Charting temps...need help

[Shenjall]

Hi all!

Not new to the board, but new to this forum. Dh is having his vasectomy reversed hopefully early next year (consult is in jan) so in the meantime, I've decided to start charting to see if theres any issues with my fertility that needs to be taken care of before the surgery. (I have irregular periods)

So, I've got the book, TCOYF, loving it, (and shocked at how much I didnt know about my own body) and now I'm starting to chart.

So, heres the issue - temping. I get up at the same time every day, 7:15am, so taking it on time isnt the issue, the 3 hours consecutive is. I wake up to pee every night, at least once. Sometimes its 3am, which is fine, but other times its 5am, or 5:45. If I woke up at the same time to pee, I would just use that time as my temp time, but like I said, it changes.

So, whats more important - same time every day? or at 3 hours sleep prior to temp?

[HulaJenn]

I would take it at 5-5:45 if you are up to pee because that is close enough to your usual waking time, but not at 3 since you would likely go back to sleep for 3-4 more hours. i think the number of hours of sleep are more important than same time. But you'll see if, by using that system, it gives you a clear chart pattern. If not then you may need to modify it. I think it is great you are starting prior to TTC and have time to see what kind of fertility pattern you have- so instead of stressing when it comes time to TTC, you'll hopefully have it all figured out and will get your BFP the first month trying! Good Luck!

[Shenjall]

Thanks Jenn! I was starting to think the same thing, but I thought the same time was more important. I'll start checking when I pee at the 5-6 time.

I wish I could take credit for being prepared, lol, it was the fine women at a vas reversal support group that suggested I get started now.

[ValH]

I agree with you ladies - I'd take it at 5 or 6 if you get up for a potty break then.

[Shenjall]

I'm such a geek, I've been taking temps at both my potty breaks and my usual 7:15 time, lol. Now I'll just use the 5-6 time.

Val - hows the B vitamin thing coming along for you? (I remember you from another thread, I'm not a stalker, I swear! )

[konayossie]

Just wanted to say that you might not even have to worry about the time stuff. I thought I was gonna be unable to chart b/c my sleeping is so screwed up (co-sleeping, frequent night nursing toddler), but I have been going with a consistent temping time, and I have NEVER had 3 consecutive hours of sleep before temping, and I still get a clear biphasic pattern. So, don't stress about it too much till you see if it makes a difference for you.

[Shenjall]

konayossie, thats good to know, thank you for your input. Of course, after I decide to start temping at the 5-6 time, I wake up at 3:45 to pee. Argh. I cant seem to get my bladder to a consistent state, so maybe I should stick with my 7:15 time?

This shouldnt be this hard!

[HulaJenn]

on the days when you wake up at 3ish, don't temp, but wait and use the temp after you go back to sleep until 7;15. it doesn't have to be the same time everyday. And like konayossie said - you may see a nice pattern regardless.

[karmab]

i get up to pee some nights, all different times, other nights i dont, it doesnt seem to make any difference on my chart, but the time i temp really does. it might not be the same for you, but for me, it's much more important i try to take it reasonably close to the same time every day.