Understanding your body- your first step!

For some people the act of conceiving will never be an issues, but for one in every six couples conceiving will be difficult and the first step to success is understanding your body and what to look for.

The easiest and most cost effective way to start to understand your body and when ovulation occurs is to chart your Basal Body Temperature (BBT). A Basal Body Thermometer can be purchased at any Walmart, Kmart, or Target for less then $15. Just make sure that you purchase a Basal Body Thermometer, they are different then the ones you would use to take your temperature when you are sick. The easiest way to track your BBT is to take your temperature at the same time everyday, and you want to take your temperature before you get out of bed, so keep your thermometer near your bed, in a nigh stand is always a good place. Just write down the temperature every morning starting on day one of your menstrual cycle.

Keeping track of your BBT is a way to document whether or not you have ovulated. A specific hormonal change during your cycle triggers a rise in basal body temperature. By taking your temperature every day you can chart the rise of your temperature and note the day you ovulate. The BBT chart will not predict when you are going to ovulate, but can serve as a record of your patterns. This will be very helpful when you see your doctor, most doctors will want to see 3-6 months of BBT charts. This aids in seeing if you are ovulating on your own.

You can also purchase ovulation predictor kits (OPK), those can be purchased at any drug store, Walmart, or Target in the family planning section, and usually cost about $20 for a one month supply. OPK's are helpful in helping you determine when you are going to ovulate, so you can time intercourse appropriately. They are very helpful when used in conjunction with a BBT because you can track up to your ovulation day and then confirm that you ovulated with the help of your chart.

For more information on charting pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, its a great book and very informative. Even after you have read it its a great reference book to keep on hand.