Temping

Hi everyone. Can you tell me about temping? Not sure if I will be TTC this month but if I am I want to try something new.

Do I need a special type of thermometer? If so, where do I buy one?

I dont know anything about this so any advice on what time of day to take temp and what temp would be appreciated. Thanks!

Re: Temping

you can get a BBT thermometer at any drugstore.
you should try to take your temp at the same time every morning, BEFORE you get out of bed.

Re: Temping

This is my first month temping too but let me share what I know - and if I am incorrect about anything, PLEASE someone let me know:

I bought a Basal Body Thermometer at CVS. Mine has 2 decimal points but I believe its better to only have one, simply because it is easier to read.

You should start taking your temp, the first day of AF and it should be first thing in the morning when you wake up BEFORE getting out of bed. You should also try to take your temp at the same time every morning (which can be a bummer on the weekends).

Get yourself set up on either fertility friend or my monthly cycles. Both offer free basic service accounts. I have been using MMC for years to track my cycles, but this month I decided to use FF as well for temping purposes. It just seems to be a bit more detailed and easy to read. Plus, lots of girls on this site use FF so you will be able to get some help if you have any questions.

From what I understand, you are looking for a significant jump in your temp to indicate that you have ovulated. I haven't gotten that far yet. I should O towards the end of this week, so I will try to keep you posted as to whether I was successful or not with my temping.

Also, when you join FF they will offer you a free tutorial that teaches you all about charting, temping, etc. You can also try reading the section in "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" that discusses temping.

HTH and Good Luck

Re: Temping

And on Fertility Friend, they just don't look for a jump but that temps remain high for at least 3 days, then they mark that you ovulated. So temping and charting really only lets you know you ovulated after the fact, but at least you can see a pattern.

Re: Temping

I think the 2 PP's have it covered. That's basically it!

This is my second cycle temping and I'm still waiting for the higher temps... and waiting... and waiting...

Re: Temping

Thanks everyone! I may start doing this this cycle. I just got AF so I am assuming its not too late? I will check out those sites as well. Hmmm, I will have to hide the thermometer from DH, he will think I am being ridiculous and putting pressure on him!!! At least I get up before him so I dont think he will notice!!!!

Re: Temping

Just something that noone has mentioned your temp can be effected by a cold, fever, or if you drink alcohol.

You may get rocky temps- just realize that you want the overall picture...so when your done with your cycle you can look back and get some factual info about when you ovulated..

Also- take temp at same time everyday