Things You'll Need:
- Basal Thermometer
- Note taking materials
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Step 1
You will want to begin charting on day one of your menstrual cycle. Cycle Day one (CD1) is the first day of your menstrual period.
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Step 2
Digital Basal ThermometerTake your basal body temperature (BBT) daily. A basal thermometer is not the same as a regular thermometer. It is much more sensitive to minute temperature changes and it is recommended that you do not try to chart temperatures with a regular thermometer. A basal thermometer costs approximately $10 and can be purchased at most pharmacies and discount stores such as Wal-Mart. You should take your BBT in the morning when you wake up. It should be taken before you get out of bed and it is best to take your BBT at the same time every day. Record your BBT. You can print calendar templates online from several places including http://www.printablecalendar.ca/ or use a BBT chart from http://www.babyhopes.com/download/bbtchart.pdf.
You are considered to be ovulating when your BBT rises at least .2 degrees higher than any temperature recorded during the previous six days and remains high for at least three consecutive days. -
Step 3
Note the consistency of your cervical mucus (CM) daily. This step may be uncomfortable for some women, but it is an important tool in determining where you are in your menstrual cycle. The easiest way to collect CM is to use a clean finger and insert it as near to the cervix as possible. To test the CM press the sample between your finger and thumb, then slowly pull your fingers apart, noting how much the CM stretches before it breaks
Before ovulation, there will be little to no CM present. As ovulation approaches, the amount of CM will increase and be white or creamy in color. This CM will only stretch a short distance, 1 centimeter or so. During this time approaching ovulation the CM will stretch further, become cloudy in color, and there will be a larger volume of CM.
Around the time of ovulation, the CM will become very clear and very stretchy, stretching several centimeters before breaking (if at all). This is your most fertile time.
After ovulation the CM will decrease sharply and become stickier, not stretching at all between your fingers. -
Step 4
Chart your cervical position daily. After your menstrual period is over, the cervical position is low (meaning it is easier to reach). As your body becomes closer to ovulation, your cervix will rise. A mid cervical position is determined when the cervix is still easy to reach, but only with the fingertips. During ovulation, the cervix may be difficult or impossible to reach. The cervix is at its highest point during ovulation.
