[Kim913]

I took my first temp today (how exciting!) I charted in on Fertility Friend and am on my way. However, I keep reading different things. The temp instructions say I count my first day of my period as the day I start spotting but online it says count the first day I see red. That is a 2-3 difference for me because I will have a medium flow of brown for 2-3 days before the red and cramps start. Also when they ask how long my period last do I take in account the extra 4 or so days after that I am brown? I am only red for about 2-3 days.

And when do I know I am the 2 days fertile before ovulation? Doesnt the temp rise on the day of ovulation which means I missed 2 days of TTC? I did buy a OPK but how do I know from charting alone??

[ShawnaCAN]

Temperatures will confirm ovulation only after it happens, by rising.

Cervical mucus arrives several days prior to ovulation and can keep sperm cells alive in your body for 3-5 days. You can being tracking your cervical mucus, and when you notice feeling wet or slippery - make sure to use those days for intercourse. They are your most fertile days, plus the 2 days after the mucus dries up.

[Kim913]

I always have trouble monitoring my CM. I always get confused with what's arousal fluid, semen, and what's normal. Like today I woke up feeling "frisky" and wet. I am only 8 days into my cycle and we did BD 2 days ago but if I didn't know better I'd call it EWCM but it's too early. So confusing!

[ShawnaCAN]

Why would it be too early? Charting is evidence based, you don't make any assumptions about when ovulation will occur because that can vary from cycle to cycle. Instead, you monitor your fertility as it happens. So if you observe wetness, that's the evidence telling you that your time of fertility has begun.

Have you thought about taking a charting class so you can have personalized charting support from a certified teacher? That can really help to alleviate confusion about monitoring CM!