I bought a BBT. Now what?

[trying2017]

I think I'm going to jump in and seriously start learning about my cycle. I thought we had a good month this month, but I'm cramping and about to start my period any day now.

I was just using cm and cervix as a way to tell when ovulation occurred, but I'm confused because I had EWCM on like the 19th, but I started cramping on the 25th and kept cramping until like 2 days ago. Now the cramps have started again. The first set of cramps didn't really feel like normal AF cramps. They were more like constipation cramps or something. I don't know. But if those were post ovulation cramps then why did it take 5 days after when I thought I ovulated by going off of EWCM? Makes no sense...

So...

I got sick of the guessing game and finally bought a cheap BBT. I don't think I'm supposed to start charting until after my period, but what do I do then? What do the temps mean, and how do I know when the best time to BD is?

Sorry this was so long. If you don't care to read it all, the last paragraph is really all that matters.

 

[Angel022605]

You can actually start on CD 1 orally or as soon as AF is gone start temping vaginally. Either way you must stick to one or the other the entire cycle. Right after and during AF your temps will remain kinda low. As soon as O occurs there will be a big noticeable dip in temp followed by a rise in temp and it will remain elevated. That's called the 3 over 6 rule. Meaning if the next 3 temps are higher than the previous 6 then it's safe to confirm ovulation. I use the app fertility friend and it gives me cross hairs all the time. You gotta temp at the same time every single day. Also variables that affect it are: moving, talking, not enough sleep, dry mouth,ect. For me I was able to move a little without it being affected. As far as sleep it's recommended that you get at least 4 solid(hint solid) hours to get an accurate reading. I hope this helps.

 

[WishnandHopn]

Fertility friend is a great app, and if you want to understand it all better read Taking Charge of your Fertility, lots of great info!