Fertility Charting Overview

Now that you understand charting you can begin your fertility calculation.

Put your knowledge of the three fertility signs, basal body temperature, cervical fluid and cervical position to use. And remember to print out a good BBT chart. Also remember to purchase a good BBT thermometer. Charting fertility isn't possible without these things.

 

Basal Body Temperature

Chart your basal body temperature every day in your cycle. You can skip the days of menstrual bleeding if you wish, though I think it's important to continue for the sake of habit. Take your temperature at the same time every day, by having at least 3 hours of sleep prior. If you need to adjust it subtract .1 for every half hour late you rise and add .1 for every half hour early you rise.

Ovulation is established when you see three consecutive days of high, or above the coverline, temperatures. The coverline is drawn by noting the six recent temperatures and going .1 above the highest.
 

Cervical Fluid

You can chart your cervical fluid by checking each time you urinate. Just swipe your fingers or tissue across your vaginal opening and observe the fluid present. If you really want a good look insert a finger or two and "draw" the fluid from the cervix. Make sure your hands are clean first.

The types of cervical fluid are:

• Dry (the absence of fluid)
• Sticky
• Creamy
• Clear and egg-white like.

It's the clear, egg-white (EWCM) that is the most fertile. Mark these on your chart daily.

Fertility Calculation: Cervical Position

Again, wash your hands and trim nails before checking this sign. The three levels of the cervical position are:

• Low and firm and closed
• Mid-rise and medium texture and mid-open
• High, soft and open

Of the three the high soft and open is indicative of impending ovulation. Mark these on your chart.

One last word about fertility calculation, mark on your chart about any usage of ovulation predictor kits or fertility (ovulation) monitors. Also note any symptoms such as headaches, cramps, etc. Note any variances you may experience and the time you took your temperatures. And note any reasons why your sleep may have been disturbed like not getting enough sleep or being sick. Practice these things daily and charting your fertility signs will become a daily habit.