When to start charting for first time?

2Pears

I will be taking my last BCP in a few weeks and I want to start charting but don?t know when that should be: The day of my last active pill? Last placebo pill? Day I get my period (4 days after I start placebos)? Or when I get my first real period?

 

Also do I really need a BBT thermometer or can I use my digital thermometer?

 

Thanks for your help!

MayBug19

You can start charting at any time, but since you are still on BCP, I personally would start when you get your first period. 

Yes, you need a BBT.  You can get them in any store like CVS, or Target.

Good luck!

ETA:  You can sign up for fertility friend also by clicking on any one of our tickers! 

alison2379

You could get in the habit now, but it really counts on the first day of your period going forward.

I use this one, and I know several other ladies on here do as well.

https://www.amazon.com/BD-524560-Digital-Basal-Thermometer/dp/B0000533AY/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285777619&sr=8-1

heathlyn9

MayBug19:

You can start charting at any time, but since you are still on BCP, I personally would start when you get your first period. 

Yes, you need a BBT.  You can get them in any store like CVS, or Target.

Good luck!

ETA:  You can sign up for fertility friend also by clicking on any one of our tickers! 

This exactly! Good luck!

nic5606

Welcome. Start charting when you get your period. That will be day one. You do not need to temp when you are bleeding as these temps can be all over the place. I would buy a bbt, because the slight temp changes can show a shift. Good luck.

amandaloren

I would start as soon as you take your last active pill. I went off bcp last month and I O'd before ever getting a period or withdrawl bleed. I wouldn't have known that and would have waited over a month till I got my period If I wasn't charting.

jaimelody

I would start the first day of your period. You can start before that but BC does some pretty crazy things to your body and any "signs" you hve wouldn't really be valid. The BBT should be a little more accurate as it gives you .01 more accuracy in the temps. Also, try picking up Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Good luck!

Ceridwen21

I say start charting ASAP so you have time to get used to it.  You can click on my ticker to see that I started charting last cycle midway through.

I use my regular digital thermometer.

reinstone

I have a BBT and started in the middle of my first cycle off BCP. It's never too late. I'd recommend you start charting the day you get your period during your last pack of pills/kicking off your first cycle off BCP.