MrsR you can start at any time, though at first it might not make much sense. It doesn't matter if you miss out a day or two, especially at the beginning and at the end of your cycle.
It is very simple really (though when you go into details, it starts getting more complex).
Basically, you just take your temperature every morning BEFORE getting up.
You can measure orally or (for better results) vaginally. You should keep the thermometer in for full 5 minutes, not just to the peep.
Then you write down your measure and the current time.
If you write that down in an online chart, for example at www.fertilityfriend.com then the online software will do all the interpretation for you. It will tell you when it is reasonably certain that you have ovulated and when to expect AF / to do a HPT.
After a while the programme will know your cycle and will be able to make predictions and tell you when you are most fertile.
Obviously, the more information you feed it, the more it can tell you. So, observing CM in addition to charting temps is a good idea, and you can also put in OPK test results. But even if you just chart temps, it can be useful, since at least you will see if and when you ovulated and when to expect AF. (However, temps alone are NOT good for predicting ovulation. For that you will need to observe CM and/or use OPKs)
cheepz glad you found us. I hope everyone else will find us too!