One of the key aspects of timing your fertility and ovulation, either in order to get pregnant or to avoid it, is charting your monthly cycle. Great, you think – but what does that mean? How do you do it? And what do you chart?
Charting your cycle means to keep track of daily changes in your temperature, mood and emotions, hormones, and physical changes. This information is written into a monthly chart that allows you to see how your body changes throughout the course of your cycle. Many websites provide interactive calendars that allow you to keep track of your daily readings and observations. They are also helpful in reminding you what you should be looking for, and how to describe the changes you observe. In general, it is a good idea to have a minimum of three cycles’ worth of observations before relying on charting to predict your ovulation. This allows you to get an idea of how much your cycle may vary due to stress, diet, exercise, or other factors. Having this information in a clear, concise and organized format, such as a calendar or monthly chart, can eliminate much of the anxiety and worry of trying to conceive – leaving you to relax and enjoy the anticipation of getting pregnant!
Temperature
When we talk about taking your temperature for the purposes of understanding your monthly cycle, we are referring to the basal body temperature (BBT) specifically. This is the minimum bodily temperature, which your body maintains at rest. The BBT must be measured first thing in the morning, at about the same time every day, in order to accurately reflect changes due to your cycle. Simple digital thermometers can be found at any drugstore. A proper basal thermometer measures temperature in increments of 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit. (Note that a regular glass thermometer is usually not effective for taking BBT, as they tend to change in increments of 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit and are therefore not accurate enough to detect the minute fluctuations that can signal ovulation). Temperature can be taken orally, rectally or vaginally, but once you choose a method you should stay with that method for the sake of consistency.
Mucosal changes
Throughout your cycle, you may have noticed differences in the consistency, color, and amount of vaginal discharge. This is due to changes in the cervical mucous that result from fluctuating levels of hormones leading up to, during, and following ovulation. By observing, describing and noting such changes you can get a better idea of when your most fertile period occurs. Typically, the mucous around the time of ovulation becomes clear, stretchy and has a consistency much like raw egg whites. At other times, outside of your fertile period, it can be described variously as chalky, white, non-sticky, dry, creamy, or absent.
Mood and emotional changes
While many women are familiar with the mood swings, irritability, and increased emotional volatility of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) before a period, you may be surprised to find that your moods vary predictably afterwards, too. Many women find that during and after ovulation, their moods or energy levels change. You may feel more excitable, your libido and sexual desire may increase, and you may feel more attached to your partner and want to spend more time with them. You may also find that your sense of smell is keener, that you feel sexier, and that your partner finds you more attractive during this time. You should note negative changes, too, such as insomnia or changes in sleep patterns, physical aches, breast tenderness, and changes in appetite. By keeping track of these emotional changes, you can better predict when a good time for intercourse may be that coincides with your fertile period.
Making a chart
There are literally dozens, probably hundreds, of different charts, calendars and tracking tools available online. Spend some time looking at different designs (search “ovulation, charting” to get started). You can download chart templates, try charting software, or, if you don’t find exactly what you want, make your own using a document with tables; a standard calendar; or a spreadsheet program such as Excel. Look for, or design, something that allows you to follow at least the three main areas described here, as these will be the most important aspects in tracking your fertility.
Summary
Charting and writing down detailed information about your monthly cycles is important in helping you to predict times of peak fertility. In order to gain the greatest benefit from charting, make sure to do it on a daily basis. This is especially important for temperature measurement. Be prepared for it to take awhile for you to get into a regular habit of tracking your monthly changes, and don’t get discouraged. If you miss a day, just keep going on the next! The more information you can collect over time, the more accurately you’ll be able to predict the timing of ovulation and the times when you will be mostly likely to successfully conceive.
Comments