Charting-to-Avoid? Come on in!

[kemaji]

I'm just copying and pasting from from WC to here. I've found this thread to be incredible valuable in the last 10 months that I've been TTA.

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If you're just curious about charting, looking for answers about your chart, or if you are interested in joining our ranks or joining our discussion, we welcome you. (We welcome lurkers, too!) Feel free to browse through the wonderful information our resident charting "gurus" have prepared on this page and don't be afraid to ask questions!

What We Do
We are a group of women who are using charting, whether on paper and/or through a software program (Fertility Friend, Ovusoft, Babymed, etc.) to PREVENT pregnancy. Many of us have been on some form of hormonal birth control and for whatever reason, decided to stop in favor of charting our cycles. Some women here are just charting for a bit before moving to TTC in the next few months while others are using charting to avoid pregnancy longer term.

How We Learned
Aside from this thread, most of us have read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Wechsler to learn about our cycles and how to chart. Others of us have taken classes and read the book The Art of Natural Family Planning by John and Sheila Kippley. Many of us have also read Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition by Marilyn Shannon, to learn a little more how food and vitamins affect and can improve our cycles. We encourage you to read one or more of the books about charting to enhance your understanding of how you can use your body's signs for safe, effective, and relatively low cost birth control.

TTA Masters : Members, past members, and grads from WC who have successfully charted to avoid for one year or more:

Amy_Awesome ~ ADSigMel ~ Ani ~ bijouparvin ~ Camdynlyn ~ chinadoll ~ christie1979 ~ Clattercote ~ eagleswings ~ elizabeth&doug ~ flygirl ~ Heather 8> (five years) ~ Hammie ~ Ivansbabe ~ Jess12/09 ~ jobride ~ JulAmber ~ JulesHK ~ JulesWed1025 ~ kanga1622 (2 years) ~ kemaji ~ Leilynne ~ Lege ~ LIZNKEITH ~ Mamacita ~ meagle (2 years) ~ mistytsim ~ mmeblue ~ myhoni ~ Mystikal ~ PalmBch2002 ~ quartercentury (2 years) ~ Rach_in_Oz (2 years)~ Sabriel748 ~ sensibility ~ Sevilla (2 years) ~ sfaugustbride ~ Sheartm7 ~ tippyanddennis ~ tlew12778 ~ TStanek

[kemaji]

Charting can seem overwhelming at first--so much information, confusing body signs, and worries about whether getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom will affect your temps.

We've all been there--it's normal to feel concerned that you're not going to be able to interpret your body. We all felt the same way the first cycle or two. But as you go you will gain confidence in your ability to interpret your fertility signs, and you'll find yourself knowing the answer to people's questions on this thread.

You may also be surprised at how excited you get about the project of charting because of how much you learn about your body. As I like to say, "It's so interesting isn't it? Like this science experiment you constantly have with you to monitor!"

These next few posts are full of important information about charting. If the explanations seem confusing or overwhelming at first, don't let that scare you away from the thread. They are here for those of us in the thread to refer back to when we have questions or are explaining something.

Just because there's a brief explanation of checking CM or how to find your cervix does not mean that you shouldn't post questions about it. Please feel free to ask us if you're trying to figure something out (like whether the CM you're having is considered 'fertile') and we'll be happy to help you. The ladies on this thread are super-friendly and love answering questions.

This thread can seem intimidating once it gets to a few hundred posts. But please don't let that stop you from joining! You don't have to catch up on the whole thread, just read the first page and then post to introduce yourself, whether it be page 5 or page 35.

Special thanks to Sevilla, Heather8^), meagle and myhoni for their assistance in developing these information posts.

[kemaji]

To start charting you will need a basal body thermometer (available at your local drugstore and Drugstore.com BBT for $12.79)

http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/40512/300.jpg

Internet Resources:

Printable charts
NFP and TCOYF charts are available online for on-demand printing. You need Adobe Reader to access them:
NFP chart (http://www.ccli.org/images/ccchrt1.pdf)
TCOYF (http://tcoyf.com/library/chartpdf.asp)

Family Planning Abbreviations and Acronyms (http://boards.weddingcha nnel.com/showthread.php?s=& ;threadid=364548&highlight =abbreviations)

Charting Software:
Discussion of various charting programs
DISCLAIMER: These programs should not be relied upon to interpret your chart for you. Very often they miscalculate the day of ovulation and the coverline. You need to learn the method well enough to calculate your coverline and ovulation days because ultimately YOU are responsible for taking charge of your fertility.
www.fertilityfriend.com
www.tcoyf.com
www.babymed.com

Message boards, chart galleries, and other resources:
TCOYF Message Boards (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/)
www.fertilityfriend.com
www.ccli.org NFP~Natural Family Planning. The Couple to Couple League website - includes links to charting classes in your area

Search for Charting-Friendly Healthcare Providers
TCOYF (http://tcoyf.com/protcoyf/search.asp)
NFP (http://www.omsoul.com/)

Explanations of Charting
Helping identify the Changes in CM (http://www.fertilityuk.org/nfps401.html)
Different CF/CM Types (http://www.webwomb.com/cervical_mucus_page.htm)
Charting 'cliff notes' site (http://www.fertilityuk.org/nfps25.html)
Garden of Fertility (http://www.gardenoffertility.com/)

[kemaji]

You will want to purchase one (or both) of these books to help you learn the method of charting. If possible, you may find that taking classes from the Couple to Couple League or other organizations that teach charting (listed in the appendixes of TCOYF) is very helpful. Taking classes can help you to learn to chart more effectively, plus you have expert instructors to advise you about your charts and answer your questions.

Reviews of NFP/TCOYF Books by Sevilla
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=EY7nd3rBoX&isbn=0060937645&itm=1)

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/5400000/5401941.gif

Pro's:
* Very comprehensive book that focuses not just on charting but on female health in general, including fertility problems, pregnancy, understanding the menstrual cycle, and overall gynecological health.
* Written in layman's terms for good reader comprehension
* The explanation of how to expel semen through Kegels was very helpful
* Excellent list of resources and nutritional considerations to aid in cycle regularity and pregnancy
* Chapter on medications that can interfere with fertility signs
* How to adjust temps (+/-.1 degrees F per half hour) is very helpful
* Color photos of different types of CM help to interpret it

Cons:
* The rules for determining pre-o safe days are too limited-Not every woman can use the Dry Day Rule unless she gets at least 5 days of fertile mucus. If you're one of the people who only get 1-2 days of fertile mucus, then you could potentially have sex just a day or two before ovulation--and get pregnant.
* The explanation of the rules for determining post-o infertility is not specific enough and readers of the book could misunderstand it. I have had cycles in which I was at Peak Day +4/5 when I had a temp rise, and following her rules I could have gotten pregnant. It should more strongly emphasize that you need both the drying up and 3 days of temp rise to be safe (it does say this, but I thought it was a bit ambiguous).
* Not enough explanation of method effectiveness depending on which rule is used


The Art of Natural Family Planning by John & Sheila Kippley (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=EY7nd3rBoX&isbn=0926412132&itm=1)

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/1720000/1727057.gif

Pro's:
* This is the more technical manual about charting, it's is very specifically focused on teaching the method with scientific language
* It devotes 150 pages just to the basics of charting, not including the additional 200 pages on special situations, pregnancy, and cycle irregularity.
* Very specific rules and methods: 4 different rules to determine your last safe day for unprotected sex pre-o, and 4 different rules to determine your post-o infertility (this lets you choose which rules work best with your body)
* 24 "practice" charts (actual examples of women's charts) with complete explanations and interpretations that cover the whole range of situations encountered
* Detailed explanation of the Last Dry Day Rule (see below for the entire explanation)
* 20 page explanation of effectiveness rates for each individual rule (there's a higher pregnancy rate with using the Last Dry Day rule than using the 5 day rule)
* Excellent list of resources and nutritional considerations to aid in cycle regularity and pregnancy
* Chapter on medications that can interfere with fertility signs

Cons:
* Doesn't address disorders like Endometriosis or PCOS.
* Very dogmatic in its discussion of the "immorality of contraception" and sexual morality from a Catholic perspective
* Information presented in a very technical manner-may be daunting to someone just learning the method

Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=EY7nd3rBoX&isbn=0926412094&itm=1)

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/5020000/5021060.gif

This book examines the ways that nutrition and vitamins affect the fertility cycle. Many women on this thread have helped to regulate their hormones and cycles by following the suggestions in this book and it is very insightful into how our everyday decisions about what to eat affects our fertility and cycles.

[kemaji]

Figuring out your Cervical Mucus/Fluid

Dry:
1. Stick a finger in your mouth. Now look at it--this is what it means to be "dry." Your vagina always produces fluid that keeps it clean, this is different from the cervical mucus described below.
2. On dry days you will not have any CM in your undies.

Less-fertile mucus (can be part of BIP-Basic Infertile Pattern or can indicate that you are fertile):
1. Sticky/Tacky CM: Stretches 1/2" or less before breaking. The strands that stretch are very thin.
2. Globby CM (this is my special name for it ): White globs that form little peaks when i stretch my fingers apart. Varies in quantity from almost none to a good amount. Always visible dried in my undies in rectangular/lines like described in TCOYF.

Fertile Mucus: Once you have any type in this category consider yourself fertile until your after your temperature rises--even if your fertile CM dries up for a few days. Stretchiness is very important in determining fertile CM. If in doubt, ask us and we'll help you with your chart!
1. Stretchy Mucus: Stretches 1" or more.
2. EWCM Mucus: Stretches a LOT (up to several inches) and is also very wide when I separate my fingers. Very similar to egg white.
3. Watery: I only see this in my underwear when I’m fertile. It looks like I've "leaked" but I know it's CM. It makes wet circles just like TCOYF describes.
4. Creamy: Looks like runny hand lotion. I get this in my underwear and it forms white spots or patches in my undies and they are sometimes in the middle of watery CM in my undies.

Peak Day: Peak Day is what lets you use your mucus sign to figure out your infertile period after ovulating. Your peak day is your last day of more-fertile mucus before you start drying up. It is NOT necessarily the day with the greatest quantity or quality of mucus, just your last day before you start drying up (meaning you may still have mucus, it will just be tacky instead of EWCM). You only know your Peak Day in hindsight, for obvious reasons. The reason it's useful is that you crosscheck your thermal shift with your peak-day to make sure you're past your fertile stage so you can have unprotected sex.

Figuring out your cervix
Some women find it helpful to use their cervical position (CP) as a third sign in addition to CM and temperatures. If you do not find it helpful or your cervix does not seem to follow a pattern, don't worry about it. You don't have to use your CP and you will still be able to chart effectively.

For those who are interested in charting their CP...here's some advice for common questions:

1. I can't find my cervix!: Just like putting in a tampon for the first time, finding your cervix takes a few tries. Here are some tips:
* Your cervix is the only thing "up there" so if your fingers are touching something, congratulate yourself on finding your cervix.
* Angle is very important-Aim back at an angle for your tailbone instead of straight up and you will find it much more quickly. After charting for 7 months, I still sometimes I feel like I have to search around for it for a few seconds--but that's only when i put my fingers in at the wrong angle.
* Check it during the afternoon or evening (it may be difficult to find in the morning because lying flat while sleeping makes it higher until gravity brings it back down)
* During certain parts of your cycle it may be too high to reach so if you can't find it, try again in a few days.

2. So I've found it, now what? It will take a few cycles to learn your cervix pattern. There are three different changes a cervix undergoes (find which changes are most obvious in your cervix and disregard those that don't seem to correspond):
* Firm to Soft: A firm cervix feels like the tip of your nose, a soft cervix feels like your lips. When your cervix softens this may mean that you are fertile or soon to be fertile. Your cervix may also feel soft right after AF.
* Low to High: Around the time of ovulation the cervix gets higher and after ovulation it drops down to a lower position.
* Closed to Open: If you have not delivered a baby, then you might not be able to feel the difference between closed and open. The cervix opens slightly right around ovulation and closes very tight after ovulation.

[kemaji]

TCOYF Rules for determining safe days for sex Pre-Ovulation

Rule 1: You are safe the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle if you had a thermal shift 12-16 days before (this is so that you don't confuse menstruation with spotting or other non-menstrual bleeding)

Rule 2: Before Ovulation you are safe the evening of every dry day.

In order to use this rule, you need to have at least a 5-day patch of fertile cervical mucus (or if you have mucus all the time like me, at least a 5 day patch of more FERTILE mucus). It is better if you have a 6 or more day patch, but 5 is the bare minimum. (you need at least 6 charts to tell if you get this much fertile CM as a warning-many women only get 2 or 3 days, which is normal but not enough warning for this rule).

The Last Dry Day rule says that you can consider yourself infertile as long as you don't have any mucus (or fertile mucus). Checking your mucus is very important, because the sperm lives less than 24 hours in a non-fertile environment but in fertile mucus they live for up to 5 days-some super-swimmers for even longer. This rule works best if you do your cervical mucus checks INTERNALLY.

If you are going to use the Last Dry Day rule, there are some particular rules to follow so that you don't misread your signs:
1. Don't have sex 2 days in a row-just every other day. This is so your CM sign isn't obscured by semen residue (SR). (Unless you expel the semen like Toni says in TCOYF and there's no residue the next day to obscure your CM sign)
2. Don't have unprotected sex in the mornings. The reason for this is that your mucus flow may start that day, and you wouldn't have been able to tell it in the morning, and thus the sperm could still have a chance of surviving and catching the egg.

NFP Rules for determining safe days for sex Pre-Ovulation
1. 6 Day Rule: Almost all women can use this unless you have cycles 25 days or shorter (in which case you go to only CD5). It says that you can have unprotected sex the first 6 days of the cycle (CD1 starts with the 1st day of AF).
***You can use the 6-day rule right away. However, you should not go beyond it until you have a few charts to reference. Be especially careful not to take chances your first cycle off of BCP, as many women are extra-fertile in that cycle.***

2. 20 Day rule (requires at least 6-12 charts for accuracy): Take your shortest cycle and subtract 20, the answer is your last "safe day." Example: If my cycles range from 30-36 days. 30-20=10. Thus, CD10 is my last day to have unprotected sex.

3. The Doering Rule = earliest day of thermal shift -7. (Requires 6 regular(!) charts, ideally 12 charts) Using your chart history, locate the earliest day of thermal shift. Subtract 7 from the day and that is your last fertile day.
Example: If you have 32-36 day cycles and your thermal shift has been between cycle days 20-24, CD20 is your earliest day of thermal shift. 20-7 is 13. Thus, CD13 would be considered your last infertile day (Last day of Phase I in NFP book).

All the rules for determining "safe sex" times pre-O are subordinate to the Last Dry Day rule. You are still supposed to start checking CM by CD6 (according to the NFP book) while you rely on the other rules. If you get fertile CM super-early it takes precedence over everything else because sometimes our bodies do randomly ovulate earlier than normal.

4. Last Dry Day Rule (most popular rule b/c it makes the fertile window a lot shorter. BUT it also has a higher pregnancy rate than the other rules).

In order to use this rule, you need to have at least a 5-day mucus patch (or if you have mucus all the time like me, at least a 5 day patch of more FERTILE mucus). It is better if you have a 6 or more day patch, but 5 is the bare minimum. (you need at least 6 charts to tell if you get this much fertile CM as a warning-many women only get 2 or 3 days, which is normal but not enough warning for this rule).

The Last Dry Day rule says that you can consider yourself infertile as long as you don't have any mucus (or fertile mucus). Checking your mucus is very important, because the sperm lives less than 24 hours in a non-fertile environment but in fertile mucus they live for up to 5 days. This rule works best if you do your cervical mucus checks INTERNALLY.

If you are going to use the Last Dry Day rule, there are some particular rules to follow so that you don't misread your signs:
1. Don't have sex 2 days in a row-just every other day. This is so your CM sign isn't obscured by semen residue (SR). (Unless you expel the semen like Toni says in TCOYF and there's no residue the next day to obscure your CM sign)
2. Don't have unprotected sex in the mornings. The reason for this is that your mucus flow may start that day, and you wouldn't have been able to tell it in the morning, and thus the sperm could still have a chance of surviving and catching the egg.

TCOYF Rules for Post-Ovulation

Rule 3: You are safe the evening of the third day your temperature is above the coverline.

Rule 4: You are safe the evening of the 4th consecutive day after your Peak day.

**Both rules have to be met to be considered 'safe,' if you're going to go by temps alone you should have 4-5 days of thermal shift (according to the NFP book)**

NFP rules for Post-Ovulation (Phase III)

Each rule involves a combination of temp rises and CM dry up. Also, these rules presuppose determining your coverline by NFP rules instead of TCOYF rules.

These rules (except the most conservative Rule C) are based on the principle that the stronger the thermal shift, the fewer days of drying up required. Conversely, the weaker the thermal shift, the more days of drying up required.

Because each woman has a different CM and temp pattern, these rules allow you to choose the one that fits YOUR pattern. (For me, I use Rule B because I dry up 2-4 days before my thermal shift and have a gradual rise)

Rule C (most conservative): The 3rd day or more of Full Thermal Shift cross-checked by 4 or more days of drying-up, whichever comes later.

Rule K (more emphasis on full thermal shift): The 3rd day of Full Thermal Shift cross-checked by 2-3 days of drying up past Peak Day.

Rule R: The 3rd day of drying up past Peak Day cross-checked by 3 consecutive days of strong thermal shift past Peak Day.

Rule B (more emphasis on the drying up): The 4th day (or more) of drying up past Peak Day cross-checked by 3 (or more) days of Overall (or Strong) Thermal Shift past Peak Day.

Definitions:
1. Full Thermal Shift: Three or more consecutive days of temps which are at least .4 degrees above your lower temp level (pre-O temps)
2. Strong Thermal Shift: Temperatures on three consecutive days are at least .2 degrees above your lower temp level and the last temp is at or above .4 degrees over your lower temp level
3. Overall Thermal Shift (Gradual): Three or more temps are at least .1 degrees above the lower temp level, they are in a rising or elevated pattern, and at least one of them reaches at or above .4 degrees over your lower temp level.

Temperature Only Rule ("Coming off the Pill" rule): You can safely have sex on the evening of the 5th day of thermal shift when the last three temperatures are on consecutive days and are at least .3 degrees above your pre-O temperature level.

Coverlines

How to draw a coverline according to NFP:

1. Look at the six temps that you had before your temp rise, take the highest of those temps and draw a line across your chart - this is your low temperature level (LTL). (For me, my low temp level is always 98.0. My pre-shift 6 could be 98.0, 97.7, 97.8, 98.0, 97.9, and 97.7 and then i would draw the line at 98.0). Your pre-o temps should mostly fall at or below this low temp level, though there are exceptions like high temps during AF and a pre-shift spike
2. To determine your high temp level (HTL), and thus your thermal shift, draw a line .4 degree above your low temp level (For me, my low temp level of 98.0 gives me a high temp level of 98.4)
**A gradual thermal rise is one that doesn't reach to the high temp level right away, but the temps are above your low temp level

This is how I calculate my coverline, though my NFP book refers only to low temp level and high temp level. I have no idea how FF calculates my coverline but it doesn't make sense to me because it's always really low, like this month it says its 97.7, although my low temp level is 98.0 using the method described above.

How to draw a coverline according to TCOYF

1. Identify the first day your temp rises at least two-tenths of a degree higher than it had been the previous six days.
2. Highlight the last six temps before the rise.
3. Locate the highest of those six highlighted temps.
4. Draw the coverline one-tenth of a degree above the highest of that cluster of six days preceding the rise.

[kemaji]

What to expect when charting after taking the pill

Your body may hold on to some of the hormones from the pill, so it is generally accepted that the first three cycles post-pill may be slightly wacky because of these remaining hormones. After the 3-month mark, it is assumed that these hormones are gone, and any chart wackiness that remains is au natural.

Seriously speaking, some of the things that you may see include inconsistent CM observations or observations that don't make much sense (e.g., continuous creamy CM, patches of EWCM at different parts of your cycle, mid-cycle spotting, etc.). Also, you may ovulate right on schedule; however, several women also experience short, long, or anovulatory cycles right off the pill.

If you see these things happen in your first few charts, pay them no attention. Don't think that the pill has permanently damaged you (in 99% of cases of anovulatory cycles post-pill, the pill is NOT to blame), and don't worry that you may be observing your signs incorrectly. You could be 100% correct, but your body may be giving you a pretty hard exam! If these symptoms continue after charting for a while, then you may want to talk to us, do your own research, and talk to your doctor if they concern you because they may be symptoms of other things such as PCOS, etc.

There are other things that you may notice once you're off the pill that are relatively common. Many women experience some random spotting, weight loss, heavier or longer-lasting periods; more painful cramps; increased severity of other PMS symptoms such as bloating, irritability, sore breasts; changed skin characteristics (more/less acne or natural oils), etc. However, you'll also learn more about your body and your fertility and have a much clearer idea of what is going on at every step than you ever knew before!

Also, realize that the pill really has not permanently changed your body, and the cycle characteristics that you had BEFORE the pill are most likely going to return. That's why many women experience the aforementioned symptoms (because the hormones in the pill lessened the symptoms you had before). Also, if you had irregular cycles before, they will probably come back; but this time, through charting, you will know what is going on!

If there's one thing you will learn in this thread, it is that everybody and every body is different. Try not to compare your charts too much to others, especially in the first months after the pill because those charts are not entirely reliable. Use this time as an opportunity to practice checking the fertility signs and to learn as much as you can, and then use charts 4-6 to get a strong handle on your individual signs, what they mean, and how to use them to avoid pregnancy.

[kemaji]

What to do with irregular sleeping schedules

Do you always get up at 4:00am to go to the bathroom? Does your DH wake up before you and interrupt your sleep? Is the dog full of energy and very LOUD for 1/2 hour before the alarm goes off?

Worry not! The general consensus around here is that these things are bound to happen. Yes, TCOYF recommends that you take your temperature at the exact same time every morning, before getting out of bed, after at least 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and under the same sleeping conditions every night. This helps you get the most accurate temperatures, and can make your chart much easier to read.

Here in the real world, we realize this isn't always possible. So, our advice is as follows:

Whatever you do, try your hardest to be consistent. Do make a big effort to temp at the same time every day, and mark your chart if you temp early or later than usual. If the goodbye kiss from your DH wakes you up 1/2 hour before your alarm does (and you temp after the alarm), just make sure he kisses you every day!

Also, do temp before getting out of bed. Most of us have noticed that our temps do NOT change that much by an emergency potty break, but it's best to get it done before you get out of bed to eliminate the risk of noise and of accidentally forgetting!

Do use a basal body thermometer, and use the same thermometer every time, even when traveling. This reduces any "noise" that you may get from thermometers with slightly different calibrations.

Mark your chart with anything out of the norm. If it was extra cold out and you used an additional blanket, note that on your chart. If your pajamas were in the wash and you slept nude, note that on your chart. Did you go out to party and went to bed super late last night? Write it down. Did you have any drinks yesterday at that party? Definitely write that down! Some of these things make a BIG difference on your chart, and you'll rest easier and we'll be better able to interpret that chart knowing what was going on.

Lastly, don't worry if you forget one temp or sleep in late once or twice. It happens, and it rarely makes your chart totally useless. But remember that the most and best info that you can get really helps avoid stress later. (And if we're talking about the different between a BFN and a BFP, the LAST thing we need is more stress!)

[kemaji]

Software analysis
based on meagle's use of each for several months

Fertility Friend
Pros
*Basic service is free and you can access it from any computer
*In recording the cervix sign, there are separate options for high/medium/low and soft/medium/firm (this can be more accurate and also help beginners who can only ascertain one of the two parts of the cervix sign)
*It is easy to override
*There are more options for other factors/symptoms – you can record alcohol use, exercise, headaches, cramps, etc.
*There is a choice for “watery” CM, which is a fertile type that is kind of creamy, kind of EW

Cons
*It is designed for women seeking pregnancy
*Only two charts can be posted at one time for those choosing the free service
*VIP service is more expensive than Ovusoft (but VIP is not necessary or recommended for TTAers)

Ovusoft
Pros
*It is for women who are avoiding or seeking pregnancy – you can set it to show when your fertile time starts (based on last dry day rule, first five day rule, your typical CM pattern, etc. – however, remember not to totally trust the software for post-O fertility/infertility!)
*You can show whether intercourse was protected or unprotected
*There are features to calculate future fertility (cycle forecasting) and best time to conceive based upon a preferred due date (delivery planner)
*The graphics are cool
*The rules the software follows are more closely linked to TCOYF, since the software was developed for this purpose
*There are reports you can print for your doctor, etc.
*All of your charts can be posted at once
*There is a pop-up box each day that details what is happening (hormonally) in your body depending upon where you are in your cycle
*There is a pop-up reminder to do a monthly breast self-exam
*You record your CM and your vaginal sensation (dry, moist, wet, lubricative)

Cons
*It costs about $40
*You have to find it on the internet on CD-ROM or download it
*The program runs from your hard drive and you “publish” your charts – if you are away from home and don’t have a laptop, there is no way to update your charts until you get back to YOUR computer with YOUR database
*The cervix sign combines both aspects, that is low=firm, medium=medium, high=soft
*It is not compatible with Macintosh/Apple
*It is more difficult to override calculations
*Your database could be wiped out (like any document on your HD) so you need to back it up frequently
*There are fewer choices for other factors affecting one’s chart – no choice for headache, cramps, etc.
*You must have Java scripts enabled to view others' web-based charts

Summary reviewWhat finally made me switch was the recent update in Ovusoft’s software which made it possible to publish protected intercourse versus unprotected intercourse, some pressure I got from ladies on the Ovusoft boards (they’re a different bunch than the WC crowd), and the fact that I’m in this charting thing for the long haul – I will be TTA for at least two more years and then I will use charting to TTC. It seemed like a worthwhile investment, especially since it was only a bit less than two months of BCP copays. Fertility Friend is a good service for sharing one’s charts with others on the thread, but it you’re enticed by cool graphics, reports, features, etc. – then you’ll get tired of it pretty quickly.
04.2004

[kemaji]

The manager for this thread is kemaji.

If you have stat changes or want to add to your stats, please use this format to the extent you wish to disclose your info:

screen name/chart link (if applicable/wanting link) Post both WC & LJ names if different
Real name: ___ (age)
DH's/FH's/BF's name: ___ (age)
Occupation: ___
Married (date of or date planned): ___
Started charting (date, if known): ___
TTC: _date_ if known

Please post updates in red so they are visible to the thread managers.

If you have previously been a member and you do not see your stats on this list just repost them in the current thread and you’ll be added again.

How to share your TTA chart with the rest of us

That is, if you don’t mind potential chart stalkers

How To Link Ovusoft Charts
From the software, go to File --> Publish Charts to Web --> WebCharts Publishing Wizard

Follow instructions to set up online account (username and password), then when complete, you will see a screen that gives the location of your web charts (for if you want to put it in your signature, etc.).

Every time you update your chart (or once a day or once a week) from now on, just go to File --> Publish Charts to Web --> Quickie! and it will update your web chart with the new information.

You may link your chart in your siggy, and/or ask to have it linked through your name on the roll call on page 1 of this thread.

How to upload Fertility Friend
Login to FF, you should be in "My Chart". Click on the "Sharing” button (4th button on the top). From there, click on the "Home Page/Ticker Setup" button. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, there will be a box on the right hand side that says "Available Charts". Double click on your current chart, then hit the button that says "Add Chart". Page should refresh automatically, and your chart should now be in a box on the left side (on the bottom of the page). At the top of the page, you'll see a red URL. That's the link to your home page, with your pretty chart on it. It's yours for the copying. Make sure that you click "Save Settings" if you make any changes to the settings.

Also in the home page, you can change any settings, like to publish DTD or not. If you want to let everyone see when you've made a note in your chart (where a circle becomes a square) click on the “My Settings" tab.

What do all those letters mean?

Most commonly used abbreviations in here:

Anti-grad: Is a person who was TTA and became pregnant. In the history of this group (started Fall 2002) we have never had someone become pregnant when following the rules. Every one of our antigrads can point to the rule(s) they broke when they conceived their bundles of joy and they're the first to say that charting does work!
AF: Aunt Flow, your period. Lovely monthly (or nearly monthly) visitor, at least if you are TTA.
BC: Birth Control
BD: Baby-Dancing (sex). You'll see this term in the older threads... now we use DTD since we don't wanna be making no babies in the TTA thread!!
CM: Cervical Mucus or fluid, also used for Creamy cervical mucus
CP: Cervical Position
DPO: Days Past Ovulation, or days into the luteal phase.
DTD: Doing The Deed! (sex for fun, not baby-making)
EWCM: Egg-White Cervical Mucus, the most fertile type
HPT: Home Pregnancy Test
FAM: Fertility Awareness Method, charting and using BC during the fertile period
FF: Fertility Friend (www.fertilityfriend.com), which is a free on-line charting service. You can also have VIP privileges for a fee.**
Graduate: A person who successfully TTAs and then moves on to TTC.
LP: luteal phase, or the time after ovulation. This is usually determined by the time between the beginning of your thermal shift through the arrival of your period.
NFP: Natural Family Planning, same as FAM but involves abstaining during the fertile period
O: Ovulation
pg: Pregnant
POAS: Pee On A Stick (that is, take an HPT)
TCOYF: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
TTA: Trying To Avoid (makin' babies or getting pregnant)
TTC: Trying To Conceive
UDD: Unprotected Deed-Doing. That is, sex with no other form of birth control other than FAM. A true sign of a confident TTAer! ONLY DURING THE INFERTILE TIME (unless you want to be an antigrad)

[kemaji]

Who We Are


abear (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/cde5c)
Real name: Alyssa (25)
DH's name: Paul (25)
Occupation: creative manager
Married: July 10, 2004
Started charting: July 2005
TTC: Late 2007-2008

ADSigMel (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/9fd5e) (melodymarie83 on WC)
Name: Melody (21)
FH's name: Ali (25)
Occupation: Law Student
Married : November 19, 2005!
Started charting March 2004
TTC: 2007

AHammer (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/ahammer)
Real name: amy (23)
DH's/FH's/BF's name: michael (22)
Occupation: teacher
Married (date of or date planned): july 30, 2005
Started charting (date, if known): october 4, 2005
TTC: summer of 2008

Aletheia (as on WC)
Occupation: Graduate Student
Married: August 7, 2004
Started Charting: March, 2004
TTC: 2006-- hopefully in January!

Ani (AnilovesPeter on WC)
Name: Ani (22)
FH's name: Peter (22)
Occupation: Student
Married : Sept 2, 2006!
Started charting May 2004
TTC: unknown

Angelfish (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/index.php)
Me = 27
DH = 26
Occupation - Student
Married - November 2001
Started charting - February 2005
TTC date = Summer 2007 (?)

angelraven
Real name: Heather (22)
FH's name: Matt (22)
Occupation: SAHW, student (me) Programmer (him)
Married: July 31st, 2004
Started Charting: July 2005
TTC: End of 2006?

berry (conberry on WC)
Name: Connie (29)
DH: K (31)
Occupation: actor/word processor
Married: 06/08/2002
Started charting: November 2004
TTC: currently in discussion! (late 2005 or 2006)

BethIrish (WC timsdecbride)
Real name: Beth (28)
DH's name: Tim (32)
Occupation: Tax Accountant
Married : 12/06/03
Started charting: November 2005
TTC: May 2006

bijouparvin
Name: Vanessa (27)
DH:Jeff (27)
Occupation: Singer/Actress
Married: 08/06/04
Started charting: November 2004
TTC: June 2006 (eek! We just decided that!)

boilermaker (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/eb589)
Real name: Carrie (29)
DH's/FH's/BF's name: John (30)
Occupation: Marketing
Married (date of or date planned): 03.02.02
Started charting (date, if known): 10.02.05
TTC: next summer

chinadoll (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/7e2e1)
Ovusoft Chart (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=china%5Fdoll)
Name: Rachel (26)
DH: Graham (26)
occupation: part-time grad student, part-time librarian
married: October 16, 2004
started charted: December 2004
TTC: undecided

Clattercote (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/81249) (Clatter on WC)
Name: Jana (29)
DH: Andrew (30)
Occupation: Professor at a sm. liberal arts college
Married: 5/21/05
Started Charting: August 2004
TTC: Uhhh... sometime 2006

daftgirraffe
Real name: Renae (18)
FH's name: Ben (30)
Occupation: whatever work is available
Wedding Date: 21st Apri 2006
Started charting (date, if known): haven't started yet
TTC: I say April 2007, FH says Jan 2008....we'll see.

dana92504 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/DanaFFChart)
Real name: Dana (24)
DH: Chad (25)
Occupation: Chemical Engineer
Married: 9.25.04
Started charting: August 2005
TTC: probably nevah!

EmilyBronte (also EmilyBronte on LJ)
Age: 29
DH: 37
DS: JFK, born 1/5/05
Occupation: SAHM for now
Married: June 12, 2004
Started charting: Feb 2004 with break for TTC and baby, began again March 2005
TTC: Sometime in 2006

eagleswings (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/44e46)
Name: Erin (21)
DH name: Luke (20)
Married on: June 5, 2005
Charting since: February, 2004
TTC: summer 2006 at the earliest, probably 2007 or later

FEIrider (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/a14d2) (horsinaround on WC)
real name: Erin (25)
DH (28)
Occupation: Engineer by day/ Horse Trainer by night
Married: 10/12/02
Started charting: 4/05
TTC: 2007ish

Fluffy Bunny (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/22ea0) (Begunda on WC)
Name: Linda (28)
DH: Dave (31)
Occupation: chemistry grad student
Married: December 28, 2002
Started charting: April 2003
TTC: someday

gantry_g (36)
DH: mr. g (37)
Married: 10/04
Occupation: Librarian
Started Charting : 7/05
TTC: summer 2006

Screen name: Gia (geezee on WC)
Married: Dec 30, 2001
Started Charting: Feb '04
TTC: Sept '05?

giry76 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/781ab)
Name: Colleen (29)
DH: Troy (29)
Occupation: Accounts Receivable Assistant
Married: September 25, 2004
Started Charting: November, 2004
TTC: Sometime after September 25, 2005

granada (umwhee on WC) (29)
DH: DH (34)
Married: August 2004
Started charting: January 2005
TTC: ???

Harmony96 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/d1b58)
Name - Andrea (27)
DH name - Tim (24)
Occupation - customer service
Married - April 17, 2004
Off pill and charting as of - August, 2005
TTC - January 2006

HisSpicy (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/e2063)
Real name: Natalie (20)
FH's name: Rodney (22)
Occupation: Student
FH's Occupation: Student and Auto Detailer
Married: date not set
Started charting: 9/4/05
TTC: Long time from now!

honeygirl (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/ee424)
Real name: Anne (late 20's)
DH: Honeyboy (jk, I don't post his name) (also late 20's)
Occupation:Social Worker
Married: Dec 03
Started charting: August 05
TTC:May 2006

jude29
Me: 28
DH: 30
Occupation: HR Generalist
Married: June 4, 2005
Started charting: February 2005
TTC: Late 2006/early 2007

Kanga1622 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/28596)
Me: (25)
DH: (27)
Occupation: secretary
Married: 8/31/02
Started charting: 7/15/03
TTC: I don't know - ask DH

Karner01 (Karner01/http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/cb1b8)
Me: Karen Age 27
Started charting July 05
TTC: ??

KeliAnn (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=keliann78)
Me: Keli (27)
FH: Ken (37)
Occupation: Marketing/PR
(To be) Married: 4/29/06'ish
Started charting: May 2004 (took a break for a while and am starting back up)
TTC: ???

kemaji (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=kemaji) (mutt189 on WC)
Name: M (28)
DH's name: B (31)
Occupation: Marketing
Married: July 3, 2005
Started charting (date, if known): September 2004
TTC: 2007?

Kinetic
Me: Kristina (26)
DH's name: Gary (28)
Occupation: Almost a licensed Architect
Married: May 14, 2005
Started charting: I'm starting this week!
TTC: late 2006?

kissmary
Real name: Mary (26)
DH's name: John (28)
Occupation: Librarian
Married : June 26, 2004
Started charting: July 2005
TTC: ??

lawgirl4 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/a6770)
Name: Ericka (30)
DH: Rob (36)
Occupation: recent law school graduate, stationery business designer/owner!
Married: 7/6/2002
Started charting: April 2005
TTC: Dec 2005/Jan 2006

lege
Me: Laura (30)
DH: (31)
Occupation: Real Estate Advisor
Married: July 31, 2004
Started charting: January 2004
TTC: Late 2005/early 2006

Leilynne
Name: Leilynne (23)
DH: Jon
Occupation: Dietary Aide
Married: May 12 2001
Started charting : March 1, 2004
TTC Date: Never

LeslieandPaul (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/977c7)
me: Leslie, 21, unemployed
FH: Paul, 27, technologist
married: August 20, 2005
started charting: March 2005
TTC: end of 2005 or 2006

LIZNKEITH (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/30d9c)
Name: Liz (26)
DH: Keith (34)
DD: Caroline, June 15, 2005
Occupation: Claims Assistant
Married: July 28, 2001
Started charting: April 2003
TTC #2: June 2007 or 2008

LondonMo
Real name: Monique (26)
DH's name: Murray (30)
Occupation: project planner
Married : 28 May 2005
Started charting (date, if known): haven't started yet
TTC: not for a long time - 5 years +

[kemaji]

Who we are, continued

mamacita (27)
DH: 25
Kids: 2 dds born August '01 and April '05
Started charting: March 2003
TTC: I think we're done.

mandersald (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/98b9d)
name: Mandy (25)
DH: Scott (25)
occupation: PhD grad student (acoustics)
married: 8-27-04
started charting: 4-05
TTC: who knows, 2007?

meagle (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=martese)
Me = 28
DH = 29
Occupation - Non-profit/manager
Married - May 2000
Started charting - July 2003
TTC date = Late 2006 or early 2007

mmeblue (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/3c7a1)
Real name: Amanda (24)
DH: Derek (26)
Occupation: Teacher
Married: 12/21/02
Started charting: January 2004
TTC: eventually (undecided)

Mom2Cole (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/cdbc9)
Real name: Moni (30)
DH's name: Randy (37)
Occupation: SAHM
Married: 9/21/2002
DS: Cole~2/20/2004
Started charting: July, 2005
TTC: August, 2006

motray36
Real name: Tracy (25)
Married: June, 2004
Started charting: Oct, 2004
TTC: 2006-2007

MrsHill (32)
DH: B (41)
Occupation: SAHW
Married: 9/24/05
Started charting: 11/2005
TTC: June-ish 2006

MrsKinnison (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/89c6c)
Name: Hillary (30)
DH: Chris (33)
Occupation: Realtor
Married: 11/27/04
Started Charting: 1/14/05
TTC: maybe fall 2006???

nonewnames (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/7cb4b)
Real name: Becca (26)
DH's/FH's/BF's name: Sean (25)
Occupation: lowly grad student
Married (date of or date planned): 7/24/04
Started charting (date, if known): 12/2004, with a 5 month hiatus 4/05-9/05
TTC: 7/2006

orchidrose
Me: 31
DH: 28
My occupation: Teacher
Married: 2003
Started Charting: June 2005
TTC: Around July/August 2006

Pookie
Me: 27
DH: 27
Married: 5/25/02
Charting: 12/02 until 7/04
DS: Ryan 3/15/05
TTC: not sure if there will be a #2, but if there is probably when DS turns 2

quartercentury (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/3313f)
Real name: I'm not telling, but I'm 27
FH's name: Likewise a secret, but he's 27, too
Occupation: Social policy research
Engaged: June 28, 2005!!!
Started charting: October 2003
TTC: December 2005

sdauer21 (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/6adf9) (spedtchr on LJ)
Real name: Sonya (32)
DH's: Will (31)
Occupation: Teacher
Married: August 31, 2002
DD's: Tallia (1/14/03), Abigail (7/26/05)
Started charting: November 2005 (charted from Aug - Nov. '04, too)
TTC: Earliest would be August '06, if I can talk DH into a third!

sheartm7
Real name: Emily (24)
BF's name: Jeff (24)
Occupation: Admin Assistant
Married (date of or date planned): NA
Started charting (date, if known): March 2004
TTC: not for a long time!

Smittenk (Smittnkitten on WC)
Real name:Alison 28
DH's/FH's/BF's name:Mike 36
Occupation: not working at the moment
Married: April 03 2004
Start charting: 14 October 2005
TTC: Don't know

strwbrygirl (haskalah7 on LJ)
Age: 27
DH's age: 27
Occupation: Customer Support Mgr
Married: June 22, 2002
Started charting: May 2005
TTC: undecided

suzfuzsunflower (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/90828)
Occupation: Teacher
Married: August 9, 2003
Started Charting: April, 2004
TTC: When my body adjusts to being off bcp. Current cycle is day 85.

tashaw6
Real name: Natasha (27)
DH's name: Neil (26)
Occupation: Accountant
Married: 25th September 2004
Started charting (date, if known): TBD
TTC: Unknown (but eventually)

tippy (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/48927) (tippyanddennis on WC)
Real Name: Tiffany (24)
DH: Dennis (23)
Occupation: Engineer
Married: June 26, 2004
Started Charting: March 30, 2004
TTC: 2008ish

tlew12778 (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/7381b)
Real name: Tiffany (27)
FH's name: Carlo (31)
Occupation: Financial Analyst (me), MD (him)
Married (date of or date planned): April 21, 2006
Started charting (date, if known): October 2004
TTC: 2007?

Tonysweetie (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/ec00f)
Name: Leslie, 21
DH Name: Tony, 22
Marred; March 26, 2005
Off BCP: July 2005
Charting since: September 25, 2005
TTC: Late 2006


When we're moving on to TTC by Year


Sometime in 2005
Gia
giry76
quartercentury

2005 - 2006
berry
lawgirl4
Lege
LeslieandPaul
MrsHill

2006
ajlanden
Aletheia
angelraven
BethIrish
boilermaker
bijouparvin
Clattercote
EmilyBronte
gantry_g
Harmony96
honeygirl
Kinetic
Mom2Cole
MrsKinnison
nonewnames
orchidrose
sdauer21
Tonysweetie

2006 - 2007
eagleswings
jude29
meagle

2007
ADSigMel
Angelfish
FEIrider
Graffy
kemaji
mandersald
Pookie
tlew12778

2007 - 2008
abear
daftgirraffe
LIZNKEITH
motray36

2008
AHammer
tippy

Someday/Undecided
Ani
chinadoll
Fluffy Bunny
granada
HisSpicy
kanga1622
karner01
KeliAnn
kissmary
Leigh0918
LondonMo
mmeblue
sheartm7
Smittenk
strwbrygirl
suzfuzsunflower
tashaw6

No more for me/Don't want children
dana92504
Leilynne
mamacita

Moved on to TTC
Mystikal (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/RaeK622) ~ May 2005 ~ Pregnant! Due June 27, 2006
flygirl (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/flygirl) ~ June 2005
polkadot (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/b9a0d) ~ July 2005
cat_loverpq (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/da20b) ~ August 2005
Leigh0918 ~ August 2005
Sabriel (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/4431c) ~ August 2005 ~ Pregnant! Due June 6, 2006
Sevilla (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/1b18e) (rae_anna46 on LJ) ~ Pregnant! Due April 2, 2006
pickle ~ August 2005
ABirney (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=mrsabirney) ~ September 2005
ajlanden (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/2fdee) (ShyAnn on WC) ~ October 2005

Anti-grads
Graffy (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/9fab4) ~ Pregnant! Due June 2006

[kemaji]

Welcome to Charting to Avoid CC edition!

If you have been removed from the roster and want to be back among the ranks, just post here in RED .

[kemaji]

Rather than copy all of the member statistics from WC, I'll add them as people come over.

[mmeblue]

Here are my stats:

mmeblue
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/3c7a1
Real name: Amanda (24)
DH: Derek (26)
Occupation: Teacher
Married: 12/21/02
Started charting: January 2004
TTC: eventually (undecided)

[tlew12778]

Hi! I'm here!

tlew12778 http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/7381b
Real name: Tiffany (27)
FH's name: Carlo (30)
Occupation: Financial Analyst (me), MD (him)
Married (date of or date planned): April 21, 2006
Started charting (date, if known): October 2004
TTC: 2007?


I was wondering if it made sense if we also post our WC names in the stats post? My WC name is the same but I know others have different names and posting it would just be easier than going back and forth to that introduce yourself thread IMO.

[Sevilla]

Yeah! I don't have my stats--just copy them straight from the WC thread. It's so nice to see all the info copied over here and looking nice :). I remember working on it two years ago, down to the font colors and everything, and it was sad to see a lot of that work go to waste on the new WC.

[strwbrygirl]

my info:

strwbrygirl
Age: 27
DH's age: 27
Occupation: Customer Support Mgr
Married: June 22, 2002
Started charting: May 2005
TTC: undecided

ETA: I am strwbrygirl on WC

[kemaji]

I was wondering if it made sense if we also post our WC names in the stats post? My WC name is the same but I know others have different names and posting it would just be easier than going back and forth to that introduce yourself thread IMO.

This is a great idea. If your WC or LJ name is different, post both in your stats when you introduce yourself. I'll update the stats to reflect that.

[tippy]

my chart - http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/48927
Real Name: Tiffany (24)
DH: Dennis (23)
Occupation: Engineer
Married: June 26, 2004
Started Charting: March 30, 2004
TTC: 2008ish

I'm tippyanddennis over at WC. I was wondering if a TTA thread would be started over here. Thanks kemaji!! :)

[giry76]

my chart:http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/781ab
Real Name: Colleen (29)
DH: Troy (29)
Occupation: Accounts Receivable Assistant
Married: September 25, 2004
Started Charting: November, 2004
TTC: Sometime after September 25, 2005

Woo Hoo a board format I can understand!

[kemaji]

Updated to here.

[Fluffy Bunny]

I'm joining! I hope you girls keep me motivated to temp every day - I have long, irregular cycles and tend to stop temping after day 45 or so.

I used to be on WC as Begunda but I mostly lurked because I didn't have time to post from work. I work from home now so I plan to have more time to post.

Fluffy Bunny
Chart (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/22ea0 )
Name: Linda (28)
DH: Dave (31)
Occupation: chemistry grad student
Married: December 28, 2002
Started charting: April 2003
TTC: someday

[Sevilla]

Thanks so much for modding this new thread--it can be a lot of work and we really appreciate it!

Updates for me: Lj username is rae_anna46 Chart link: http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/1b18e

[flygirl]

Don't forget to add me to the "TTA Masters" list :D

flygirl (WC) flygirl74 (LJ)
flygirl's chart (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/flygirl)
Me: Jen (30)
DH: Jeff (35)
Occupation: about to change
Married: 2/22/03
Started charting: 4/2004
TTC: This fall (?!?!)

[sheartm7]

I'm sheartm7 everywhere. :)
Real name: Emily (24)
BF's name: Jeff (24)
Occupation: Admin Assistant
Married (date of or date planned): NA
Started charting (date, if known): March 2004
TTC: not for a long time!

[Sabriel748@hotmail.com]

Count me in!

Sabriel (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/4431c)
Real name: Cherish (24)
DH's name: Jon (23)
Occupation: Vet Tech
Married: May 22, 2005
Started charting: May 8, 2004
TTC: May 2006 or when DH gets a new job, whichever comes first!

[kemaji]

Updated to here... flygirl and Emily, I've added both of you to the TTA Master's list. (Em, can you believe it's been a year?!?!)

Also, if anyone happens to notice any typos or mistakes in the beginning posts, please let me know and post in RED. I've noticed that some of the links didn't make it over when I copied and pasted. I'm trying to catch all of them, but your eyes may be sharper than mine.

Thanks!

[polkadot]

Real Name: Lauren (26) ladibugglet on WC
DH: Brian (26)
Occupation: Teacher
Married: Nov. 20, 2004
Started Charting: May 28, 2005
TTC: 2005-2006

update me :D thanks

[tlew12778]

Just a quick question - Are the ppl on the WC thread going to cross-post on both boards?

[mmeblue]

Can I be added to the TTA masters list, too? I'm at about a year and a half. Pretty please? :)

[Aletheia]

I'm here to join!

Screen Name: Aletheia (as on WC)
Occupation: Graduate Student
Married: August 7, 2004
Started Charting: March, 2004
TTC: 2006-- hopefully in January!

As for cross-posting, I think I'd prefer to just stay here and not use the WC's new and deproved format. Anybody else?

Thanks for starting us a home here! :)

[kemaji]

Just a quick question - Are the ppl on the WC thread going to cross-post on both boards?

tlew12778 ~ For myself, I may post there for a while, but I imagine that my WC time will drop off drastically. I know that I don't have the time to spend on 3 different message sites.

***

Updated to here...

[kanga1622]

Kanga1622
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/28596
Me: (25)
DH: (27)
Occupation: secretary
Married: 8/31/02
Started charting: 7/15/03
TTC: I don't know - ask DH :rolleyes:

[tlew12778]

As for cross-posting, I think I'd prefer to just stay here and not use the WC's new and deproved format. Anybody else? See I kind of feel the same way. Only I can't really say that can I since I am threadmistressing the WC thread :rolleyes:. I considered asking people if we wanted to let the other thread die out, but I don't think that's right either... I am sure there will be new ppl on WC that have never seen the old format that might be interesting in charting to avoid. So I guess we will just have to have two threads.

That said, I guess if people are going to leave the WC thread, can you just post a note over there and let me know so that I can take your name off the roster (if that's what you want). It would make it easier when an eventual new thread has to be made (in roughly 500 posts). Thanks!

[Gia]

Hello-
I was geezee over at WC. I have been charting to avoid since Feb '04, but I rarely post in the thread over there anymore, so I doubt I will be missed. ;) I am probably moving on to TTC by the end of the summer/early fall. We kind of TT? in June, but are back to TTA for now.

Here are my stats:

Screen name: Gia (geezee on WC)
Married: Dec 30, 2001
Started Charting: Feb '04
TTC: Sept '05?

[pickle]

I think I'm going to jump in here, as I'm about to start charting and don't see the point of even beginning on WC. Here are my stats:


pickle (also known as chickola on WC/LJ)
Real name: E (29)
DH's name: J (30)
Married: 11/3/01
Started charting: 7/05
TTC: 11/05


I'm excited, but nervous. Been on the pill for-evah, but I just got my thermometer in the mail Saturday. Eeek!

[kemaji]

Updated to here....welcome everyone!

I feel like my body has been trying to start AF. This cycle was a little messed up in that my CM and my temp shift don't match up, which is unusual for me. So, based on my CM pattern and my past cycle patterns, AF should be arriving now, only my temp drop hasn't happened. Now, as luck would have it, I'll probably get AF Thursday or Friday when I'm supposed to be flying to CA or preparing for my wedding on Sunday. I don't want to have to be on top of things and still have cramps at the same time!

[Kinetic]

Me: Kristina (26)
DH's name: Gary (28)
Occupation: Almost a licensed Architect
Married: May 14, 2005
Started charting: I'm starting this week!
TTC: late 2006?

We recently were married last month, and part of the requirement to get married in our Catholic church was a 4 month class in NFP. At first I was skeptical of the method, but after learning about at the first class, we knew that it was a method of planning our family we both were interested in.

I have been on Orthocyclen, Orthotricylen, and their generic versions continuously for a total of 9 years. I didn't notice any affect on my weight or skin (I seriously believe that my skin is worse on the pill.) I believe that the pill is responsible for a decreased sex drive - who knows what these artificial hormones are doing to me. I just want to be rid of them for good!

During those 3 months I was taking the NFP class, we had to chart our temps and check the CM and cervical position. Since I was on the pill, I only charted my temps to get in the habit of doing so, since the readings on the chart would all be artificial.

I am anxious to start NFP and see what it feels like to be BCP-free!

[giry76]

How wonderful that your Church turned you on to charting. I am impressed.

[Sabriel]

Okay, I screwed up my user name. My computer automatically filled in my email address for me. Isn't that helpful? So, I am actually just Sabriel.

[kemaji]

Updated to here.

Sabriel, I think I just put your user name down instead of your email, so everything should be the way you want it.

[bijouparvin]

Count me in:

bijouparvin
Real name: Vanessa (27)
DH:Jeff (27)
Occupation: Singer/Actress
Married: 08/06/04
Started charting: November 2004
TTC: June 2006 (eek! We just decided that!)

I may not check in here super-often but I definitely want to be on the list. It's been fun to see some of the grads from the old site.

[Clattercote]

Clattercote (Clatter on WC)
Name: Jana (29) http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/81249
DH: Andrew (30)
Occupation: Professor at a sm. liberal arts college
Married: 5/21/05
Started Charting: August 2004
TTC: Uhhh... sometime 2006


Hi everyone!

[polkadot]

I am 7 days past o...and i have no signs of AF..temps are rising...and i feel nausea at any given time. I am freaking my self out for no reason at all....the onlu time i think i could have gotten PG is 2 day past my O accroding to FF...os i think i am just being paranoid....this is my first cycle of BCP and i know that makes everythign crazy...I have taken 2 test and both were negative but i think it was too soon....but i dont think i can wait till 18 DPO i'll go crazy, when do you think the earliest time i can test and get true results...? thanks girls..

lauren :o

[EmilyBronte]

EmilyBronte (also EmilyBronte on LJ)
Age: 29
DH: 37
DS: JFK, born 1/5/05
Occupation: SAHM for now
Married: June 12, 2004
Started charting: Feb 2004
TTC: Sometime in 2006

[citrus619]

Citrus619 (Citrus on WC)
Age: 30
DH: 31
Occupation: Paralegal
Married: June 16, 2004
Started charting: April 2004
TTC: Fall 2005

[kemaji]

Updated to here.

polkadot ~ do you have a link to your chart? It would be easier to interpret if we could see your chart. I went through a 'scare' my last cycle and I basically convinced myself I was pg. Obviously, I wasn't but it's very easy to imagine all of those symptoms are are normal for both pg and non-pg cycles.

You're probably a bit early to get a + test, but you definitely don't need to wait until 18 dpo to test. Since this is your first cycle off BCP, I would wait until 12 dpo and if necessary, again at 14-15 dpo.

[polkadot]

I am such a goofball...here it is
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/b9a0d
thanks.. :p

[lawgirl4]

hi! add me please!! :)

lawgirl4
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/a6770
Real name: Ericka (30)
DH: Rob (36)
Occupation: recent law school graduate, stationery business designer/owner!
Married: 7/6/2002
Started charting: April 2005
TTC: Feb/March 2006

[lawgirl4]

now that I just added myself, I was hoping that someone might be willing to look at my chart (be forewarned, it's L O N G - I am on CD 83!!! - still first cycle off of BCP)... I have had 2 of the highest temps so far for the past 2 days and I am soooo hoping that this is going to lead to AF!!

I didn't temp for about 5 days prior to this monday - overslept for 3 of those days, and then was just feeling really down and frustrated... so I didn't temp. but now I am back on track! :D

[kanga1622]

lawgirl4 - I would wait it out another day to see what your temps look like. Based on what you have entered in FF, you could possibly have Oed on one of the days with missing temps. If I were you, I'd wait a few more days to see if a definate O could be called or if you are having an annov cycle. Keeping my fingers crossed that something on your chart changes soon. :)

polkadot - I'm not seeing anything that says BFP on your chart. Your temps are rising a bit but nothing shockingly high. You can test at 12dpo for a pretty accurate HPT but until then you are playing the waiting game. (I can sympathize with you - for my first 4 charts I was constantly worried about every temp rise and fall and was convinced I'd wind up pregnant).

[polkadot]

i am glad you dont see anything that screams...BFP...its just weird not knowing b/c of the pills...but i think i am kinda hoping it is a BFP...Hubby wouldnt be so thrilled but...we would manange...oh well lets keep hoping...for what i am not to sure yet? :confused:

[kemaji]

polkadot ~ I definitely agree with what kanga said. If you want to look at my charts, you'll see that my post O temps range from 97.8 - 98.2 (sometimes even 98.3). Obviously, everyone's body is different, but your temperatures don't look PG to me.

Also, do you want me to add your chart to your stats on the first page?

lawgirl4 ~ Again, I agree with what kanga said. I definitely hope that the next couple of days show a change in your chart for you! I couldn't imagine having an 80+ day cycle.

[kemaji]

All updates made to here.

[polkadot]

kemaji- that would be great....u r the best... :cool:

lawgirl...wow that is a long cycle i hope that is not what i am in for...but FF says that i o'd ...so there may be light at the end of the tunnel...BCP are such a mess if i had just read TCOYF 8 years ago i wouldnt be going through all this... ;) Best of luck

[lawgirl4]

polkadot - yeah, the long cycle sucks. I was on BCP for 8-10 years nonstop, and my doctor isn't really concerned - she said that a long cycle right off of BCP can also be "normal." but it sucks nonetheless!

fyi, FF had also called an O for me a couple of times this cycle. Just remember that it's not without it's flaws, and sometimes it is incorrect!

***************

thanks to everyone else for weighing in... regardless of what happens, I do have my dr's appointment in 2 weeks, and I think that will give me some additional peace of mind!

[Pookie]

I haven't started temping again yet, but will follow the FAM rules. Can I still join?
Me: 27
DH: 27
Married: 5/25/02
Charting: 12/02 until 7/04
DS: Ryan 3/15/05
TTC: not sure if there will be a #2, but if there is probably when DS turns 2

[tlew12778]

polkadot I concur with everyone else about your chart. Just a quick question, what are you using to denote UDD (xx or AM/PM)? I only ask bc you might not want to UDD for the first 3 months off the BCP.

lawgirl4 What was your CM like when you were not temping?

As for me, I am on CD32, still no O. I am going for my blood tests tomorrow (testosterone and LH/FSH). I'm just so... dejected... I had picture perfect cycles for 7 months then this. I guess it's better knowing what to expect when the time comes to TTC, but I'm just so disappointed that this is happening.

[ABirney]

Hi! Finally made it over here from the WC (had some trouble registering). I was sassymartika over there.
Here are my stats:
ABirney
Angie (30)
DH Scott (28)
Occupation: Vet Tech (me) Newspaper worker (DH)
Married: Sept 25, 2004
Started charting: Dec '04
TTC: Late '05, early 06?
My chart: http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?cycle=5&id=mrsabirney&tc=0&p=

Also I did have a question right away about my cycle that just got over... AF just came in full force yesterday, which is a bit early for me... my LP is usually 14 days, this time it was only 11 days. I had originally pegged O around CD20, but is it possible that it could be around CD17? There is a slight temp rise there (if you shave the temp on CD13) but not as pronounced as the one a few days later, but I also had what I thought was O pains on CD17, and that day would give me my 14 day LP. My CP also got lower and firmer at that time. What do you guys think? TIA!

[Clattercote]

ABirney - I think the safest thing would be to count O as the day Ovusoft did, frankly. There are things you could do to make the LP look longer (shave temps, look for a stair step rise) - but as someone who has REALLY variable LPs (mine go from 4-13 days, seriously :mad: ), I'm not sure how useful that is. I suppose the one thing I might do is start a temp rise count the day before Ovusoft does, but I'm not even sure I'd do that.

I would love to see someone do a study on variable LP length - because in my own experience, Weschler's insistence of the "same LP length" no matter what, is false. LPs can also be affected by stress, etc. Does anyone else have thoughts?

[mmeblue]

My LP isn't a consistent length, either. I can *usually* count on it to be 12-13 days, but it's been as short as 10 and as long as 15. I don't know whether stress, eating habits, or anything else influences mine, but I know they're not always the same.

[ABirney]

thanks ladies.. I guess I was going by the "LP is always the same" mentality, but maybe it does vary some. I'll keep my O as CD20, because I really am more comfortable with that temp rise. Thanks again!

[tlew12778]

My LP is always 11 days. Toni says it can vary 2 days either way. Although, the human body is not a machine... there are always exceptions to the rule.

[ABirney]

it called O on CD17! LOL! I still am more comfy with the other temp rise after CD20, maybe I'll just note this cycle and see in future cycles what happens...
http://ttc.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/index.php

[lawgirl4]

tlew - I really didn't pay attention to CM those days - stupid, I know... I was just so darn frustrated that I didn't care... but the good news is that today was the 3rd high temp in a row - highest ever at 98.0 (except since having AF months ago) so I am feeling encouraged. really sorry to hear about your frustrating cycle this month! hope your dr can give you some peace of mind.

[Sabriel]

Clattercote I'm glad that you brought that up. My LPs have been anywhere from 10-14 days. I thought that I was doing something wrong!

[kemaji]

Updated to here

My LPs have range anywhere from 9 - 14 days as well. In fact, this last cycle I had my shortest LP ever.

tlew ~ I hope your doctor's appointment answers some of your questions. I've had some frusterating cycles in the past so I feel your pain.

[Graffy]

Hi all! I never quite got past the lurk mode at WC, so I guess I'm a total newbie!

Graffy
Real name: N (30)
DH's name: J (29)
Occupation: Library business manager
Married: February 19, 2005
Started charting: practice- 09/04, for real- 2/19/05
TTC: 2006/2007(?)

[tlew12778]

kemaji - I was just thinking that if you want, you can use the charting2avoid account on yahoo if you want to set up a charting2avoid username here. It's up to you. If you want the PW PM me.

[LeslieandPaul]

Hi, i was over on WC and semi-lurked in the charting2avoid thread so i'll join here too.

me: Leslie, 21, unemployed
FH: Paul, 27, technologist
married: August 20, 2005
started charting: March 2005
TTC: end of 2005 or 2006

[lawgirl4]

weirdness! I had the tiniest bit of spotting today... I am not a "spotter," except for the last day of AF usually.... just chalk it up to weird post-BCP activity?

[Aletheia]

lawgirl- where are you in your cycle? can you link your chart?

[cat_loverpq]

Hi all! I'm just going to jump right in with a question...

I went off BCP in February 2005 and am still TTA for another few months. We plan to TTC in August/September of this year, but the only regular cycle I've had was my first one off the pill. Since then I haven't had an actual period (at least not like they used to be); instead I have had anywhere from 6-12 days of spotting at *fairly* regular intervals. No clear temp shifts that I can see, but CM fluctuates about when it should for me to be Oing each month. Does this mean that my cycles are annovulatory?

[Clattercote]

cat_lover - It'd be helpful to see your charts so I could get a better picture. If you've got a copy of Art of NFP you might look at the chapters on breakthrough bleeding and coming off the pill, though. It does sound, on the face of it, like you might be having annov cycles (which generally have no temp shift) and that your body is still not sure about ovulating.

[lawgirl4]

hey, I thought there was a link to my chart in my info blurb... it's

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/a6770

thanks for any advice :)

[kanga1622]

lawgirl - I wouldn't worry about the spotting. From looking at your chart, I would guess that you that you Oed during the missing temps. You could be as many as 8 dpo and your body may be gearing up for AF. Still, until you get AF I would use protection.

To be honest with you I was not a spotter pre-BCP but I have become a spotter post-BCP. I almost always spot just a tiny bit the day before AF (which is a nice heads up since my temps don't drop until after AF starts).


Still no O for me this cycle. I'm at CD20 so I'm expecting one anytime now since I usually O in the early CD20s. I was kinda hoping for some UDD over the long weekend but I guess we'll just have to use protection. :rolleyes:

[Aletheia]

Lawgirl: I agree with Kanga. I thinik you o'd when you weren't temping and AF is sending you a telegram to announce she is on her way.

GL!

[Clattercote]

Say, here's a random question - in the past two months I've had my shortest and my longest cycles (24 and 36 days) in a year of charting. The Art of NFP bases its phase I rules on shortest and longest - but here's my question - I'm not sure I should count the 24 day because I'm not sure that I O'd and that, in fact, that cycle was annov.. (I think you can still see that chart up on fertility friend). The temp rise, if there is one, coincided with moving two hours west time zone wise, so I'm a bit loathe to count those temps cuz they would be higher. Not to mention that counting them would give me a four day LP.

Any thoughts?

[lawgirl4]

hi all!

kanga and alethia, I think you guys were right - I think I am definitely getting AF today!!! :D Sorry for the TMI ahead: nothing major coming "out" yet, but whenever I wipe there is definitely some brightish red blood (as opposed to yesterday's which was more brownish). I have never been this happy to see AF!!!

but now, of course, I get to worry all over again as I start cycle number 2!!!

:rolleyes:

[kemaji]

Updated to here. If anyone wants to add a link to their stats, just post it here. That will make answering any questions you might have that much easier.

tlew ~ I'm going to PM you about the charting2avoid PW. I'm getting married on Sunday, so I'm in California right now and may not get the chance to update everything, but I think it would be great to get that under a general name, instead of my user name.

[Clattercote]

kemaji - Just wanted to say congratulations on your soon-wedding, and I hope it goes fantastically!

[granada]

I'm finally checking in!

Me: granada (umwhee on WC) (29)
DH: DH (34)
Married: August 2004
Started charting: January 2005
TTC: ???

Acne ~ I have just started breaking like crazy on my face and my back. :eek: I've been off BCP for about 6 months, and I wonder if that's it. Anyone have breakout issues after going off BCP.

[suzfuzsunflower]

granata - I hear you on the acne. I had clear skin before going on bcp's, during bcp's, but now that I'm off of bcp (3 months) I have started to really break out! I'm hoping that it's temporary.

[mamacita]

Can an old 'master' check in? The first time around I successfully TTA'ed for 15 months or so, and then got pregnant the first month we TTC-- I'm a big fan of this thread. :) I'm not charting yet, since I haven't gotten AF yet, and honestly hope not to for another year or so (since I'm bf'ing-- with our first dd, AF didn't show until she weaned at 13 months), but I have my eyes open for any sneaky CM and at the first sign of fertility, I'm breaking out the old BBT.

Me: mamacita (27)
DH: 25
Kids: 2 dds born August '01 and April '05
Started charting: March 2003
TTC: I think we're done.

[tlew12778]

Acne ~ I have just started breaking like crazy on my face and my back. :eek: I've been off BCP for about 6 months, and I wonder if that's it. Anyone have breakout issues after going off BCP. Not to freak you out or anything but I had never had acne in my life until this year (I'm 27) and I went to the dr and now they think I have PCOS :eek: and I'm in the middle of getting tested for it. HOWEVER, mine weren't like zits or anything. They were like non-painful cysts on my face. Probably about 100 of them. I looked like a monster. I've been off the BCP since October 2004 and I had picture perfect cycles until this one (now on CD36 and no O in sight).

[polkadot]

FYI: we went to a friends camp on the river this weekend to relax and have fun and guess who showed up....AF....yep so nothing to worry about this month...on to cycle #2!!! Thanks for all the reassurance girlies...

[lawgirl4]

just popping in to say hi! happily on day 4 of my first non-pill AF and so happy she finally came!!!!!!!!

granada - I have had dry skin for my entire adult life (on BCP) and within 2-3 weeks of going off BCP all hell broke loose on my forehead and cleavage area. My scalp is also unbelieveably oily - I used to shampoo every other day, now I have to every day. My dr said this is totally normal and usually calms down after a while... but I am realizing that EVERYONE is totally different when it comes to this stuff. I would recommend asking your OB/Gyn what he/she recommends, and/or consulting a dermatologist - that's what I am going to do if things don't get better by the end of this cycle.

[meagle]

I'm so glad that I found the thread over here on CC. I know I haven't been around the WC boards much, but the change and the way it has driven people away is so sad. I posted a similar lament in the WC thread earlier tonight. Anyway, I'm glad to have found this site and here's my info for this thread:

meagle http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=martese
Me = 28
DH = 29
Occupation - Non-profit/manager
Married - May 2000
Started charting - July 2003
TTC date = Late 2006 or early 2007

I'm celebrating my two-year chartiversary this month - I can't believe it's been this long!

[polkadot]

i am trying to decide if i should pay the one time fee of $39.95 for ovusoft software or pay $16.95 for 3 months of FF....i like them both but i pay the $39.95 once and its mine forever....FF....i have to keep a memebrship...what should i do...i dont know...would like to hear the pros and cons you all have...

thanks

[Sabriel]

polkadot I am thinking the same thing about FF. I own Ovusoft, but now I have a Mac, so I can't use it anymore. :( It kills me to keep paying for FF. If it was a one-time fee, okay, but I don't want to keep paying for it! Maybe when we start TTC...

Well, its CD 1 for me. AF showed up today after my longest cycle ever, 36 days.

Hope everyone had a good 4th!

[Gia]

Hello-
Hope everyone had a good 4th!

Clattercote - I don't know if anyone answered your question about annovulatory cycles counting toward your shortest cycle. Last year I had an annovulatory cycle and I asked that question, and the answer the "charting masters" gave was that technically it did not count toward the shortest cycle. BUT, if you are not positive whether or not it really was annovulatory... then it depends on how conservative you are whether or not you want to count it. Last year I was VERY conservative with the rules, so I still counted it as my shortest cycle. This year, I am so close to TTC, that I am bending more rules. Hope that helps!

[Aletheia]

polkadot/Sabriel: I just use the free version of FF, but I think I'll spring for the special big money version once we start TTC. (If we *ever* TTC. :mad: ) ;)

[Clattercote]

Gia - Quite helpful! Thanks!

Re: FF and Ovusoft, I'm also getting the free version of FF. I downloaded Ovusoft for a free trial once, loved the graphics, but can't afford the fee. My sense is, Ovusoft is a bit more accurate than FF in terms of avoiding. With FF, I've "tried out" their VIP stuff when they give free trials, and for me, it's just not worth it. I'm happy with their basic stuff so I personally wouldn't pay for either one. But... is there still a review of the two programs on page one of this thread? If so - you might check that out too.

[Sevilla]

i am trying to decide if i should pay the one time fee of $39.95 for ovusoft software or pay $16.95 for 3 months of FF....i like them both but i pay the $39.95 once and its mine forever....FF....i have to keep a memebrship...what should i do...i dont know...would like to hear the pros and cons you all have...

thanks
Do neither. Just use FF for free. I've used it for free for over 2 1/2 years now, it's just a place to store my data. Since both Ovusoft and FF have horrendously misinterpreted charts and ovulation dates (FF more than Ovusoft), i don't consider either reliable for avoiding pregnancy. So why pay the money for software and programs that you have to second-guess and override?

[tlew12778]

Do neither. Just use FF for free. I've used it for free for over 2 1/2 years now, it's just a place to store my data. Since both Ovusoft and FF have horrendously misinterpreted charts and ovulation dates (FF more than Ovusoft), i don't consider either reliable for avoiding pregnancy. So why pay the money for software and programs that you have to second-guess and override? ITA with this. All I do is print out my charts like a mad woman when FF gives me the free trials. That way I can get DPO counts and overlays for free.

Still no O for me (CD 38 or 39... I forgot). I talked to my gyno y-day bc I emailed her a copy of my ultrasound but I think she might be a little bit computer illiterate (she's 62 y.o.) and I think she cannot figure out how to download the attachment :rolleyes:. Plus she's gone on vacation (or at least not at her practice) for the entire month of July so I don't know what she wants to do now in terms of dealing with this or not. FH seems to think it's not healthy for me to not have a period for this long, but I know that some drs let you go over 100 days with no period (although I don't know if that's with suspected PCOS or not).

[angelraven]

I just signed up at FF and I'm ready to start charting.

Here are my stats:

angelraven
Real name: Heather (22)
FH's name: Matt (22)
Occupation: SAHW, student (me) Programmer (him)
Married: July 31st, 2004
Started Charting: July 2005
TTC: End of 2006?


I'm completely new at this. I've been on BC for four years, and I'm finally at my wit's end. I have tried so many different kinds and all of them have horrible side effects for me. Headaches, nausea, moodiness, decreased sex drive, etc. I had an appendectomy last month, so I've been off since June 6th, AF came on the 9th. So I'm due for AF again any day, if all goes well. I anticipate having some wacky cycles because I did before I was on BC. I also have PCOS, which could make things tricky. However, DH and I have agreed it is best for me to go ahead and get off of BC now and to learn as much as I can about my body before TTC in case we find that there are problems. I'll link my chart when I start recording temps!

[lawgirl4]

tiffany - why does your DH think it's "unhealthy" to go as long as you have without AF? just curious (as someone who just had an 85 day cycle ;) )...

cycle update - on day 6 of AF... no crazy cramps or any other side effects... other than that not much to report!

[tlew12778]

I think it's bc he knows that the reason I am not ovulating is suspected PCOS and that it's just not a regular anov cycle. With PCOS you've got to regulate the hormonal levels bc an excess of estrogen or androgen (I can't remember) is not healthy. Let untreated, in extreme circumstances, it can increase your chances of getting ovarian/cervical cancer. I really should look it up better, but 1) I'm not excited about the dx for obvious reasons and 2) I just want to know what my own gyno thinks first. I'll have to ask FH for a more specific explanation when I get home later.

[lawgirl4]

hey tiffany, thanks for the explanation. I hope that you get some answers soon - I can imagine how frustrated you are feeling.

[Graffy]

Well, dh and I made a more definite decision about when to TTC (mostly due to a desire to not be pg in a friend's wedding in May '07, although the timing works well for us anyway. This is the first time I've gotten a response from him other than "well...I just don't know what to say about that." :D ), so my stats can be updated:

TTC: Feb 2007

Also, I realized I didn't have a link to my chart in the stats, so here it is:
My FF Chart (http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/9fab4)

[tlew12778]

Here's a better explanation (http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-and-Cancer.php):

Because PCOS causes disruptions to the normal menstrual cycle - irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce estrogen, but not progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium may grow too much and undergo atypical cell changes. This is a pre-cancerous condition called endometrial hyperplasia. If the thickened endometrium is not treated, over a long period of time it can develop into endometrial cancer.

So I guess that would also apply to any anov cycle regardless of the cause. Mainly it's important that you shed the lining at some point, whether that be induced by provera or BCP.

[kanga1622]

Just checking in. No O on my chart yet but today's temp was promising. Our car died on the 4th so we are now in the process of purchasing a new car (we were hoping to wait until November to do that). So now I guess we'll see if stress delays O for me. :p

[ABirney]

We'll see if stress delays my O this cycle... my FIL was in a truck accident on Tues afternoon, ended up being transferred to a bigger hospital a couple hours from here and having emergency surgery on Tues night at midnight. He was on a respirator until about 8pm last night and was still pretty out of it today yet. We all went down there yesterday but I had to come back today because I had to work this afternoon.. DH, MIL, and 1 SIL are still down there. The other SIL and I are going back Saturday. So if anyone wants to say a prayer for him, that would be great.

[flygirl]

ABirney, I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL. You and your family are definitely in my prayers.

[strwbrygirl]

ABirney you and your family are in my thoughts.


Question for all:

How do you remember to temp in the morning? This is my second month charting, and I am having the worst time remembering to take my temp. I'm SO not a morning person, and lately I've already been halfway through my shower before I remember that I was supposed to temp. On those days, what do y'all do? Take it later? Skip it?

[cat_loverpq]

strwbrygirl ~ I keep my thermometer beside my alarm clock so every morning when the alarm goes off I see the thermometer sitting right there and it reminds me to take my temp. Just make sure your alarm isn't across the room - you should take your temp before getting out of bed. If you forget to temp, you have to just skip that day. Once you are out of bed and moving your body temp starts to rise and you won't get an accurate reading (especially if you take hot showers in the mornings).

Could you maybe ask DH to help remind you to temp in the mornings? It will get easier to remember, once you get into a routine about it. :) Good luck!

[lawgirl4]

strwbrygirl, I do the same thing as catlover - I have the thermometer right on the nighttable next to my head so I can't miss it in the morning. (You have to temp before you get out of bed, so you should really keep it within arm's distance anyway). What do you see first thing in the morning when you wake up? Put a sign on whatever you see that says "TEMP!" and hopefully that will do the trick until it becomes second nature.

[tlew12778]

I also have my therm right next to my clock. I don't even open my eyes... I just grope around until I find it and stick it in my mouth. In 8 months I have forgotten twice and that was last month actually. It's just habit now.

[granada]

Hi! Thanks to all who answered my acne question a while back.

tlew12778 ~ PCOS, oh no! I hope you don't have PCOS. Let us know what you find out. My cycles have been pretty clockwork so far and my zits are actual zits, so I don't think that's happening in my case.

I'm going to the gyno soon, though, so I'll ask her about my acne problem. Who knew, at 29, I'd be breaking out still? My back is definitely not in any condition for summer clothes. Ack! Maybe that was TMI.

[kanga1622]

granada - I am right there with you with acne but I'm only 25. I think I'm a lifer. :o I was on meds from the dermatologist once when I was about 16 but it was about $70 a month and included 2-3 topical medications and a daily antibiotic. I just can't put those chemicals into my body now that I'm older and wiser.

I need to make my annual appointment but I'll need a confirmed O before I do so that I can schedule it with my doctor instead of the NP. The NP drives me nuts with her reasoning that if it is after day 28 of my cycle she won't let me leave without a pregnancy test. Of course, I forgot to temp this morning so I won't be able to confirm an O until after the weekend if my temp stays up.

[lege]

Hi all! I'm here from WC too, although I haven't been there in a while. For those of you who knew me there, surgery went well and I'm back at work now. It's been a long 3 months, but I'm definitely doing better. After a VERY long cycle during surgery, I've had two "normal" ones - AF started yesterday. I have to wait to see what my dr says at the end of the summer, but we're shooting to start TTC in late Dec / early Jan.

Hope everyone's doing well - looking forward to catching up w/ you all! I'll post my stats next...
L

[lege]

Lege
Me: Laura (29 - until next weekend!)
DH: (31)
Occupation: Real Estate Advisor
Married: July 31, 2004
Started charting: January 2004
TTC: Late 2005/early 2006

[orchidrose]

Hi, everyone! :) I'm coming over from the WC. I had just joined when they switched to the new format. I don't know why they would switch to that messageboard... Anyway.

Here's my info:

orchidrose
Me: 31
DH: 28
My occupation: Teacher
Married: 2003
Started Charting: June 2005
TTC: Around July/August 2006

[orchidrose]

Hey! Now that I'm registered I need to ask a question. This is my first cycle after coming off BCP, and I've had kind of a weird CF pattern. It's been sticky for days, then one day I had this thick, stretchy, brown-tinged CF. I recorded it as EW, but what do you think? (I read somewhere someone suggesting that that type is not really EW because it's thicker and globbier than EW.) I also think I may have had 0-pain that morning. After that one day of that stuff, I'm back to sticky. My temps haven't yet shifted upward yet either. TIA!!!

[Clattercote]

Hi orchidrose - I tend to think that anything that is truly stretchy gets marked as EWCM - even if it actually looks like a combo. E.g. I often have thick whitish/yellowish CM that looks a bit like gobby sticky CM, but acts like EWCM, stretching 1/2 inch or more - so it gets categorized as EWCM. In your case, the brown-tinged aspect might indicate really fertile CM plus spotting around O. You can test this by looking at whether you get this same type of CM in future cycles around O, as well.

Or it could just be random spotting. Once your temp goes up you'll be able to look back and determine what was more and most fertile CM for you.

[lawgirl4]

orchidrose - if this is your first post-BCP cycle, just be prepared for things to be weird. I know that a lot of the other women on this board had very "normal" cycles immediately after BCP, but it is also "normal" to have very wacky cycles with no rhyme or reason. My first post-BCP cycle started out textbook-perfect - and then went on for 85 days of weirdness. Just keep track of everything, be patient, and just try to become skilled at observing your body's changes.

[orchidrose]

Thanks, Clattercote and Lawgirl4, for the advice. I'll try to be patient and know that things could be crazy for a while. I hope that it was a kind of EWCM (and it was very stretchy--like 3 inches), because I was/am so excited to feel that I'm ovulating again after all these years. So far, charting is really fun, and I think it will be more fun once some of the wackiness subsides.

[polkadot]

well this is my 2nd cycle of of BCp last cycle was 35 days with O on day 25...this 2nd cycle if weirding me out though...we evacuated for the hurricane this weekend so things were hectic but i was clam, not nervous or anything...well for the last few days i have had sticky kinda creamy CM, but tonight when i checked again it was EW! isnt that weird...i thought when you got EW you were close to ovualtion...well if its like last month i have a far way to go...we are using protection but its just weird...so i guess the ? i am asking is...Can you have different patches of CM during the cycle? or is my body still weirding out? thanks
:o

[Clattercote]

Hi Polkadot! - I would say there's a fair chance your body is still weirding out - and there's also quite a good chance that you'll O earlier than last time - I wouldn't base things on your past cycles, but on what your body is telling you now - which is, with the EWCM, that you're potentially fertile.

[ABirney]

I have been spending time with my 2 month old niece alot this past week because FIL is in the hosp after a car accident and my SIL brought Savanah to the hosp with her. Now I have baby fever even worse than before!!! Good thing DH stayed at the hosp when I came home... I am fertile right now (3" EWCM) and told him if he was home we'd be in trouble! LOL! Remind me that we have to wait a few months.......
Oh and Polkadot my first month of BCP was wacked out too CM wise and temp wise.. was 76 days. After that they got normal though.

[ajlanden]

Can I join you ladies? I just started charting (or trying to chart) again.

ajlanden or ShyAnn on WC
Real name: Ashley (27, 28 in August)
DH's/FH's/BF's name: Doug (32)
DD concieved with charting!: Danielle Judith born 12/15/04 (the love of my life!)
Occupation: Marketing Director
Married (date of or date planned): 6/28/03
Started charting to TTA: 7/05
TTC #2: Early 2006, so exciting and scary to think about...

Here is my question. DD is still waking a lot at night. I usually have to get up and walk down the hall to put her paci in. Unfortunately, it happens most often in the wee morning hours. Any ideas on how to get my temps to be more accurate?

[jude29]

Hi there! I starting charting a few months back and love this forum.

Here's my info:
Me: 28
DH: 30
Occupation: HR Generalist
Married: June 4, 2005
Started charting: February 2005
TTC: Late 2006/early 2007
I started charting the month after I got off of BCP and my chart was crazy! It's finally regulating but I'm having some pre-ovulatory spotting. Everyone keeps telling me I'm going to get pregnant using this method. It's really starting to get on my nerves. If only they were as enlightened as we all are :)

[jude29]

My first 4 months were all very crazy cycles. CF was different each time, one month I ovulated on day 12 and the next month I didn't ovulate until day 18. One month I had 5 dry days then sticky and the next month I had sticky immediately after period and no EW. I think it's going to take a few months for your body to regulate. I think mine is still getting there and I'm on my 5th cycle.

[polkadot]

well i went to the dr today and told her about making the decision about going off the pill and she totally supports my decision. I told her we are waiting a while to TTC but she said that since we wouldnt be totally dissapointed if it happened that she reccommends starting to take a pre-natal vitamin, just incase...she says she still takes hers everyday and her **baby** is 7, so i will get those tomorrow...DH and i are going to have to have another talk about TTC, i am really feeling the itch, I would like to start trying in Aug or Sept, but i want to make sure that my cycles are regular and etc, so maybe a few more months of trying to avoid...
thanks for all the info girls...its nice to know my body isnt crazy! :p

[Clattercote]

ajlanden - Can you discern a temp pattern at all? What I have heard about waking up in the wee hours, etc. is that consistency in the overall pattern is what's important. So if your consistent "pattern" tends to be (but is not necessarily always) waking up in the wee hours to give your daughter her paci, then it won't make such a difference in your temp pattern at all.

A friend of mine temps at the same time every morning (7) - regardless of whether she was up an hour before that and was bfing, and regardless of whether it was a restless night. She actually keeps her thermometer and chart in the bathroom, and so upon using the toilet at 7, she takes her temp and records it in one go. She's able to keep a pretty noticeable pattern that way - so I guess the bottom line is whether you can discern an overall pattern.

Hope this helps -

[lawgirl4]

hey all!

just got back from my Dr appointment and for all the wacky first-cycle-off-BCP people, she was totally unconcerned about it... she said that if my next 2 cycles are over 35 days that I should come back in, and she is checking my thyroid levels now to start a trackable history if necessary. she said, again, that it is totally normal to have wacky cycles when one goes off the pill and to just try to be patient about it :)

feeling so excited, though, as this was my first appointment with this Dr (she delivered my nephew and SIL (nephew's mom) loves her) - and I really liked her too. exciting to meet the Dr. who is going to deliver your future baby!!

[polkadot]

did she suggest that you start taking prenatal vitamins just in case you got an oops. I wen to my dr. yesterday and she said that if i was going ot rely on this method she supported my decision but that I should begint aking Prenatals, just in case...i was just wondering what your dr said or if she mentioned it...thanks

[kanga1622]

polkadot - I know you weren't specifically asking me but I figured I'd answer anyway. :p My doc feels that any woman within childbearing age range should at least take a multivitamin and folic acid supplement. There are many children out there that are BC failures (condoms break, etc.) and she'd rather have every one of her patients on a good multivitamin than chance a baby with a neuraltube defect due to low folic acid.

[MrsKinnison]

I finally found everyone....better late than neve right? I could never get back onto the WC boards, so it took me a while to catch up to you. Nothing new on the charting scene for me. I can't believe I am on cycle 7...how time flies!

Have I missed anything??

[lawgirl4]

polkadot - yes, she did recommend it... and she also said not to take a prenatal plus a regular multivitamin as it would result in "overdosing" on certain vitamins. I agree with kanga's doc - taking a prenatal certainly doesn't do any harm to a woman of childbearing age, and it can be quite a positive thing in the event of an "oops"!

[ani]

Hi Everyone

screen name: Ani -- AnilovesPeter on WC
Real name: Ani (age) 22
DH's/FH's/BF's name:Peter 22
Occupation: Student
Married : Sept 2, 2006!
Started charting May 2004
TTC: unknown
and would you kindly add me to the 'masters' list?

I had quit posting in the other thread on the WC because I have the most boring, regular cycles. My LTL and HTL are exactly the same every month, same full temp shift. This month I have a question though! Yesterday I was 3dpo and in the morning I had the very slightest bit of spotting. I've never had any spotting around O before and at 3dpo according to my temps/CF seems kinda late. Anybody know anything about this? TIA

It's nice to have this group here :) Can't wait to get to know everyone!

[Quartercentury]

I'm so glad I haven't lost you girls!

screen name: quartercentury (chart link: http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/3313f)
Real name: I'm not telling, but I'm 26
FH's name: Likewise a secret, but he's 26, too
Occupation: Social policy research
Engaged: June 28, 2005!!!
Started cha