. BBT only informs you after you've O'd.

[Kary♥RN]

You want to get a BBT.. this type of thermometer goes 2 points past decimal. (98.67) If you use a regular one (I did for many months.. it still works.. you might just see more flat temps..) But it will still show ovulation. You will wany to get one that saves it to memory. So this way... If you do wake up.. keep it next to your bed, temp and if you want to fall back asleep go ahead.. your temp is in memmory. Since you should temp after 4 hours uninteruptered sleep.

As for OPK's I always used IC.... they are cheap and when you first start using them you don't know your body. I would Ovulate around CD14. So on CD 10 I would start testing mid-day to early evening. When I started to get a darker line.. (around CD 12) I would than start testing 2-3 times a day.. just so I would not miss my surge. Usually with 24 hours I would get a +..... (usually on CD13) I would test that evening, midnight, and than again with 2-3rd morning urine. By after noon evening.. the line would be getting lighter.

IC I got on Ebay were very cheap.. You can pick up a 100 for 20-30 dollars.

Good Luck!

[Natalie_Snow]

I take temps at the same time every morning..rectally. I used a regular thermometer for the first 4 months.. and then i bought a BBT thermometer that had two digits after decimal! it's such an awesome thing1 I'd definitely recommend getting one.

I also used OPKs during my last cycle and I though it was neat how OPKs and BBt chart matched in detecting an O day!

[Celena]

first thing when I'm first opening my eyes and can see where the BBT is even if I'm only 1/4 awake LOL

[j&jmom]

thanks for all the advice. I actually tried it once before, but did it orally and I guess that was my problem, because I couldn't understand it at all. I'm going to try again!

[Kary♥RN]

I have always did it orally... I sometimes sleep with my mouth open.. while yes some days were a little off.. I always got confirmed cross hairs.

Good Luck!!!!!