Hello! :D

[fushigi_na_chou]

Hello everyone! My name is Andrea, but you can feel free to refer to me however you like. I'm new to the community (literally just joined like, ten minutes ago), and I've read through the FAQs to get started. I guess it'll help if I go ahead and use the question guide thinger to get things started:

1) Are you new to FAM or an experienced FAM user?

Comments

[fivepoints]

Maybe your local library has a copy of TCOYF? It really is highly recommended...because it's amazing. Seriously.

I take my temp orally. Some people do temp vaginally. Temp using the same route (oral v. vaginal) with the same therm at about the same time every morning. Try to temp after at least 3 consecutive hours of sleep.

And yes, you'll have to touch your cervical fluid to chart it properly. I do it at the same time every day. I wash my hands first, go sit on the toilet, use 1 finger to feel for my cervical position/firmness/openness, and then when I pull my finger out it has CF on it, which I then touch with another finger to see how sticky/stretchy/etc. is. You'll want to chart that information as "dry," "sticky," "creamy," or "eggwhite." Some people don't chart cervical position, but I do.

I've been using FAM to avoid for 4 years now with minimal pregnancy scares. Works like a charm if you're diligent about charting and your cycle is nice to you and follows a semi-regular pattern.

Also, menstrual cup love! :)

Oh, edited to add...the website www.tcoyf.com has tons of helpful info, including a free downloadable chart that might be helpful to you as you design your own chart:
http://www.tcoyf.com/content/MasterCharts.aspx

[fushigi_na_chou]

Omg, I always forget about libraries! You know you live in the technology age when. XD

So, touching your cervix with your bare hands (even after washing) doesn't risk getting bacteria/infection in there, does it? That's my main concern. Thankfully I'm not squicked out by my vagina or anything that comes out of it, I just want to make sure I'm not putting anything into it that shouldn't be there. Also, is it uncomfortable to poke and prod your cervix? I know it's not the top of my best sensations in the world list when I go to the gyno and she does it, but it's never been horrific; I'm just wondering if it's generally the same for self-examination.

Is the time really important? And is one part of the day generally better/more accurate than another part of the day? I ask because I don't always get up at the same time everyday, and would likely be more prone to checking this in the middle of the day. Thankfully, my period has always been more aware of time than I am. XD

Also, what's the difference between taking your temperature orally and vaginally? Is one more accurate than the other (regarding ovulation and prediction of menstruation)?

[the_bone_doctor]

Yes, the time is really important. Your basal body temperature is your resting temperature. You have to take it first thing when you wake up, before you get up and pee, or pet the cat, or talk. Best thing is to keep the thermometer on your bedside table all prepped and ready to go and just do it laying down as soon as you wake up. When I first started, I was doing it orally, and noticed that my temps were all over the place with no discernible pattern. After asking here I realized that I'm probably a mouth breather at night, which would mess things up. I switched to vaginal temping, and it's clear and easy to read now.

Touching your cervix is fine if you wash your hands well before. Different people report different sensations, but I think it's not uncomfortable for most. Especially since you are in total control. I find it fascinating actually and have noticed that I am more comfortable with other people touching me in that area since I have been exploring it myself on a daily basis.

[papercrane]

hey, thanks for the mouth breathing tip---i definitely breathe with my mouth at night, and have always had a really hard time getting consistent temps with digital thermometers. i switched to an old-fashioned fake-mercury thermometer and i leave it in my mouth for ten minutes, which seems to work, but switching to vaginal temping might make even more sense. how do you do it when you have your period? do you just stick the thermometer in there with your menstrual cup (or whatever)?

[the_bone_doctor]

I don't bother checking my temperature when I'm mensin' because I'm nowhere near ovulation. But I don't see any problem with it, you have to clean it one way or another. I have the same kind of thermometer as you, I think. The big glass kind that takes ten minutes. I just pop it in there and snooze for ten minutes! And then clean it in the sink.

[fushigi_na_chou]

Oh wow, I didn't realize the basal temperature was something that needed to be done before you even got out of bed. :o This is very serious indeed. 8D But I'm willing to give it a try. Does it matter if you're covered in blankets and such? What about in the winter as opposed to in the summer?

[aunteater]

I usually have an "adjustment" cycle in spring and fall, when I switch from sleeping with blankets to sleeping without them, and vice versa. Generally, the temp shift indicating ovulation is still clear, but most of my temps are a bit higher (fall) or lower (spring) than usual.

[fushigi_na_chou]

Oh, okay. Good to know. :)

[the_bone_doctor]

Winter v summer has never been an issue with me, probably because I always sleep with lots of blankets. You could always note that sort of thing in your chart though. In my "misc" column I'll note things like excessive alcohol consumption, fever, etc because those things might skew my temp. Then you have that record for later when you draw your coverline and can disregard any that are really abnormal.

[fushigi_na_chou]

Ooh, thanks for the links. :D