Talk to me about BBT and luteal phases...

[BumWad]

So I have been using the CBFM which gives me highs/peaks from days 17-20 on an average 33 day cycle. However I have noted a few times on here that a lot of ladies are ovulating quite a while after the 'peak' on the CBFM. This is now prompting me to work out when I actually ovulate. I believe we have probably been dtd at the wrong time, or stopping after getting a peak rather than making sure we've covered all bases and carrying in dtd!

I have had the odd 35/36 day cycle where Ive peaked on days 17/18 but I may not have ovulated till days 21-22, is that right? Am I right in thinking that the luteal phases doesn't really change? So what should a luteal phase be?

Also how do I take my BBT? I have an app on my phone where I can input to an dive purchased a thermometer. Do I take it in the mornings? Does it have to be at the same time everyday? Do I start now (mid-cycle) or shall I start day 1 on my next cycle? What am I looking out for when recording temps?

Thanks ladies

Bump

Hi! Ususally you ovulate within 24-48 hours of getting the first peak. That is why the monitor gives you two days of peak, so you can DTD on one or both of those days and catch ovulation. Sperm stays alive inside you for at least 2-3 days.

So if you get your first peak on day 17, you should ovulate on day 18 or 19, not later than that.

Luteal phases are usually quite stable, but can still differ by a few days.

Oh yes, the BBT. You take it immediately when you wake up in the morning, without doing anything else. It works best if you take it around the same time and after at least 3 hours of interrupted sleep. It's best to start in the beginning of the cycle or at least 6 days before ovulation, to be able to detect a temperature shift.

What happens is, usually the day after you ovulate you will see your temperature rising and staying high during the luteal phase. I use the fertility friend app, which automatically detects the temp shift. It will produce a base line, which is just above the highest temperature of the 6 days before ovulation. Your temps after ovulation should be at least 1 degree above this base line.

You can then more accurately see when you ovulated and how long your luteal phase was. For instance, if you got your peak on day 17 and you temperature shift on day 20, that means you probably ovulated on day 19. If you then get your period on day 35, your luteal phase was 16 days long. Usually there is also a consistency in when you get your LH peak and when you ovulate.

Good luck!

Thank you

Hi I find this interesting, So what is BBT?

Also I would like to temp next month, so can someone please send me a link on what to buy in order to do so?
I get a stomach ache when I believe I am ovulating so would be good to know if I'm correct or not

Thanks :)

All you need is a thermometer, Keepswimming. Doesn't even have to be a 'good' one - an ordinary digital one with one decimal place will do fine. Asda have them for about £3. Then look up Fertility Friend or Ovufriend on the net and get charting - makes it way easier!

Oh, BBT is Basal Body Temperature ie your lowest temperature, taken immediately after waking in the morning and before doing anything else. Doesn't work quite as well for shift-workers like me as we're forever getting up at different times, but it does still work.

Thanks RARA1988 - I will be buying one over the weekend now :)