How to chart BBT and use OPK's

[LVSV]

So AF just arrived after our first month of TTC using only an ovulation predicting app. It's made me realise how much I want to get pregnant and would like to maximise my chances of conceiving ASAP instead of the agonising 2ww time after time!

I've ordered some ovulation test strips and a BBT thermometer so I can get a more reliable ovulation window (hopefully!) - which apps do people use to chart this info on? My current period tracking app doesn't have this feature and I worry putting pen to paper might result in a few errors or just a scrawly mess.
Any other advice people have on using opks or BBT monitoring would be appreciated too

Hi there. I use easy@home ovulation strips to test my LH surge, they are cheap but work. You test during the late morning/afternoon as LH levels typically dont start to rise until morningtime. When it shows as positive, it means you will ovulate within 12-36 hours, so get busy. However, I have read some things that state occasionally when you test positive, you could have just ovulated and the egg is dead by the time you get busy, so these are not full proof and should be used to track your cycle. Some people test multiple times a day. Also, a LH surge does not necessarily mean an egg was released from your ovary.

There is a Clear Blue OPK monitoring device but it is expensive.

I am not as familiar with BBT as I have not been doing it as long, but you measure your temperature (as long as you arent sick and have slept at least 3 hours uninterrupted) before you get out of bed first thing when you wake up everyday. Your temperature will rise 1/10th to 3/10th's of a degree when you have ovulated. It does not give you advance notice like OPK strips do. Again, used to track your cycle. After using both methods for a few months you will know your window of when you usually ovulate. I recommend having sex every other day during your fertile window (a few days before you ovulate until when you do) once you figure this out.

Hi @LVSV I track on Flo and Fertility Friend. I've used Flo for longer than FF, I like that on Flo I can make notes but FF I prefer for BBT as it shows the coverline so if my temp drops I know AF is on her way. Hope that helps and good luck!

I use "Femometer" however I'm not too sure. I've been using it for 2 months so I guess it doesn't "know" me yet but my fertility windows according to the app for 10 days before I got a LH surge on my OPK (see the photo attached).

But I'm just using it as more of a LH/DTD/OPK diary and using the OPK more than the BBT

I use OPKs, the Ava Fertility Bracelet, Fertility Friend & Ovia. I've had a couple of losses. The Ava bracelet does BBT so you don't have to worry about taking your temp before you get out of bed. I love the graph FF gibes you.

@MrsN2121 do you have to pay for those apps after a certain time passes? Xx

@LVSV no I've not had to pay for either, I've been using Flo for about 2 years

I find FF the easiest to use. You can add notes to it and it gives a clear indication of ovulation. When you use opks you are meant to use at least twice a day. I do lunchtime and 8-10pm, otherwise you might miss the surge. Taking your temp becomes habit very quickly