Interpreting Your Chart
Cervical Fluid (Mucus)
Cervical fluid changes in a predictable pattern during the menstrual cycle. Learning to
recognise these changes can take some practice, so be patient with yourself!
Fluid that is watery, thin and stretchy is known as ‘fertile’ or ‘eggwhite’ fluid and this fluid
enables sperm to survive and swim towards the egg. A damp or wet sensation often
accompanies fertile fluid.
Fertile cervical fluid is experienced in the days leading up to ovulation and quickly
disappears once ovulation has occurred. Ovulation usually occurs around the last day
that fertile cervical fluid is observed. Ovulation can only be established retrospectively.
Temperature
The purpose of charting your resting temperature is to determine if and when you ovulate
and whether your luteal phase is long enough for implantation to occur.
Ovulation is confirmed with a ‘biphasic’ chart, which shows a phase of lower pre-ovulatory
temperatures, followed by a phase of higher post-ovulatory temperatures.
A simple rule to determine that ovulation has occurred is to look for 3 consecutive
temperatures, which are higher than the previous 6 temperatures.
These 3 high
temperatures mark the beginning of the higher post ovulation temperatures, which will
remain elevated until your next period. Ovulation usually occurs the day before the first
temperature rise.
Counting your Luteal Phase
The luteal phase (or post-ovulatory phase) of the cycle is the time from ovulation until your
next period. A luteal phase of at least 10 days is required for successful implantation and
pregnancy to occur. The luteal phase is counted from your first raised temperature
through to, but not including the first day of your next period. Your luteal phase remains
consistent from cycle to cycle.
Charting for Conception
Charting your menstrual cycle enables you to determine your fertile time each cycle. The
fertile time can vary from cycle to cycle and from couple to couple. It is a maximum of 6
days in length, ending on the day of ovulation. In some couples, the fertile time may be
only 1 or 2 days long. By timing intercourse for the fertile days each cycle, a couple can
maximise their chances of conception.
Through charting your menstrual cycle, you will be able to determine:
If and when you ovulate
If your luteal phase is long enough for implantation to occur
If you are producing fertile-quality cervical fluid, necessary for conception
If there may be hormonal imbalance or other conditions affecting fertility
If you experience an early miscarriage
If you have conceived
Research has shown that if a couple correctly identify their fertile days through charting
and use ‘fertility focused intercourse’ every cycle, 81% of couples will be pregnant at the
end of 6 cycles. If conception has not occurred at this point, there is a 50% chance of
there being a genuine subfertility/infertility issue.
Charting for 6 cycles will help determine if further investigation might be necessary.
If you wish to pursue further investigation, Fertility Focus can advise you of your options
and refer you on as appropriate.
You may wish to keep a record of your cycles below, to help you identify when you have
achieved 6 cycles of correctly timed intercourse:
Cycle 1
Timing Intercourse for Conception
Cycle 2
Timing intercourse for the days you experience fertile fluid will greatly enhance your
chances of conception. Intercourse every day or every second day during the fertile time
is recommended. Having intercourse on the day of the best quality fertile fluid will further
enhance your chances.
Cycle 3
Cycle 4
Pregnancy
Cycle 5
You can feel confident that you are pregnant if your chart reveals at least 18 high
temperatures after ovulation with no period. Once you go 2 days beyond your normal
luteal phase length, you may wish to do a pregnancy test.
Cycle 6
CC-2TC
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© 2010 Fertility Focus