[Jarheadwed]

I just started charting yesterday after 8 months no BFP. Since it gives you the cross hairs after you O (from my understanding) when should we start the every other day BD, whats a good rule for when to start that?

[ShawnaCAN]

I just started charting yesterday after 8 months no BFP. Since it gives you the cross hairs after you O (from my understanding) when should we start the every other day BD, whats a good rule for when to start that?[/b]

BD on alternating evenings until you begin to notice cervical mucus. Then WAIT. Wait until the mucus makes you feel slippery. BD while you have slippery CM and for 2 days after it stops being slippery. Ovulation is most closely associated with the last day of slippery mucus (called Peak day). Fertility Friend won't give you crosshairs until a few days after Peak day.

[Chelnae6]

BD on alternating evenings until you begin to notice cervical mucus. Then WAIT. Wait until the mucus makes you feel slippery. BD while you have slippery CM and for 2 days after it stops being slippery. Ovulation is most closely associated with the last day of slippery mucus (called Peak day). Fertility Friend won't give you crosshairs until a few days after Peak day.[/b]

Now I'm curious, why the wait after noticing cm? I'm such a novice!

[Jarheadwed]

yeah, why do we wait? And how do I check my CM, I don't think what I find on my undies is usually very telling.

[ShawnaCAN]

yeah, why do we wait? And how do I check my CM, I don't think what I find on my undies is usually very telling.[/b]

No, what is on your undies is just vaginal discharge - it's usually not cervical mucus. If you have a few minutes, read through this - it will explain how to observe your CM accurately. PAGE 8 is especially relevant to your question. I think it also explains the rationale behind waiting. I'm going to go read through it again too and if it doesn't, I'll explain that. Are you cool with a little homework??? LOL

http://www.woomb.org/learningBOM/B20...nstruction.pdf


Edited to Add: Ok, it doesn't explain that. Using alternate evenings after menstruation builds up sperm production in a supply and demand sort of way. Using alternating evenings allows you to identify the beginning of cervical mucus production. If you were BDing every evening, seminal fluid the next day would hide your mucus and so you wouldn't know when it starts.

The reason for waiting once the CM starts is so that sperm production can have a few days to build up. It usually takes a few days for the CM to become slippery after it starts. Once it becomes slippery, you are at your MOST fertile! Waiting means there will be lots and lots of fresh sperm ready to go when you are at your time of maximum fertility. That maximizes your chance for conception.

[Jarheadwed]

Homework? Honey, I'll translate the Dead Sea Scrolls if it'll get me a BFP! I'll read this and let you know if I have an questions, thanks!

[Jarheadwed]

Okay, so AF starts CD1. Let's say she's done CD6. Give me an example- on what CD do I wait? What type of CM do I know to wait on?

[ShawnaCAN]

Okay, so AF starts CD1. Let's say she's done CD6. Give me an example- on what CD do I wait? What type of CM do I know to wait on?[/b]

Well...the simplest way to figure all of that out is to have a charting instructor coach you through it. But I'll do my best to answer in this format.

You start charting. After menstruation, you might notice feeling totally dry (nothing felt, nothing seen) or you might notice a feeling some sort of moisture and maybe seeing something that looks sticky, cloudy, etc. At some point you'll notice a change - a change to feeling wetter than you did before. That's the beginning of the fertile phase. It takes a few cycles of charting to really get the hang of it.

Every woman's CM patterns are unique to her, so there are no absolutes about what kind of CM means fertility for you. It's just a matter of getting to know your body.

[Chelnae6]

Ooooooohh okay. Makes sense now!

ETA: Thanks for the useful info