Charting 101 - Lesson #1: Fertility Signs
In this lesson on the Fertility Awareness Method we discuss the three primary fertility signs: basal body temperature, cervical fluid and cervical position. As always, to learn more please read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
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What do you need to chart to practice the Fertility Awareness Method? This is Charting 101, lesson #1.
There are three primary fertility signs used in the method. One is optional while the other two are required if you want to practice the symptothermal method properly.
First up: basal body temperature, aka waking temperature. This is your resting temperature, taken first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. It increases after ovulation in response to rising progesterone.
Next: cervical fluid. This is the mucus your cervix produces, and it changes throughout your cycle in response to rising estrogen. Tracking this alongside waking temperature is key to spotting your potential fertile window.
Lastly: cervical position. This one’s optional! Some women chart it to double-check the other signs, but it’s not required - many people just track waking temperature and cervical fluid.
Next, we’ll break down each fertility sign and what it actually tells you about your cycle. And if you’re ready to start charting, download Cyclisity.
As a legal disclaimer, I want to add that this blog post is about the Fertility Awareness Method, not Cyclisity. Cyclisity is an app that helps women chart their cycles but is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not FDA approved as a medical device and does not provide any medical advice. Please consult your physician with any health questions you may have.