Reddit mentions: The best health care thermometers

\> So it seems we’re both healthy and doing all the standard stuff, to have sex every other day, with the key day being 14 days after the first day of your cycle etc etc.

*note - skip to the last paragraph if you only want a response to your direct question*

I would strongly recommend tracking ovulation. 14 days after the first day of your period might be an accurate date for some women to ovulate, but it may very well not be for you. Also, you're most likely to get pregnant on the 2nd and 1st days prior to ovulation (because sperm needs to be in the fallopian tubes ready to meet the egg which takes time, the egg only spends 12-24 hours in your fallopian tubes, and sperm can last up to 5 days inside you), so its important to try and have sex before ovulation.

I track using a combo of tempting and using OPKs (ovulation predictor kits). I use [this](https://www.amazon.com/Basal-Body-Thermometer-BBT-113Ai-Temperature/dp/B07KB2QFDY/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2W5KN789ZPDMU&keywords=bbt+thermometer&qid=1569518618&sprefix=bbt%2Caps%2C768&sr=8-14) thermometer to take my temperature upon first waking up each morning and I use [these](https://www.amazon.com/PREGMATE-Ovulation-Strips-Predictor-Pregnancy/dp/B01G5WGNVQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=pregmate+opk&qid=1569518667&sr=8-1) to detect ovulation. Tracking your temperature can only confirm ovulation after the fact, so if you're only going to use one method, I'd suggest the OPKs. The temperature tracking though for me is nice because it lets me see averages across my cycles and also gives me comfort knowing that I did actually ovulate (OPKs detect your lutenizing hormone surge, but you can have a surge and not ovulate). The OPK instructions will tell you what day to begin testing, but personally I'd recommend starting 2-3 days earlier than they recommend. The general advice is that once you get a positive, have sex every day for the next 3-4 days. However, if 3-4 days days in a row is a lot, do it the day you get a positive, take a day off, then do it again the next day.

Another option is to use what they call an "advanced" OPK. The ones I linked are only considered positive if the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line. So theoretically they are only detecting your "peak" LH surge. An advanced OPK is designed to detect both "high" and "peak" LH surges, and this can give you another day or two of "advance notice". Also, since your peak LH surge might be anywhere from 12-36 hours in advance of ovulation (this is another reason why tracking your temperature can be useful, you can narrow down about how much time passes between peak LH surge and ovulation), it may turn out that you have a bigger or smaller window to have sex after you get that peak OPK.

That said, even with the basic OPKs you can see the test line getting darker over time if you start testing early enough. So when I first notice the line getting darker, I let DH know and we have sex that day, then when the test line is most dark, and then depending on how my temps look and the time between the first and second sex, we might do it again the day after the super positive OPK or two days after (knowing that this last session is a "just in case" I ovulate late, and probably doesn't increase chances of getting pregnant).

Now for your actual question - I really, really feel you on the sex scheduling thing. Neither me nor my DH like it, and it does make sex feel like a chore. Especially for him because honestly I don't have to orgasm to make this happen. When we're not TTC, we're 1x per week people, which is just not going to work to make a baby. As of right now, I put on our shared calendar when I estimate my fertile window is going to be when I start the first day of my cycle. As we get close to the opening of the fertile window I remind him to refrain from having "personal time" and we also don't have sex in order to increase our motivation during the fertile window. Then when we need to have sex I am blunt and tell him that we're going to need to have sex that day (I do my best to tell him in the morning). Then later in the day (we're SUPER not morning sex people, plus we both work so daytime sex usually doesn't happen) I go out of my way to be as nice as possible and try to put him in the mood, which usually involves squashing the rage I feel when he complains about TTC not being very romantic (really? as if I don't know that? as if I don't put effort every single day into TTC while you only have to do it 3x a month, let along the effort I'll be putting in for the 9 months of pregnancy and the 12+ months of breastfeeding after, ohhhhhkkkkayyyy).

Here's a list of items I found so useful for myself that I use as my go-to gift options for anyone I know having a baby.

1. Rectal thermometer Not only is this the fastest and most accurate way to check an infant's temperature, but it really helps with constipation. Around 8 weeks, breastfed babies may start to poop only once a week. My kid would get so uncomfortable, but he was too young to have juice or pureed fruit. My doctor recommended a rectal thermometer with Vaseline to stimulate a BM. Works like a charm!
   
   
2. Lots Of Links These are great for attaching toys to the carseat, stroller, and highchair. They're also thin and light, so they're great for really small infants to practice grasping and passing objects from hand to hand.
   
   
3. Coat Hangers - Since everyone insists on loading up your baby with clothes, you need somewhere to put them all. I used all 80 hangers I had - and that's with a boy!
   
   
4. Breastfeeding supplies - No one likes to buy this stuff, but if it's for a close friend or you know they're going to breastfeed, definitely get her some nursing pads (helpful even if she doesn't breastfeed and sometimes even before the baby is born) and lanolin If she is going to use a Medela pump, these membranes will come in handy. I also liked these wipes for cleaning any breastpump where there may not be a sink and these bags for sanitizing pump parts, bottles, paci's, etc.
   
   
5. While this probably won't be used for a while, this play yard is one of my favorite baby purchases ever. It came in handy especially during those 7-12 months where my kid was crawling and learning to walk. It kept him contained and also gave him a safe place to practice walking. My son is 16 months old and we still use this all the time.
   
   
6. No one did this for me, but I wish people had bought me a small package of their favorite generic/store brand diapers. No one wants to look cheap by buying off brand diapers, but in reality, you'll probably end up using them. Huggies or Pampers can run about $0.35 per diaper. It's great when you're getting gifts, but I'd like a chance to experiment with something lower cost without having to buy 15 brands. Target's Up & Up brand work great for me, and they're only around $0.15 a diaper. But babies are all shaped different, so what works for one kid might not work so great for another. You just have to try them out. It'd be nice to get some different brands as gifts.

I have done natural cycle (so timed with OPKs, no monitoring/meds) IUI using frozen donor sperm! In my case, it's because I'm a woman married to a woman.

I started off using the cheaper OPKs that you can get online (a lot of people here use Wondfo, I happened to use Easy@Home). Those are nice because you can buy a ton of them for not much money. A lot of people tend to use them twice a day, and I did at first as well, but I quickly learned that I pretty much can only catch my LH surge between 4-6pm. Most people tend to surge in the late afternoon-early evening, but that's not always the case.

If you aren't comfortable with trying to interpret the cheaper OPKs (determining if the test line is the same color or darker than the control), then I highly recommend the Clearblue Digital OPK (specifically NOT the advanced version - that one will give you a bigger fertile window range which is not important/helpful when timing IUI). When you are having your LH surge, you get a smiley face. Simple but definitely much more expensive.

I definitely recommend supplementing the OPKs with temping. You can use a Mabis or any other basal body thermometer to take your temperature daily first thing in the morning and then put those numbers into a TTC app such as Fertility Friend. It won't tell you when you're ovulating before it happens, but it will tell you after the fact and then you will know if your IUI timing was good or not.

Also, you should check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It will give you a lot more information on charting and helping you to pinpoint your ovulation day.

I hope that helps a bit! Please feel free to ask me any other questions 🙂

Hey girly!

I definitely use OPKs, but only really found them useful after I had an idea of when I ovulated, which I figured out through charting. *A note on charting: The first months are very hellish. You'll drive yourself nuts if you try to analyze it all, so I'd recommend starting it when life is kind of slow!

I use these OPKs because they came in a combo pack with HPTs and they've been really reliable. I use this thermometer because I like that it beeps when it's getting the temp (note on BBTs, they take about one full minute to get an accurate temp, so you do have to be a bit patient with them!) and it also has a backlight. I temp vaginally because I want to get the most accurate readings, so the beeping does not bother my husband since it's all under the sheets. Definitely start temping CD1 of your period and make sure you're getting the temp right when you wake up (I have an alarm set for 6:30am because I will never be awake on my own then!)

I wouldn't worry about supplements until you have at least three months of charting under your belt. No need to throw everything off...just see how your body works naturally.

This book is the fertility bible to most women and has a lot of helpful information. For charting, FertilityFriend is a great place to start and also has a handy dandy mobile app. You can also poke around in /r/TFABChartStalkers for charting help once you start.

If you can hold out...try to not test before your period is due. Trust me, squinters on pregnancy tests are NIGHTMARES to cope with, totally not worth it, and are avoidable. I wish someone had told me this when I started TTC because it would have saved me a lot of heartache.

I hope you find the support you need here and please feel free to PM me with any questions that you come up with! I've been around the block a few times and can definitely help out :)

My girlfriend and I take a combined approach to birth control that mixes fertility awareness, pulling out, and condoms. First thing is to get this thermometer, which tracks her daily temp (each morning at a similar time) and can be used for identifying when she ovulates. This is used in conjunction with the "Fertility Friend" app, and together you'll get a chart showing when she ovulates each month. Once you build up a few months of data, you'll get a sense of how reliable her period is (something she/you might already know). It basically lets you bin days into "fertile days" and "infertile days". You want to make sure no semen or pre-cum goes anywhere near her pussy on a fertile day or in the seven days before a fertile day. This is because the upper limit of sperm surviving inside the woman is 7 days (and this is the highest estimate). This will help your anal/vaginal play be done with less risk of pregnancy.

So how does this work in practice each month?

• On the day she starts her period, you have about two weeks 'til she ovulates, which means you have one week of no-risk sex ahead of you. Frustratingly, the period itself can take about a week, but if she's mostly done after 4 days, then you can have sex on days 5/6/7. The first "risky" day depends on when she typically ovulates; if it's consistently on or after day 14, you're safe 'til day 8. If she usually ovulates earlier in her cycle, then you move back that first risky day. Ovulation on day 12 = start using a condom/pulling-out/abstaining on day 5. If you're curious about less-messy sex during her period (literally zero chance of pregnancy if her cycle is not insanely weird), consider these sponges.
  
• The other safe window starts after you've confirmed ovulation. Her temperature will shoot up around day 12-18, and it will stay consistently high until she gets her period. The thermometer must show three sustained "high" temperatures in a row, and once this has been observed, you're cleared for risk-free sex for all the days 'til her period begins.
  
• Since condoms give a ~90% protection, and pulling out is ~90% effective, to bring your risk as low as possible, you have to do both on fertile days (and the week preceding them, because sperm can survive for days). My girlfriend and I are OK with being "just" 99% safe on those risky days, so we have sex with condoms & pulling out. On the non-risky days, we still use condoms or I pull out. Still 99% safe since fertility awareness is also ~90% effective. My semen never goes into my girlfriend's vagina.
  
• For you and your girlfriend, you'll want to be ultra safe since you're not open to abortion like we are. Only have sex on "safe" days and use a condom and pull out. The risk of pregnancy with this approach will be much lower than the risky behavior you're currently engaging in.
  
  Good luck, and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
  
  Edit: just saw your other comment about her cycle being unpredictable. I'd still recommend you try tracking for a few months - her ovulation temp spike could be consistently obvious (but on wildly differing days), making things less hard to track than you might expect. As long as she's not having super short cycles, you should be good to have sex right after her period. It sounds like a lot of her practices are more focused on avoiding birth control (b/c god hates pleasure?) than anything else, so maybe the whole situation is already decided for her. Stop the risky play if you guys don't want a baby yet, though...

> what thermometer are you using?

I use this easy@home one. It is a lot more expensive than a lot, but I absolutely love it. Plus, it came with a nice case that I use for all my TTC stuff.
> Where did you get it?

Amazon
> How long does it take to give you a result?

I'm not sure how long it takes to read, because I tend to pass out again until it beeps.

> Does it remember multiple readings?

It remembers up to 60 readings (including date and time) which is super helpful because I always forget to enter and just do so on a weekly basis.

>What do you like and dislike about yours?

Like: Big, backlit display, memory. Dislike: Almost 3x as expensive as alternatives.

>Should I go for one that gives two-decimal readings?

Absolutely.
>And does anyone prefer something else over FertilityFriend to chart temps?

I love the no-frills, analytical feel of FF.

> What thermometer are you using?

I use the Mabis one.

> Where did you get it?

Amazon

> How long does it take to give you a result?

One minute

> Does it remember multiple readings?

Nope, just the last one, but I enter the reading into my phone before I leave for work (or before I go to bed, if I've forgotten!).

> What do you like and dislike about yours?

Cheap, remembers the last reading (so I can temp half asleep and enter it into my phone later) and the beeps are fairly quiet, so I don't disturb my husband.

> Should I go for one that gives two-decimal readings?

Yep. The changes are so tiny that the more detail, the better!

> And does anyone prefer something else over FertilityFriend to chart temps?

Some people do, but stick with FF. I tried about six different apps when I started, but FF is SO clear. And all the extra analysis stuff is awesome.

Hi!!

I've been using the easy@home OPKs that Lauren Roxy mentioned, and pretty happy with them so far! At the time I ordered they were the cheapest on Amazon, I think.

I was really reluctant to try keeping track of my temps because #1 is still up 1-2x a night, but I'm finding this thermometer to be pretty great:

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Basal-Thermometer-Femometer-Intelligently/dp/B06XRZY7KM?th=1

Plus, the app is reasonable at uploading the temps through bluetooth so no guesswork. I haven't actually completed a cycle with it yet, but I'm impressed after a few days. I hear the Fertility Friend app is better, but I'm too lazy to actually type the temperatures in, haha.

I was/am in the exact same boat - first kid, limited funds, starting from scratch, going through reviews and prices drove me insane. It took me probably three months to get my registry together, and, even then, I am still switching things up, lol.

lucieslist.com was invaluable while picking everything out. I highly recommend you check it out.

What we have bought ourselves that fit our tight budget:

Graco Comfy Cruiser Travel System. We had already decided to go with that car seat, given that it seems to be the top-rated budget option, and the stroller ended up being a much-needed bonus. We go on walks a lot, so it works for us. If you don't need the stroller, the seat itself is, I think, only ~$100.

The Pack N Play, which I've heard from literally everyone and their mother is almost a necessity.

Because we don't have an IKEA near us to get our hands on a swanky $99 crib, we bought this DaVinci crib. We still only ended up paying $100 for it, as we found it on sale, however, we would have paid the $200 for it, given that the reviews are good, and, when compared to some other cribs that cost $400 and up, the price isn't bad at all.

As for the rest of the registry, we have on there a Moby wrap (affordable baby wearing, yay!), nail clippers, outlet plugs, nursing pads, a wipes case, a baby tub, baby wash, assorted crib sheets, waterproof crib sheets, Pack N Play mattress, and sheets to go with, crib mattress (we actually bought this one when we found it on sale for $20, and it's just fine), receiving blankets, dirty diaper bags (because we aren't getting a diaper pail, just a small can with a seal-able lid), changing pad, and a cover to go with, pacifiers, Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, a bottle brush, bottle warmer, thermometer, booger sucker, camera to monitor the baby, and a few other assorted things that I couldn't really find a definitive "best in class" for, so pick at your own discretion: diaper bag, swaddles (although I've read good things about the Summer Infant brand), bottles (we're going with Phillips Avent), a bouncer (we got this one), and a swing.

I agonized over this stuff for what felt like forever, lol, so I hope it helps you and saves you some hair-pulling. It's all so overwhelming!

I use an oral thermometer I bought from Amazon. The most important thing to look for is that it measures to two decimal places, which this one does. I also like that this one has a soft beep which doesn't wake my husband up. I do wish it had a backlight, because I have to use the glow of my phone to read it with the lights in the room off - although it does remember your last temperature for later.

Another important thing to remember if you're temping is all over the place is to make sure you're doing the exact same time everyday, and don't talk or get out of bed at all before taking your temp. If you want to keep doing rectals, maybe someone else can comment on that, but I've had pretty good success tracking with my oral temp, as long as I'm really consistent with my waking time. (At first, I would vary my time by 1 hour or so, depending on when I was getting up, but now I have an alarm set for 5:30 everyday and I am getting better temps). Good luck to you!

Absolutely! Honestly, if you're not a little worried about bringing a person into the world, then you're probably not ready. That's the way I've always felt about it.

As for getting ready, now is the perfect time to pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, a Mabis basal body thermometer, and to find a good pre-natal vitamin and DHA supplement. I personally use a combination of Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal and Nordic Naturals DHA. They work well for me, and I got my period right when I expected to after getting my IUD taken out and have been regular as clockwork since.

I would also recommend signing up for FertilityFriend; it's the most common app we're all using, and does a great job of helping you keep track of your cycles. You don't have to go all in on temping (and if you choose not to, don't worry about the thermometer), but I've found it to be so helpful to keep my expectations in check rather than clinging to hope that "Maybe this period is just implantation bleeding".

But in terms of priority, I would highly recommend you pick up TCoYF, and getting started on a good pre-natal. Hope to see you around!

Yay for your results! My son was born at 34 weeks, 4.5 pounds. It seems super small for people who aren't used to preemies, but as a NICU nurse, I can tell you those little ones are very feisty. Try not to worry too much about your cousin's baby :D

I'm not sure there's really any "cool" baby stuff, but here are some of my favorite random items:

• Nosefrida. Seriously, just buy this. You need it.
  
• Vick's rectal thermometer. Helpful for parents who aren't used to taking rectal temps. As you can see, you physically can't stick this in too far, so it seems less daunting. My only complaint is that it reads so quickly that occasionally it would read lower than I knew his temperature was. I would just repeat it and get the real result the second time around.
  
• Safety 1st nail clippers. Has a light and everything so you can see what you're doing. My friend would actually make me cut her daughter's nails with my clippers when she came to visit, lol.
  
  I also think everyone should have some sort of baby carrying device. If you get something with buckles (like an Ergo), make sure the seat of the carrier is wide enough to support your baby from knee to knee. Think an Ergo, not a Baby Bjorn.
  
  Hmm, that's all for now. I'll try to think of something cool ;)

do you think it could possibly have to do anything with the fact that hes ...well a he? I saw a male doctor in my practice, which is made up of 2 males and 4 females, and he kept telling me I couldnt possibly be feeling the things I was feeling. And I'm not talking about symptom spotting or anything Im talking about pre-TTC pain I was having and terrible periods. I was like seriously? Any of the female doctors took my concerns seriously though. Maybe try this; make a phone call and ask the receptionist to have him give you a call back. When he does just say 'hey I know you dont want to do anything invasive TTC wise but can you just send me for bloodwork?'. If he says no then you should see another doctor. You can also try your primary doctor who should be able to send you for bloodwork no problem. Or just do yourself a favor and try out a different gyn

as far as temping goes this is the thermometer I use and love it. I also have two apps (free on iphone), one is ovia and one is fertility friend. I prefer fertility friend for charting but ovia is easier to keep track of symptoms such as cramping and things like that. These are also the OPKs I use. They inexpensive and I can use 2 a day if I think I'm going to be getting a surge soon. At least if you use those two you can go to your next appointment with some info.

I'm happy to chat whenever or if you have any more questions

A lot of people here use the MABIS thermometer and really like it. I just got a cheap one from Target and it works just fine. As far as OPKs, the Wondfo brand/other internet cheapies are really popular and super cheap compared to some of the digital ones (Clearblue, etc). It depends on your preference, though. My first time around I used the Clear Blue digital OPKs and I liked that they were cut and dry with their negative/positive response. This time I'm using Wondfos because they're much cheaper, although there is more room for interpretation with the negative/positive. You can check out /r/TFABLinePorn to see what pictures of positive/negative cheap OPKs look like. You can also get cheap HPTs bundles, too. Happy shopping!

MABIS Basal Thermometer, Digital BBT Thermometer, Basal Body Temperature Thermometer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_mdyrzbBGK3WVV

Wondfo Combo 50 LH Ovulation & 20 HCG Pregnancy Test Strips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RY8UBNC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_blyrzbS8T1B71

Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test, 20 Ovulation Tests https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AOJ5R8W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_ZlyrzbKCE31EJ

I got this one from Amazon. The Easy@home one. Somewhere in this sub someone mentioned it before, and I saved it in my wishlist... and then it was price reduced and I ordered it. So far I've been using it for a little over two weeks, and it seems to be doing great. There was one morning I wasn't sure if it cut off or not, but I think I just fell back asleep and couldn't judge time lol. There have also been a couple of consecutive mornings where the temp was the same, so I tested later in the day to make sure it would give me a different reading, and it did. So I feel like it's pretty accurate. Also easy to use :)

Hi!!! So my son has been exclusively breastfed (aside from introducing solids at 6 mos.) and my period came back at 4.5 months postpartum. Every woman is different in regards to breastfeeding/fertility. I've had 3 cycles since they first came back, but I just started temping this month so I can see if i'm actually ovulating. We don't want a big age gap so we are trying, but haven't had any luck. Breastfeeding can cause short luteal phases, but since you're done breastfeeding then this might not be an issue for you. My advice; get some cheap OPKs. Get a mabis basal body thermometer and start temping. Track your temps with Fertility Friend. This will hopefully give you some clarity so you can start to understand what's going on with your body! Good luck :)

Activities- watching Doctor Who, relaxing, surfing reddit.
Movie- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Book- Robert Frost Poetry
I'm 24, live in the middle of redneck country, enjoy beach trips and hanging out with friends. I love to read online articles about all different sorts of stuff. I'm in school for nursing, working on my RN. I'm actively trying to have a baby, not having much luck tho. That's all I can think of! Oh and who doesn't love a good Potato every now and then?
A thermometer to help with conception!
EDIT: found one that was cheaper than the last
http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-524560-Basal-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B006F5BCLA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=9N104W6ZV7QB&coliid=I1WYP7D2FM7R8W

The daily chat is likely winding down at this time of night (at least in north america)! So, most people recommend either the mabis or the easy@home. I like the MABIS - quiet beeps, temperature recall, no backlighting. Lots of people like the easy@home for the backlighting.

Most of us use fertility friend - it does the best job at using your data in predicting future cycles. Wanna help people do science and get a free VIP subscription? Join the BU presto study. You might want to take the free course they offer to get started on how to temp.

Lots of people use OPKs - most people buy wondfo brand OPKs and HPTs so we can piss on something if the wind blows. OPKs are useful for timing sex. HPTs are useful if you want to have a drink on 10DPO but you're a little worried. At least, that's the only use I've found for them. :)

Lots of people take prenatals - a multivitamin that has 400 mg of folic acid should have you covered, but y'know. Talk to your doctor. I'm guessing if you're in the WTT crowd you got this covered.

You'll also find that we have a stickied thread at the top of the subreddit that goes over the sub's rules, and has additional information. Searching the subreddit will also often find you the answers you seek, in a more timely fashion.

I agree on the it may take longer than you think. Also we were kind of just going for it every month around when we "thought" I was ovulating, this is my first month of charting my BBT, using ovulation predictor kits, and using Fertility Friend and I REALLY wish I would have because now I have an idea of what my body is doing when.
Couple helpful links:

• Fertility Friend They have an app too.
  
• Thermometer
  
• Ovulation Perdictor Kits You will have to get some little cups to dip the stick in, but temping plus using the OPK's really help you read your body and let you baby dance when the time is right.
  
  Good Luck!

Welcome! At 2 months, you have absolutely no reason to worry that you won't be able to do this. It can take a healthy couple up to a full year to conceive.

Do you temp? Use OPKs? My suggestions:

Buy and read Taking Charge of your Fertility. This is going to show you things about your body that you never knew. It really is eye opening.

Buy a Basal Body Thermometer. You can take your temperature vaginally or orally, as long as you do it the same way every day. You want to take your temperature after at least 3 hours of solid sleep. Don't get up, don't move around. Wake up to your alarm, take the temp and go back to sleep. I believe the one I linked has a 'history' so you can read it in the morning.

Enter your temperature daily in Fertility Friend This is free and will help you track your ovulation. You should have a drastic dip and then a pretty drastic rise. This indicates that you have in fact ovulated.

Temping is only good in retrospect. You can see that you have ovulated, not that you are going to. That's where [Ovulation Predictor Kids] (http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Ovulation-Pregnancy-Test-Strips/dp/B001E1Y1X6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404993367&sr=8-3&keywords=wondfo) come in handy. You use these in the afternoon (when most women will have a surge of Lutenizing (sp?) Hormone. This indicates that you are gearing up to ovulate. And yes, it's true that it's possible that you don't ovulate every time you surge. That's why you want to temp to actually confirm it.

Combining these 3 things will give you a really clear picture of what's going on each cycle. For some women, it can really stress them out. For me, it makes me feel empowered. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Not an expert by any means, but I'll take a stab at your questions. OPKs can predict when you are ovulating, but can't confirm that ovulation occurred. You can confirm that ovulation occurred by temping and seeing a rise in your temp afterwards. In month 5 of temping and I've found it to be such a part of my routine now, I don't think about it too much. I don't stress so much about waking up at the EXACT time though because I found it was affecting my sleep. I generally get up around the same time and as long as I've gotten 5 hours of sleep, that's what I go with. I've purchased 3 thermometers and this is the one I like the best. It has memory, is back-lit, and takes it relatively quickly.

As far as BDing, it's my understanding that O-1 is kind of the holy grail of BDing, but not the end all to be all. O-2 and O are both good days too. I would say O+1 and +2 are less important, but since you are only going by OPKs they could actually be O and O+1 (or something like that) since ovulation can occur 12-24 (or is it 48?) hours. That's why temping is helpful, because he can confirm that you actually did ovulate then.

It's not currently available on Amazon, but this is the one I used: http://www.amazon.com/B-D-524560-Digital-Basal-Thermometer/dp/B0000533AY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1410114783&sr=8-10&keywords=basal+thermometer

It only records to the tenth place, but I think for most people, that's all you would need. I also agree with WinningColors, as long as your thermometer is consistent, it doesn't necessarily need to be accurate. Are you able to detect ovulation on your charts? If not, you might try another thermometer in case that is the problem, but I'm guessing both the Vicks one you had, and your new one will both likely work. Also, not sure if it is relevant for you, but I had to temp vaginally, because I'm definitely a mouth breather (damn you, allergies!). That definitely made my temps more consistent. Anyway, good luck!

To answer question # 1, follow the instructions from this link. Make sure to change your username and URL so that you’re easy to spot on a friends list!

2. I’m assuming that you mean this one? Backlit ones are very useful.

3. Were you recently on hormonal birth control? I think once you start temping the random EWCM will be easier to interpret. It comes when estrogen (secreted by developing follicles) levels rise and can also spike again midway through your luteal phase.

It's both, you can set up an account on the website and log into it on the app, and vice versa. I use this thermometer. But you just need to find a Basal Body Temperature thermometer that goes to the tenth of a degree (not a regular thermometer to check for a fever). To really understand how it all works I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you have further questions I'm sure you can make a post here or feel free to PM me, I'm happy to help!

FAM looks really awesome to me. Do you have any books you recommend to get me started? and do you recommend investing in a daysy or is a cheaper basal thermometer like this good?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017RZHYY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_z7rbub1S7J9GB

I bought this one for $9+free shipping, and it's been great for me. It beeps once when you turn it on, beeps a few times when it's finished, and then beeps once again when you turn it off. It goes to the hundredths place, and keeps your last temp in memory.

So basically I set an alarm to wake up the same time every day, turn it on and stick it in my mouth. It is a little slow I guess, so I usually fall back asleep with it in my mouth but then the ready beep wakes me back up to take it out and turn it off. All the beeps makes it easy to know what I'm doing in the dark so I can just go back to sleep until I need to get up. Then when I get up I just check the last recorded temp (press and hold the on button) and record it.

I've been using it since the beginning of June and the batteries are still fine!

Sorry for the novel.. just wanted to be thorough :)

Oh snap!!! That's awesome. I have this one. I am super curious to hear how you like the Wink!

Are you taking your temperature to confirm ovulation? A positive opk doesn't guarantee ovulation. Seeing your temp charts could help save $$ before going to the RE for blood tests to confirm ovulation. You can get one on Amazon for about $8. I like the Mabis that saves your temp until you take a new one. But make sure if you order one you get one. BBT are a common scam on Amazon. If you get a different brand than you bought, report it and Amazon will send you a new one. This is mine: MABIS Basal Thermometer, Digital BBT Thermometer, Basal Body Temperature Thermometer For Natural Family Planning, White and Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IgG3BbW8ZHE1M

It is important to temp at roughly the same time every morning. I wake up at 5:30 for work and on days when I'm not working, I still set an alarm for 5:30 to temp, but I just keep the thermometer next to my phone so I can grab it without looking when I turn off the alarm, turn it on, temp, and just turn it off when it beeps. My thermometer has a memory function so I can check the temperature later when I'm more awake.

After nine years of temping for both contraception and TTC, I've decided that this is my favorite thermometer. It has a large display and a backlight so I can see the reading in the dark without turning on a lamp. It has a memory function AND a clock/date setting, so I can double-check that the temperature I'm reading is for the right day. It's large enough and the buttons are big enough that I can find it and push the right buttons to turn it on without looking at it. And you can easily replace the battery when it dies. I also feel like it doesn't "like" certain temperatures the way some thermometers do.

Unfortunately, it looks like my favorite thermometer has been discontinued. This one looks like the closest replacement, but I can't vouch for it personally.

got this one which i'm loving. i guess i don't really know if they're "more accurate" but i like that i can take my temp twice back to back and get the same reading.

it also takes a lot longer to take my temp. idk if that means anything really, but i feel like i trust it more.

I've been using this one for about two weeks now, and really like it. The backlight makes it easy to operate in the dark. It dims during the measurement, then brightens again when the measurement is done. Stores date and time of 60 measurements, and the alarm feature is really handy.

I had been using my phone with an alarm about half an hour before my normal wake-up time (because it had to be different for me to remember the new habit), but even then, it was difficult to remember and sometimes difficult to find the thermometer. With this one, I've got the alarm feature enabled, which makes it both super clear why I'm being awoken and super easy to find the darn thing.

My Mabis works great. If I'm sleeping in that day I'll take my temp and look at it and put it in FF, but it does keep the last temp if you want to look later. It's not backlit which I know some people like, but it has never bothered me much..my phone is always handy and the screen easily lights it.

Here's mine: (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O6YCZY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)

Mine are consistently below 97 pre-o. I've been told it doesn't really matter as long as there's a shift. Like you, my normal temp at the doctor is around 97.5 ish. No need to freak out about that, but you really should invest in a BBT thermometer for the sake of accuracy. The mabis thermometer is pretty popular around here.

Edit: it's cheap, too :)

I use this thermometer that stores data.
http://www.amazon.com/Fairhaven-Health-iBasal-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00BR4BRXW

It's pricey. I don't know why I spent so much on a thermometer when I got it. Looking back it seems ridiculous, but now that I have it I think the features are worth it. It has an alarm that isn't too annoying. It does almost everything FF does--tracks other data, stores data, and predicts cycle phases, and after high temps for 20+ dpo (and a data point of sex during the fertile phase), it signals to you that you might be pregnant. It's a pretty smart thermometer.

I also pre-ordered the Wink to send temp data wirelessly/automatically (and alarm without beeping). That'll be a life/sanity saver (I plan on continuing to temp for TTA after TTC).

I am suddenly questioning my own sanity ~ $100+ on thermometers? What is the matter with me!?

It'll have been worth it (maybe) if I can regain some sense of sanity this spring by not feeding this habit of checking in with charts every single day.

One of the other TTC forums I frequent always strongly recommends the Mabis BBT so I got that one. I figured that worst case scenario I don't like something about it and I'm only out 7$.

So far I've been very happy with it. Although, if you temp vaginally (or plan to temp vaginally) you probably won't like it because when it beeps to let you know it's done the beeping is pretty quiet. Personally, I temp orally and usually before DH wakes up so I appreciate the quiet beeping so I don't wake up DH and turn him into a grumpy bear. It also isn't back-lit. Again, I'm usually trying not to wake up DH so this is fine with me. I was using another thermometer before that had a bright back-light and it frequently woke up DH. I always immediately enter my temp into my FF phone app so I just use my phone to see the display on the BBT.

I use this one - Thermometer

Had it about a month and I like it. Stores like 400 temps and has a backlight. Not the cheapest one either and only uses Celsius. No english directions (it's a japanese thermometer) - but the amazon reviews help a lot :)

I've been using the Easy@Home thermometer for the past year and a half and I love it. It doesn't look like it's available anymore, but this one is identical except for the color and company name. It has its own alarm, and 60 memory spots, so if you do temp multiple times throughout the night, you don't have to record any of them until you feel like it. Maybe it would help you get better sleep!

This has been awesome. I set the alarm for 5, wakes me up--take the temp and fall back asleep. Sometimes I won't even input my temps into my apps right away and will do it when I go to bed because I can recall the past few days. Seems pretty darn accurate. Takes over a minute to get the temp, but I am all for accuracy so that is ok with me. Good price too. See information below:
Easy@Home Digital Oral Basal Thermometer, backlit LCD display, 1/100th of a degree precision,
by Easy@Home
Link: http://amzn.com/B013CVQ476

Easy@Home Smart Basal Thermometer, Large Screen and Backlit, FSA Eligible, Period Tracker with Premom(iOS & Android) - Auto BBT Sync, Charting, Coverline & Accurate Fertility Prediction #EBT-300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0764LHSNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2OTyDbT1BWYHM

30 bucks and it blue tooth connects to your phone... so you can literally temp and go back to sleep. I could do it with my eye mask on and then later in the day can look at the app to evaluate the data... along with OPKs.

By doing both temping and OPKs I was able to determine that I have a short luteal phase (technically called luteal phase defect) After experiencing chemical pregnancies my OB was able to agree with my data and put me on progesterone after I would ovulate .... first cycle on the progesterone and I’m currently 9 months pregnant.

I highly recommend adding in temping :)

I use the Easy@Home one and it's been great so far. It also has memory and holds up to 60 temps, so you can fall back asleep after temping :) I recommend just getting a 250 pack or so of alcohol wipes for cleaning.

I bought this cheapie from Amazon

It's been working pretty good for the past ~5 months (when I started temping).

For period tracking, just enter the heaviness of your flow into the app the same way as other info. Tap on the date, choose your current happenings under "Period/Menses/Spotting".

Your body temps during your period and up until ovulation should be low (mine is usually 97 to 97.4), then once ovulation occurs til your next period it will be high (mine is usually 98 to 98.6).
Once you get your period (or a day or two before it), your temps will drop again and you're onto your next cycle.

Your temps will stay high and you wikl not get your period if you are pregnant (plus a positive pregnancy test :) ).

How old is the battery?

I use this iProvèn thermometer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Basal-Body-Thermometer-BBT-113Ai-iProv%C3%A8n/dp/B01MFGHHK2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523951995&sr=8-1&keywords=iproven+basal+thermometer&dpID=41RmJU6qJ1L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

It's been working great for 1.5 years now. :) Every year I change the battery. I ordered batteries on Amazon too, but can't find them in my history... Good price though!

To echo what sjn123 said, it does not need to read to the hundredth place according to TCOYF. I use one that goes to the tenth place and have never had any uncertainty about when ovulation occurred. The one I use is great, was under $10 and seems plenty accurate. It is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000533AY/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1#
but currently unavailable on Amazon.


I would say top things to look for:

-Light-up face so you can see the temp reading in the dark

-Beeping so you are sure it is working and know when it is done

-Should not be more than $10 - really it is a thermometer, shouldn't have too many bells and whistles beyond telling your temperature in my opinion.

This is good to know. I thought I was careful when I bought my "Mabis" back in November (after my Easy@Home died...) but apparently not. Just realized this morning it says "TopCare" on it.

Might as well just buy from the Briggs link, (though I am so opposed to buying a third BBT in 9 months)! Thanks for the info!

this is the one I saw A LOT of ladies recommending, so I got it!

http://www.amazon.com/MABIS-Digital-Thermometer-Temperature-Planning/dp/B000O6YCZY

My temps are so all over the place. HERE is my chart so you can see what I mean. I finally had it balance the last few days, but I'm hoping i'm gearing up for O this weekend!

I can't wait to see the chart after I've completed one cycle. It'll def make going forward (if I need to) easier!

I use the iSnow BBT and like it a lot. Backlight and stores 60 temps, and not too expensive at 25 bucks.

I use Wondfo OPKs. This study was posted on here recently that showed they performed just as well or better as the fancy Clear Blue Fertility Monitor.

I use iSnow med. I like it because it stores your temps for like 2 months. It's great for those times that I fall back asleep before I chart.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFFBT8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_iMOaJJU6gb9MJ

I got this one because it was the "best seller" on Amazon and was only $11.

It works fine, but it only goes to one decimal place if that matters to you, and even though it beeps to let you know when it's done taking your temperature, I temp vaginally so it can be really hard to hear under the blankets/my pajamas. Otherwise I've had no issues. It's backlit and saves your last temp in case you forgot to jot it down, and that's good enough for me right now.

If you want something fancier though there are probably better options.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXYWR42?aaxitk=PcS-tUgCmeIGC2fyaWOxrw&pd_rd_i=B06XXYWR42&pf_rd_p=3fade48a-e699-4c96-bf08-bb772ac0e242&hsa_cr_id=7466865310601&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=Basal+Thermometer+for+Ovulation%2C+Intelligent+Quiet+BBT+Thermometer+with+Bluetooth+for+Nature+Family+Planning%2C+Fertility+Monitor+and+Period+Tracker+with+APP+(iOS+%26+Android)+from+Femometer+Vinca&th=1

​

Can you splurge for this? It was the easiest way for me to be consistent about measuring my temperature. All the data automatically goes to you smart phone once you sync it and it will tell you when you ovulated. I like to do this with OPKs to get the hang of them and double check that they're working for me, as PCOS can affect LH surges that show on the tests.

​

If you are trying to get pregnant this cycle by intercourse (as opposed to IUI), then I'd suggest doing hanky-panky right after your period finishes every three- four days, and then trying to increase that to every 1-3 days (as much as you can ,if your partner has no sperm issues) around CD12 until you get the temp rise to confirm ovulation.

There were 3 that I found on Amazon, 2 of which are the exact same one, just under different brands (China 🙄)
Femometer by BONGMI - This is the one I got. As far as I can tell, this is the original model based on my internet research. Here's the link to the projects startup page. It was supposedly created by a husband for his wife who was having fertility issues.. The reviews are good overall with women claiming that it did help them finally conceive. You download the app and it syncs and charts all your temps for you, plus you can enter other info (BDing, CM quality, water intake, exercise,etc). I like it because it takes out the actual physical charting for me since I've gotten good at TAKING my temps first thing in the morning, but remembering to go back and record them has been another issue.

Easy@Home has the exact same thermometer but with their logo.

The only other one I found was this one by Emay. It's actually a little cheaper and the reviews are just as good. It just doesn't come with a cover for the tip which is a must for me. And that was really the only complaint was that there wasn't a cover.

Are you using this one?

That's the one I keep calling cheep lol. It only goes to one decimal place and I can take my temperature 3 times in a row and its drastically different (up and back down again by half a degree or more). The easy@home one is soooo much better. I've been spoiled. It has a backlight and a memory, so I literally fall asleep with it taking my temperature orally and wake up 10 min later when my snooze alarm goes off again and can recall the temp. It goes to 2 decimal places and I have great accuracy with it.

I just ordered this one a week ago

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MFFBT8Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499302964&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=basal+body+thermometer&psc=1

I really like it! Specifically the fact that it has a back light and stores a lot of temps. And it comes in a nice box and I'm a sucker for packaging.

Only thing to be aware of though, is that the "wand" part is bigger than usual thermometers. It's perfect for vaginal temping.
Oral temping is a bit awkward if you have a small mouth lol

Thank you thank you! 😁

Here’s the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Home-Thermometer-Backlit-Ovulation/dp/B0764LHSNM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=easy+%40+home+thermometer&qid=1565300084&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I'm the same way. I get so stressed out and my husband is hardly ever stressed. He's always the one making jokes and having to calm me down.

This is the thermometer I ordered from Amazon. I like this one because you can go back to old temps, it has a blacklight, and it comes in a nice box to keep it in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013CVQ476/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I catch these all the time and didn't even know it was a big deal. It started when I'd see 5 star products with a lot of reviews but they were given the product for free to write the review. At that time, they'd actually mention it in their review that it worked that way. All the sudden, I started noticing the same type of thing happening, but no one mentioning they got it free and all tagged as verified purchases. Here's the thermometer I caught this shit on recently.

Edit to fix my link

I would switch - I got the iSnow. It’s slower to take my temp but it seems waayyyy smoother. It’s fairly easy to use if you read the instructions. I like that it had the memory recall and backlight.

Multi-Function Digital Basal Thermometer to Measure Basal Body Temperature (BBT) , 0.09℉ Accuracy, Blue backlight, 60 day's memory for Chart tracking, C/F switchable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFFBT8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OpQSAbV3HBHBA

I have the iProven which is slow but accurate! It's been working great for me.

The sidebar recommendations on temping refer to the Easy@home thermometer, is it...

• this one: http://amzn.to/2DKrKAC looks kind of like the Mabis or iProven
  
  
• or this one: http://amzn.to/2DKXgyl looks like the iSnow one, but not available anymore :(
  
  Thanks!

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm still getting the forbidden page for the thermometer wiki.

Sounds like the Easy@Home fits my needs. The only Easy@Home BBT thermometer I'm finding on Amazon looks like it's been discontinued/it's unavailable. I'm also finding this non-BBT one.

Do you have one of these?

I have this one but I know I didn't pay that much for it, and I'd probably go for this one if I were in the market right now.

I've heard you can temp either orally or vaginally, but it's important to be consistent, since your temps will be slightly higher orally. I've always done orally.

edit: both of the ones I linked store the most recent temp. I don't know if any exist that store more than that, though. It'd be nice to have one that could connect to a phone app or something. Business idea, anybody?

here to share my hub & i also got married in august 2012 and once i get my first period off BCP we're trying :) i ordered this basal thermometer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013CVQ476?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 and no complaints. good luck!

This one from amazon! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CXBDLB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's been great!

This one on Amazon, not expensive at all :) It's not any easier to see though! Also, it looks like it only shows the last temp, and the other one is always 97.7. TIL!

I'm really glad to hear no one feels temping is a hassle! You're definitely helping me lean towards temping.. I see a BBT then thermometer purchase in my future (this one, probably: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B013CVQ476?vs=1)

I have this one and I set it to Celsius no problem :)

Edit: My cats got to mine but just knocked the button off the top. I just have to wedge my nail in there and it still works haha If I'm not successful this cycle I'll order another. I've been using it since December and haven't had any problems.

Double Edit: I just saw it's not available, sorry :( Maybe keep an eye out for it. It's also likely that others have the option of both C and F.

Update: /u/whenwillthewaitend was correct about the counterfeit MABIS! I contacted Amazon about my MABIS malfunctioning and they sent me a replacement on Friday. When I compared the packaging, I noticed that the two thermometers were similar but definitely different. The first thermometer I received was actually from TopCare, Model 87-639-000, Distributed by Topco Associates LLC Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. However, my replacement MABIS is from MABIS Healthcare, Model 15-639-000, Distributed by MABIS Healthcare 1931 Norman Drive Waukegan, IL 60085. Physically the two thermometers are similar, except for one distinguishing factor: the real MABIS contains a white M logo on the pink battery cover. What I don't understand is why the same seller, MABIS DMI Healthcare, would have sent me two very different thermometers?!!

Get yourself a Mabis!! I love mine!

I have this easy@home one that connects via bluetooth and the soft beep is pretty nice, it has temp recall, and it connects to an app.

I just bought this one because it has a case, it has memory to look back and see date and times of other temps, and it physically LOOKS different so I don't have to worry about my husband putting it in his mouth if he's sick 😂 I would also recommend picking up some alcohol wipes so you can clean it after every use!

I started off with just the ovulation strips but I decided to try temping too after a few unsuccessful cycles. I live in a small town and didn't check my local stores for this reason but I ordered this thermometer off of amazon and so far I love it! I love that it has a recall function so I can just pass back out after I hear it beep and then record the temp when I wake up for real.

Thank you :)
My whole life my periods were usually regular but then i would have the odd one that seemed extremely late. It never really worried me though.
It feels like as soon as we really started trying my periods got weird and my cycles seemed dry. We decided to start temping in Feb as well because up until then we hadn't had any luck, which I know we haven't really being trying that long but still, it got me worried so I decided to start temping to get a better picture of what was going on with my body. For the longest time I felt like my temp's were just out of wack completely, only lately have they followed any sort of pattern. Maybe it was my body trying to ovulate then failing, and trying again and so on. I'm really not sure.
Are you temping the same time every day and is your thermometer a BBT? I use this one and I love it because it has an alarm so I check my temp at exactly the same time everyday. https://www.amazon.com/iSnow-Med-Thermometer-Temperature-Accuracy-Ovulation/dp/B01MFFBT8Y?th=1

Do you have any trouble sleeping? I'm a notorious bad sleeper, I have a lot of anxiety at bedtime for some reason. Since late March I have tried really hard not to worry at night and actually get a good nights rest, maybe that helped?

TTC can be really frustrating, my whole life I was expecting it to happen within the first few try's. Now I feel like every woman around me is on baby #1 or #2 :|

I wish you all the best too!

Just noticed that the temps you gave go to only one decimal place. If you do decide to temp, whether regularly or periodically, you need to get a thermometer that does two decimal places. The one you have is unfortunately pretty useless for temping. You can get the Easy@Home or Mabis BBT from Amazon for pretty cheap. I have an Easy@Home BBT and like it a lot. I temp vaginally with it. It has a blue backlight and recalls your last 30 temps.

It also stores entries so you can literally just fall back asleep and not worry about it then put it in your app later on. I love it.

I'm using this thermometer-- it was suggested by someone in this sub and it's been really great. I think the reason that my temps were funky at the beginning had to do with the fact that I had strep throat :/ I didn't include a temp one day because I had a fever. So I just kind of discount those first few that were all over the map because I was sick. You may still have yet to ovulate; I just started getting fertile CM yesterday so I think I'm getting close. Or maybe you did already! The good news is that you're got all of this new knowledge that you can put into practice next cycle (assuming you don't get your BFP this cycle!). That's how I'm looking at it, anyway :)

I have been loyal to the easy@home brand myself. Never had any issues. Others may have different opinions.

I have a box of 50 pregnancy tests, I havent used them because getting a negative sends me overboard currently. When I finally have a moth that I hit my window square I will try it - but until then..

Here's some links:
Thermometer I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0764LHSNM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Opks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3IH58Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_6VRroiyrDBvYd

The thermometer attaches to the Premom app, and although I dont prefer it - it picks up the bluetooth temps and you can take pics of your opks and the app will tell you if its positive or not, and keeps a picture log.

I just tested my thermometer. It beeped, the screen backlight turned on to illuminate the numbers, then the thermometer turned off without increasing the temperature reading any further. It holds the last 30 temps in memory, so if it turned off and you checked it later there would be no issue. Easy@home brand. It’s been a pretty good thermometer. Here’s a link in case you want to take a look Easy@home thermometer on Amazon

The same brand also has a crazier model that syncs with the Premom phone app. syncing thermometer

Welcome! I too share the 'because I've never had a scare there must be something wrong school'. I've learned here that despite what we've all been told getting knocked up isn't as easy as we thought (OK so some folks sneeze and are pregnant). While I do feel kind of let down that's OK.

My husband and I also both have a low sex drive (another thing I've learned is OK and not uncommon here) so timing things adds extra importance. I started temping this cycle I have a whole 2 points! Woo-hoo!

I have this thermometer. I don't love it but I don't have experience with anything else beeping at me at 5 am so there is that.

I got this one and it is awesome. It just took 2 weeks to get here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRUUFAU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yup, just used the same BBT thermometer (this one).

Now that I go back and look at it, it does say it's for oral use, but I'm not sure what the difference would be. Maybe manufacturers need to do different testing to get them approved for different body parts? I'm not too worried.

When Mabis is recommended, the nine dollar basal thermometer is what's meant. =)

We use this: Safety 1st Gentle Read Rectal Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V2I0FU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IKcmyb6A08KQG

Pretty accurate vs the pediatrician's. Our doctor recommended the armpit or rectal temperature taking. Whatever you do, do NOT use the forehead ones. Those suck and are highly inaccurate.

I got the Mabis one. :) Off amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/MABIS-Thermometer-Digital-Temperature-Planning/dp/B000O6YCZY

Heads up for people interested in the easy@home BBT - if you buy the one that comes with 25 ovulation strips, it's only $28 vs. $29.95 for the thermometer alone. Weird Amazon pricing ftw!

Or amazon! St MABIS, Bless her Name is the cheap thermometer of choice for a lot of TFAB.

Yeah that price sounds about right. Here is the link to mine. $8 AND Prime. Sorry on mobile but here is the link : MABIS Basal Digital Thermometer to Test Basal Body Temperature (BBT) for Natural Family Planning, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O6YCZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_mOXi6TAVq8R2O

Yayy haha! I use This One and it gets the job done!

Also from Ontario! Here’s the BBT I bought off Amazon.ca ! :)

thermometer for ovulating because my husband and I are going to start trying for a baby!

&

hair ties because i go through these guys like crazy.

)

I had the same experience. NOTHING has good reviews. I just got this one last week:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRUUFAU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's pretty accurate, reads to .00, has a backlight, stores tons of temps, includes a programmable alarm, and it is super quiet. I had a CVS one previously and it stopped working after only 1.5 cycles.

I use this one.

It's the only one I've ever used, so don't have another one to compare it to. It takes probably about 2 minutes to take my temp, and I think it seems pretty accurate. I have had a pretty defined temp chart. When I first got it I took my temp multiple times and it seemed consistent, and I also took my temp with a regular thermometer at it seemed to align (although the other thermometer only goes to one decimal point).

It just does one single long beep when it's done, so that's nice for DH because it doesn't wake him up. I read in the reviews of another one that it beeped incessantly and that was the deal breaker for me, I don't need all that beeping first thing in the morning, lol. It does not have a backlight, so I'm not sure how important that is to you. It shows the previous temp when you turn it on. So I'll temp right when I wake up, but if I'm not ready for any sort of light yet I just turn it off and then turn it back on when I officially get out of bed to see what the temp was. My biggest complaint about it is that it only shows the previous temp for a hot second. I tend to turn it off and back on about 3 times to make sure I am reading the temp correctly. So that's my two cents.

re thermometer: I used a bbt one from walmart the first time and it was perfectly fine. Then I bought one from CVS last month and it sucked (it had "favorite" temperatures). So I bought and have been using this crazy thing: http://www.amazon.com/Fairhaven-Health-iBasal-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00BR4BRXW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1412955889

I like that it has an alarm, and stores all my month's temps, and will start to do it's own charting and predictions after a few months. I definitely think it's accurate. It's downsides are no backlight (have to use my phone to see it), and a little weird to get used to & setup.

A cheap basal thermometer is just fine to get started. Lots of people like the easy@home one because it stores many previous temps and is backlit. If you want super basic, I used this one for awhile...it has no back light and only stores one previous temp, but it does the job.

Awesome reply, thank you. No, my cycles are definitely not regular. I had 2 regular ones after coming off the pill in November, then no AF at all for 3 months.

Good idea about the 6am alarm, maybe I'll do that. Not sure my husband will be pleased...I'm also not very good at falling back asleep.

I get up between 5am at 6:30am during the week, and at least 2 hours later than that on the weekends.

I did just buy a "better" BBT thermometer but it hasn't been beeping at the end of the recording. It is the one recommended by this sub here. Not sure what gives...

Forgot to mention this is the thermometer that people seem to recommend. I had it, it's good, works well, but its very basic. I got this one and prefer it. It has a light and a memory function and doesn't beep loud at all.

Did some searching - maybe this one?

http://www.amazon.com/EUDEMON-Digital-Thermometer-Control-Fahrenheit/dp/B00IRUUFAU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1421180507&sr=8-3&keywords=basal+thermometer

Honestly, measurement to the 1/10 of a degree works just fine for me and has for over a year. I totally just ordered another Nexcare thermometer because I'm frustrated with the CVS one ;)