I'm sorry but I have to ask

[jarkleinhans]

I'm new to this whole charting thing and am trying to do it correctly. My question is, how do you check your cm? What is normal and what isn't? How do you know if you are about to O? Any help would be great.
Angela

[stacy-ann]

Hi, I got the info. below off the web. When you don't ovulate regularly, it can be more difficult to monitor your cycle and try to determine when and if you are ovulating. It is also a good idea to do the BBT too. As it is not possible to become pregnant outside of your fertile 2-3 days each cycle, which is around ovulation. It is therefore very important that you know when you are ovulating. Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of your menstrual cycle. Count the first day of your last period as day 1. There are some natural changes in a female body that indicate when your pre-ovulation days are.

You can check your cervical mucus change using, either your fingers or toilet paper, wiped over the entrance to the vagina .

In the early part of the cycle, the mucus is thick and sticky. As ovulation approaches, the mucus thins and becomes clear. When it is in this state, it is easy for sperm to pass through the cervix. The mucus stage, just before ovulation usually only lasts about 2-3 days and most women can learn to recognise it.

There are usually 3 stages in the change of mucus during your cycle and these are the changes you need to be aware of when checking your cervical mucus, they are as follows: -

1. Early mucus - this mucus is moist, sticky and thick, it may be white in colour. At this stage it should hold its shape between your fingers. The mucus blocks the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to get through.
2. Transitional mucus - this mucus is wetter, thinner and cloudier in appearance. There will also be an increased amount. This mucus will be slightly stretchy between your fingers.
3. Highly fertile mucus- this is the type of mucus you need to be aware of. The mucus is very slippery, thin and it will be clear in colour. There will also be a great increase in the amount of mucus present and it is usually visible in your underwear. This type of mucus is very stretchy between your fingers.

You should be aware that changes in your mucus may also be a result of an infection. If you notice anything different from what is usual for you or if a strong smell is present, you should consult your doctor or local G.U.M. clinic for advice.

Ovulation prediction kits

Ovulation predictor kits are available to use in the privacy of your own home. The kits detect the ‘L.H. surge’ that occurs in your body before ovulation begins and so helps to work out the best time for intercourse. Once the ‘L.H. surge’ has occurred, ovulation will usually follow in the next 24 - 48 hours. Ovulation tests are the most reliable and accurate method of predicting your most fertile days.

Basal body temperature (BBT) is your temperature when you first wake up in the morning. Before you even get out of bed to brush your teeth or start your day, pop a basal thermometer into your mouth. This thermometer shows the minute incremental degree changes that a regular one can't. Most basal thermometers come with a temperature-plotting chart. If not, your physician can give you one or you can print a copy off the Internet.

Your BBT should range from 97.0 to about 97.5 degrees before ovulation. When you ovulate, hormonal changes trigger a rise of between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees, which lasts at least until your next period. You'll probably notice your temperature spiking on other days, but unless it stays that way, you're probably not ovulating. You are most fertile the day of, and the few days preceding, the spike, although some fertility experts say you could still get pregnant if you have intercourse within 12 to 24 hours after the temperature shift. If you become pregnant, your temperature will stay elevated throughout your pregnancy.

It's helpful to chart your temperature for a few months so you can see whether there's a pattern to your cycle. If you're sick or fail to take your temperature immediately upon awakening, any pattern you find may be inaccurate. Thermometers that remember the last reading are helpful if you tend to go back to sleep after taking your temperature.

I hope this info. will help.

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Good luck!

[jarkleinhans]

Thank you so much!! Hopefully I can get this right but i don't ovulate on my own so this will be kind of difficult. Is it accurate even on clomid?

[BC-DKNY]

hi angela....i just wanted to wish you luck. i can't possibly add to all the info stacyann provided. best wishes....

[BC-Maura]

Originally Posted by jarkleinhans

Is it accurate even on clomid?

Hi. Unfortunately, Clomid can make cm drier and make it both hard to tell when O is coming and difficult for sperm travel... for this reason, some women try "cm enhancers" such as Robitussin (pure, with just guaifenesin as the only ingredient), which can help thin out mucus. There are some threads here about Robi and cm; let me know if you are having trouble finding them and I'll direct you to them.

Good luck and keep us posted++++++++++
Maura