Fertililty & cycle questions galore

[nurse_wannabe]

Okay, DH and I are trying to conceive. I've never actually TRIED to get pregnant before, it just always kinda happened on its own. :imbar Anyway, I'm trying to figure out my fertile days, but I'm kinda confused. The calculators all ask for my cycle length. Um, I'm supposed to know this how? lol. Do I count the days between one month start date & the next? What if they are all different? The start dates of my past 4 periods are: August 13, September 16, October 19, and November 20.

From what I've gathered, the first day of my period is the 2nd day of my cycle?? Or is it the first?

Which days of my cycle provide the best chances of conceiving? Sadly, after 8 years of marriage and now working nights, I really need to pinpoint it within a few days, if you catch my drift. :rotfl:

Oops, I forgot to say thank you to all and have a wonderful, stuff-your-face Thanksgiving!

[nurse4theplanet, RN]

Checking cervical mucous is part of the "fertility awareness" method (FAM), not the rhythm method. The "rhythm method", or calender method, refers to just keeping track of your cycles and avoiding intercourse or using additional BC methods mid-cycle on the days you are most likely to be fertile and tends to be not much more effective than no BC control, IIRC. Fertility awarenesshas a better success rate and generally includes using the "rhythm method" along with tracking basal body temp and/or cervical mucous (slippery, stretchy like egg-whites at peak fertility) or the position of the cervix.

There's a really good book out there for anyone interested in learning more about FAM (also referred to as Natural Family Planning) for either conceiving OR avoiding, or just learning more about how your body works- Taking Charge of your Fertility.

Thank you for the information. :)

[mitchsmom]

Another vote for TCOYF.. I think all women should read it... it's a great book just to know about your body even if you aren't trying to get/avoid pregnancy at the moment.