How to compile basal body temperature chart data and symptoms

Correct observation and detection of symptoms is essential in order to be able to interpret the data you record on the basal temperature graph.

For this it may take a few weeks of practice before you can be confident in reading and interpreting the trend of your temperature and therefore in the ability to identify the day of ovulation. But don’t be discouraged by this: you will also learn to know your body much better and… you can always ask for help!

What are the lines that appear automatically?

If a vertical gray line appears, the system has identified a possible ovulation.

If a horizontal dotted line appears, that’s the coverline that was automatically found when you marked your ovulation day.

If you’ve already done several charts and figured out what your coverline is, you can set it for all charts by filling in the measurement on your charts homepage, here. 

When to start measuring?

Each graph must be completed starting from the first day of menstruation intended as the first day of true flow.

If you want, you can also start when your period has already started, just to practice in the meantime, but when creating the graph, enter the date of your last period , which is the primary reference.

Here is an example of all the data you can enter in this photo: don’t be scared, the only mandatory data is the temperature! However, as you become familiar with the tool, you will see that it will be natural for you to recognize and memorize the various symptoms .

How to measure temperature?

As we explained when we introduced the basal temperature method , the temperature should be taken every morning at the same time before getting up and doing any activity. The measurement should be done either rectally or vaginally. Once you have chosen the method, always use only that.

It is important to sleep at least 4 hours in a row before measuring it and it would be advisable to take the temperature by 8 in the morning.

The basal temperature is a temperature that is measured at rest (also from the point of view of metabolism), therefore avoid taking other measurements during the day because they would have no meaning.

Keep the thermometer on the bedside table, maybe set the alarm clock to wake up and even before opening your eyes, take the thermometer and measure.

To learn more about the measurement, I wrote a tutorial on how to measure the basal temperature  that I recommend you read.

How to observe the symptoms?

The observation of the symptoms of cervical mucus (read the tutorial on cervical mucus ) must be done throughout the day and then, what has been observed during the day, must be recorded in the evening.

The mucus must be observed at the vulvar level, therefore not on the briefs because the watery part is absorbed on the briefs and therefore the observation would be incorrect.

You can at most observe it on the toilet paper (even if it would not be exactly the best way) but before urinating.

It is also very important to pay attention to the sensations in the vagina because they are an excellent indicator to understand whether or not ovulation is approaching.

Around ovulation you should feel a “ wet ” sensation that turns into “ lubricated ” on the day of maximum fertility.

Peak fertility is characterized by a maximally lubricated sensation and very fertile mucus (stringy and elastic like egg white).

Ovulation can occur on this day known as PEAK, or the day after when these symptoms disappear or change radically (for example a feeling of dryness returns and the mucus becomes opaque and thick) or at the latest the day after that . 

For those who prefer, you can associate the observation of the mucus with that of the uterine cervix .

It is very important to note if you take medicines , if you have a cold or various influences (which could alter your body temperature) and any pain in your ovaries that may accompany ovulation.

Of course, intercourse is also noted to understand, once ovulation has been identified, if they were on the right days.

In this way, filling in day after day you have a clear and complete picture to understand the menstrual cycle and your fertility.

When to ask for an opinion?

It would be preferable to ask for an opinion when at least one consecutive series of 15 surveys is available (15 days of data entered). First it is very difficult for any expert to make the correct assumptions.