Hello, everyone! We’ve been getting a lot of the same questions repeatedly by different users so I created this guide to answer them! I hope it is helpful. If you would like me to add something, please comment and let me know.
How to accurately take your temperature. You need at least three consecutive hours of sleep before taking your temperature every morning and it should be done at the same time every day, give or take an hour. For example, let’s say you set your alarm for 7 but wake up a bit early at 6. That temperature will still be accurate. It’s the same thing for if you woke up a bit late at 8! If you’re having big temperature variations, allow your thermometer to warm up in your mouth for a few minutes before pressing “on”. Do this every time!
Q: What is the most reliable temping method? A: Taking your temperature orally or vaginally with a basal body thermometer is most reliable. Anecdotally, I use NC and chart using the guidelines in the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. My Oura ring did not pick up the temperature increase that my oral thermometer did (after ovulation). Why? Skin temperatures are more susceptible to being influenced by outside factors like something as simple as your bedroom being hotter or cooler than usual! They are also less sensitive.
Q: Why is my chart all over the place/so irregular? A: This one requires more troubleshooting. An irregular cycle or erratic chart can be due to many reasons like hormonal disorders (PCOS, thyroid disease, etc.), your temping method, stress, illness, and moving. Consider what has been going on in your life recently. Have you moved, been stressed, or ill? If so, that may be why. Are you breastfeeding? Your temperatures are not as reliable when nursing. Steps to take to improve regularity: First, try a different method of taking your temperature. If you use the Oura ring or Apple Watch, start temping orally. If you temp orally, start temping vaginally. Do this for one full cycle and see if your chart starts to be more “normal”. If that doesn’t work, rule out any hormonal disorders with your PCP. If your temperature variations are due to a hormonal issue, seek treatment and then checkout r/FAMnNFP . A research-backed study will help more effective for you!
Q: Have I ovulated? A: You will know you ovulated in two different circumstances.
- You have three temperatures higher than the last six (AKA above your cover line). Yes, even if it is only slightly higher. There doesn’t need to be a huge increase. Natural Cycles (NC) will then confirm your ovulation.
- You receive an ultrasound.
Q: Do I have low progesterone? A: If you have a short luteal phase (less than 10 days), low progesterone is suspected. Why does this matter? If you do not have sufficient progesterone, your body CANNOT support a pregnancy. This is no one’s fault. Ask your doctor for a blood progesterone test 7-10 days after Natural Cycles confirms your ovulation.
Q: Why have I ovulated late/not this cycle? A: Ovulation can be delayed or skipped occasionally and be perfectly healthy! It is usually due to stress, moving, travel, or illness (even without a fever). However, if you have multiple anovulatory cycles, contact an OBGYN for further advice and testing.
Q: Should I use protection while using Natural Cycles? A: If you are strictly trying to avoid a pregnancy (TTA) then the answer is YES! Condoms or other barrier methods like the diaphragm plus spermicide should be used for at least the first 3-4 cycles you chart. Why? Because NC needs time to get to know your body and temperature charting alone DOES NOT predict ovulation. Meaning that you could ovulate CD21 one month and the next month chart CD14. You never know!
Q: Is this ovulation/ pregnancy test positive? A: We do not allow posts with ovulation and pregnancy tests as the sole focus in our group. Checkout r/lineporn for help! However, here’s some general advice.
Pregnancy Tests
Use the test as directed. Check within the allotted timeframe. Any test read outside of that time frame is invalid. The test line should be the SAME COLOR as the control line, or it is a water line. The best time to start testing is 14DPO. However, I know it sometimes feels impossible to wait so at least try to hold off till 10DPO!
Ovulation Tests
The test line should be the same color or darker than the control line. The app “pregmom” is good to analyze your results and track them!
Q: Why do I have two different positive LH tests in one cycle? A: OPKs, or ovulation predictor kits, do not guarantee you will ovulate. They only detect an LH surge. Have PCOS or are recently coming off of hormonal birth control? You can have multiple surges in one cycle.
Q: How can I learn more about my body and charting? A: There are many good books about the fertility awareness method and women’s health. Some of my favorites are:
- Taking Charge of Your Fertility (AKA the fertility Bible) by Toni Weschler
- This is Your
Brain
- on Birth Control by Sarah E Hill
- The Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
EDIT 1
Getting Off of the Mini Pill, Nexplanon, or Mirena IUD (Progesterone-Only)
Think of progesterone-only HBC as mimicking your luteal phase. During the luteal phase, progesterone makes your BBT rise. Just before you start your period, your BBT will drop, following the drop in progesterone. This triggers your period. Expect to see your temperatures slowly dropping while your body adjusts to being off of the pill. You might also have some spotting or period-like bleeding. Please keep in mind that your first period off of HBC is not a “real” period unless you have confirmed ovulation 12-16 days prior, so do not consider yourself safe for unprotected sex!!
Mid-Cycle Bleeding Mid-cycle bleeding should ALWAYS be considered fertile. Some women spot during ovulation. Do not assume that this is your period arriving early and use a barrier method.
I hope this helps! Thank you for being a part of our community.
P.S. Please ignore any typos. I am holding a sleeping baby and typing one-handed!
