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Fertility Charting

By tracking the signs and symptoms associated with ovulation such as changes in your cervical mucus and basal body temperature (BBT) a fertility chart can be used to help identify the days of the month when you are most likely to become pregnant

Cervical Mucus (CM)

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Cervical mucus is a slimy substance produced by glands within the cervix.  After your menstrual period there are usually a few days when there is no mucus produced and you are "dry". As your cycle continues the cervix begins to open  and a cloudy and sticky mucus is produced. A few days before and during ovulation the cervix opens further and  a large amount of  clear, slippery, and elastic (resembling raw egg white) mucus is produced (See picture at left).This fertile-type of mucus  enhances penetration, storage and transport of normal sperm.  After ovulation, the quantity of cervical mucus declines and returns to a thicker consistency.


Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

You can get information about the approximate days you ovulate by making a graph of your basal body temperature. Your basal body temperature (BBT) is your body temperature in the morning before moving about or eating after at least 6 hours of sleep.


To measure your BBT you will need a thermometer accurate to 1/10 th of a degree (available in most pharmacies).

An increase in your basal body temperature of 1/2 to 1 degree F occurs the day after ovulation and will remain elevated creating  a chart that has lower temperature readings before ovulation and higher temperature readings after ovulation. This is known as a  "biphasic" pattern.


You can download our printable  Fertility Chart  OR as an  Excel ®file  to help you track your BBT and cervical mucus.

How To Fill Out A Fertility Chart

The first day of your cycle is the first day your period begins. Take your temperature first thing in the morning and place  an X in the box corresponding to the temperature.  Record the type of cervical discharge you have. You can use a number scale or a letter system (D =Dry, S=Sticky, E=Egg white)  to describe the mucus. If you are using an ovulation kit record those results. Record when you have intercourse. In this example there is a surge in temperature on cycle day 15 , the day after ovulation.

Here is an example of how to fill the chart out.


 

References
Bigelow JL, et al. Mucus observations in the fertile window: a better predictor of conception than timing of intercourse.
Hum Reprod. 2004 Apr;19(4):889-92. PMID: 14990542

Stanford JB, et al Vulvar mucus observations and the probability of pregnancy.
Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Jun;101(6):1285-93. PMID: 12798538

Templeton AA, et. al., Relation between the luteinizing hormone peak, the nadir of the basal body temperature and the cervical mucus score. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1982 Dec;89(12):985-8.PMID: 7171522

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