I'm about done with charting!!!!

STL_Beth · #1 October 3rd, 2008, 11:34 AM

I've been charting for about 40+ days and I'm just so frustrated. At first, I used a regular BBT thermometer and I hated that it took forever in the morning to read. I also hated that I couldn't read it in the dark. So then I bought a thermometer off the internet that was supposed to be a BBT that was backlit. Sure enough it was backlit and was advertised as a BBT thermometer, but it didn't read out to 2 decimal places, only 1. Well I've continued using it, since my temps seem to be all over the place anyway. Around CD 47 I got crosshairs then they took them away when I had fertile CM a few days later. I have such great difficulty examining my CM and I've never been able to locate my cervix. At this point, I'm more concerned with knowing exactly when O happens rather than being able to prepare to fertilize the egg with O occurs. Would I be better using OPK's or I've even thought about buying a Clearblue fertility monitor. I feel like with those I wouldn't have to worry about human error as much (waking up in the middle of the night, etc.) and I also figure that might be more accurate..... Anyone else with some advice?

Remember I have problems with ovulating, so I have NO Idea when or if I ever ovulate....

ShawnaCAN · #2 October 3rd, 2008, 12:21 PM

Have you considered working with an instructor who can walk you through the process of charting, how to observe and interpret your CM, etc? There are also systems of charting that identify ovulation with CM only, so you don't have to worry about temps. There are teachers for those systems too.

I would encourage you to take an actual course, it won't be nearly as frustrating as trying to figure it out all on your own - especially if you have complicated cycles. (I know what that's like!)

#3 October 3rd, 2008, 01:52 PM

I can only add that I'm sorry your cycle is being a bit wacky, and I hope it evens out soon with good results!

sjkduke · #4 October 5th, 2008, 12:10 PM

I LOVED my Clearblue Easy monitor. It was great. You just have to make sure you follow the directions very closely.

I also second what Shawna said--working with an instructor is good idea too. If you're really serious about it...go for it!

Good luck, and try not to get too frustrated, though I know it's so easy to do.