BBT and OPK Question

willamina28

First Question: So I just started using a new BBT and I read all of the instructions included in the box.  This one is from CVS pharm (its purple) and came with a small paper chart to track your temps, but it also mentioned that during AF it wasn't necessary to chart or temp.  I noticed though that everyone seems to temp during AF.  Has anyone heard of this, do you think it makes a difference?

Second Question:  I bought a 20 day First Response OPK (never used these before) It says to start right after the end of AF, my question is, at what point would it be ok to start?  While still spotting toward the end? Or when there is no spotting at all?

Just started Cycle #4 so I'm going all out this month, tried to chart before and I wake up at weird times so it wasn't easy, kept getting open circles.  Advice on that would be appreciated too.... 

gymnst1013

First answer: You don't need to temp during AF if you want a break.  I do it for consistency's sake, but you can start up around CD4 or 5 if you want.  It shouldn't make a difference on your chart.

Second answer: How long are your cycles normally?  If they are consistent, you can make a better guess as to when to start rather than starting when AF ends (which, really, is different for everyone).  Just take your cycle length, subtract 18 or 19 and start on that CD.  So, for example, 28 day cycle - 18 = CD 10.  If you don't have consistent cycles, I would use this same calculation but base it off your shortest cycle.

Edit - advice on open circles.  Set an alarm for sometime in the early morning and temp then.  Say 4 or 5 am.  Or whenever you tend to wake up naturally.

Bunniehug

gymnst1013:

First answer: You don't need to temp during AF if you want a break.  I do it for consistency's sake, but you can start up around CD4 or 5 if you want.  It shouldn't make a difference on your chart.

Second answer: How long are your cycles normally?  If they are consistent, you can make a better guess as to when to start rather than starting when AF ends (which, really, is different for everyone).  Just take your cycle length, subtract 18 or 19 and start on that CD.  So, for example, 28 day cycle - 18 = CD 10.  If you don't have consistent cycles, I would use this same calculation but base it off your shortest cycle.

Edit - advice on open circles.  Set an alarm for sometime in the early morning and temp then.  Say 4 or 5 am.  Or whenever you tend to wake up naturally.

Everything Gym said.

jdeez27

Okay I'll start by saying I'm not an expert but I've lurked quite a bit. It's kind of up to you if you want to chart during AF (I'm going to if I ever see her again). I'm not a hundred percent sure about the OPK but I plan on starting around CD 9-10. You might want to try and track your CM because that will also help indicate when you've ovulated. You've probably already heard this but you might want to pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility- I have found it incredibly helpful! As for waking up- just try to set your alarm to an early time- your body will probably adjust after a while. Good luck!

willamina28

Thanks for the great answers, I am relatively regular 27-29 days, so that works for the OPK answer.

I usually wake up around 5:30am or so, but what throws me off are the occasional days I want to get into work early so I'll wake up at 4am and screw up the whole temp thing.  I was a little concerned that I would throw off the temps if I set my alarm for like 4am every morning but sounds like it probably doesn't matter as long as you've had a restful nights sleep?

willamina28

jdeez27:

Okay I'll start by saying I'm not an expert but I've lurked quite a bit. It's kind of up to you if you want to chart during AF (I'm going to if I ever see her again). I'm not a hundred percent sure about the OPK but I plan on starting around CD 9-10. You might want to try and track your CM because that will also help indicate when you've ovulated. You've probably already heard this but you might want to pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility- I have found it incredibly helpful! As for waking up- just try to set your alarm to an early time- your body will probably adjust after a while. Good luck!

 

And thanks for the book suggestion, I figure if it doesn't work for this cycle, reading that will give me something to work on for the next cycles.  I'm trying to space out my TTC methods to keep myself from going nuts!

gymnst1013

willamina28:

Thanks for the great answers, I am relatively regular 27-29 days, so that works for the OPK answer.

I usually wake up around 5:30am or so, but what throws me off are the occasional days I want to get into work early so I'll wake up at 4am and screw up the whole temp thing.  I was a little concerned that I would throw off the temps if I set my alarm for like 4am every morning but sounds like it probably doesn't matter as long as you've had a restful nights sleep?

As long as you take it at the same time every day after at least 3 hours of sleep, it doesn't matter what that time is.

willamina28

gymnst1013:

willamina28:

Thanks for the great answers, I am relatively regular 27-29 days, so that works for the OPK answer.

I usually wake up around 5:30am or so, but what throws me off are the occasional days I want to get into work early so I'll wake up at 4am and screw up the whole temp thing.  I was a little concerned that I would throw off the temps if I set my alarm for like 4am every morning but sounds like it probably doesn't matter as long as you've had a restful nights sleep?

As long as you take it at the same time every day after at least 3 hours of sleep, it doesn't matter what that time is.

 

Thanks! I'll do that for sure!