New to this, and need the basics!

[SassyStacey]

Hello,

I dont really know too much about charting and temping etc, so was hoping I could get some basic information on these methods.

When we start TTC I want to have been doing these things for a bit beforehand, so I am a bit more in tune with my body. I have been on The Pill (yasmin currently) for 9 years straight, and often skip AF (always have it at least 4 times a year, as recommended by my doctor). So, I might take a while for my body to get back into its natural pattern.

Thanks for your help!

[leckert]

hi and welcome Stacey,

I did the same thing as you're thinking when getting ready to ttc. I decided to start charting before stopping the pill after 9.5 years so I would be used to charting or at least getting into the habit of charting. (still ttc now) I signed up with Fertility Friend (FF) ( Ovulation Calendar and Ovulation Chart - FertilityFriend.com ) and did their charting course - it gives you the basics to start (and some more details in some stuff). You can chart as in-depth as you want to.

I suggest you start by getting a BBT (basal body thermometer sometimes called an ovulation thermometer) - basically a thermometer with 2 decimal places - reasonably easy to find at a chemist (around $20-30 from memory).

Take your temperature each morning at the same time (or after 3 hours sleep) and record it somewhere (FF is one site that does help with this for you - there are others).

The other things that most charters check is their CM (cervical mucous) and what sort it is - ranges from dry - creamy - watery - egg white - where egg white is the really fertile stuff but watery is okay as well.

Some people also check cervix position (you don't have to if you don't want to) and use OPK (ovulation prediction kits) tests as well.

I think there's a few other things you can check as well but I choose not to at the moment - I just stick to the temp and CM checking.

hope this is enough to get you started for the moment. Feel free to ask Qs as they occur on here. We're generally a well informed and helpful bunch overall (I'm still learning charting stuff on here)
Liz

[SassyStacey]

Hi Leckert,

Thanks for your response. Will have a look at Fertility Friend, and start temping and checking CM!

I appreciate you being so helpful, and hope the TTC journey goes well for you! Hope to see you around!

[Ryatha]

Hi There

I am new to this forum as well but I have a DD. Before TTC her I was also on the pill for a very long time with lots of missed AF. However I came off the pill and we used other methods of contraception while I worked out my cycle and they became regular. We didn't seem to have any problems falling pregnant and I am hoping the same thing happens this time.

I found listening to my body and recording the information really useful, the tools that everyone uses here seem to be really good, better than the ones 6 years ago.

Good luck with the charting!