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Do you need to chart if you use ovulation kits?

nmh2001nmh2001
in Babies on the Brain
Hi, I never charted with my first baby. Now we're trying again and I'm wondering: Is there a point to charting if you are using an ovulation kit? I never charted last time, but this time I'm not getting pregnant so fast so I'm thinking about it. I just don't see the point in charting, which only tells you after you've ovulated, if you can use the ovulation sticks which tell you when you're about to ovulate? TIA.
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Re: Do you need to chart if you use ovulation kits?

  • bumpuser794640bumpuser794640 member
    Ovulation kits only tell you that you MIGHT ovulate soon.  charting helps confirm after the fact so you know for sure if you can stop having frequent sex.
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  • mrsjohnmrsjohn
    Yes. 
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  • easjer05easjer05 member

    Charting doesn't only tell if you've already ovulated, unless you just chart temps.  Charting generally includes cervical fluid as well, which is an indicator of approaching ovulation.

    I personally would chart in addition to OPKs (well, I never used them, but for your question), because OPKs don't tell you if you've ovulated, only if you had an LH surge.  And the LH surge can happen without a subsequent ovulation.  It can happen more than once in a cycle, so charting temps to confirm seems like covering all bases to me.

    But do what you are comfortable with - there are no hard and fast rules.  If you are comfortable using just OPKs, that's fine! 


    Gabriel Ross - August 24, 2009 * Vivienne Rose - May 1, 2012

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    My Blog

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  • dolcedulcedocedolcedulcedoce
    Use ovulation kits to see when you're going to ovulate and chart to confirm ovulation. I have had cycles where I never got a + OPK but charting confirmed ovulation.

    Good luck!
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  • hisprincess06hisprincess06
    I personally like charting AND using OPK's because the chart confirms everything. 
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  • nmh2001nmh2001
    Ok, so then how do you chart? Is there a good reference online somewhere?
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  • easjer05easjer05 member

    www.fertilityfriend.com

    They have tutorials and a great FAQ to get you started!  The basic version is free, the advanced (VIP) version costs money, depending how long you want the service.

    You can also buy the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler and get started that way. 


    Gabriel Ross - August 24, 2009 * Vivienne Rose - May 1, 2012

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    My Blog

    Report Reply
  • hisprincess06hisprincess06
    I love fertility friend.com.  This is my first month EVER charting and it has been really helpful!  GL
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