[TulipDawn]

Hi, I want to start charting but have a Paraguard IUD. Should I wait until I get it taken out or can I start charting now? We aren't planning on TTC for at least 6 more months so I don't want to take it out right now...but I want to try to get an idea of when I O....

Thanks for your help.

[Arya]

I think that's a great idea to get to know your cycles. In 6 months you'll be a pro

[TulipDawn]

But will it be accurate?

[Arya]

I don't see why not. I did some research and this IUD does not alter your normal cycles and it's non-hormonal so you will still ovulate and that should show on your chart

[ShawnaCAN]

The temperature pattern will be normal, because there are no hormones in the Paragard. The CM pattern may be disturbed though. That's because of a few things. First, the IUD causes inflammation to the area of the cervix that produces cervical mucus when you're fertile - so you can produce discharge related to that. It can be difficult to tell the difference between inflammation discharge and mucus related to fertility. Secondly, the cervix is supposed to form a mucus plug during the infertile parts of your cycle. This is part of the immune system, to protect the uterus. The strings of the IUD hang through the cervix and disrupt the formation of this plug, so that can also produce constant discharge. Without the strings doing that, you would only notice mucus when you're fertile. With the IUD, you may notice discharge all the time.

[Urchin]

I charted when I had my copper IUD and found it very accurate. The practice of charting, even though I am not TTC was really helpful!

I found that my cervical mucus was pretty accurate and similar to what I have now that my IUD has been removed.