A fertility chart is a diagnostic aid, giving information concerning normal or abnormal function of the menstrual cycle, which is of use to Doctors or Nurses in General Practice, Family Planning Clinics and in Fertility Clinics

• A Bi-phasic Sympto-thermal Chart confirms ovulation which occurs approximately 24-48 hours before the temperature rise.

• It identifies the fertile phase when sexual intercourse can lead to conception.

• It identifies the infertile phases when intercourse will not lead to conception.

More - Sympto-thermal chart for the normal fertile woman

• A Monophasic Chart shows that there has been no ovulation in this cycle

• The short cycle showing early ovulation, or the long cycle showing late ovulation, may highlight the mis-timing of intercourse.

  This commonly occurs to women who have been told that they should have intercourse on the 14th day or mid-cycle.

• The short luteal phase is significant - Fertilisation may occur but implantation is not completed if the luteal phase is less than eight days.

• The mucus symptom indicates the days of maximum fertility. These days occur immediately prior to ovulation and before the temperature shift.

• Changes in the cervix can confirm the days of maximum fertility.
  This is of particular value when mucus secretion is scanty, as may occur in women over the age of 35 years and others who have recently stopped hormonal contraception.

• Charting a cycle is of great assistance in the accurate timing of diagnostic tests.

• A ‘Day 21 Progesterone’ must be carried out some days after ovulation regardless of the day of cycle.

  Similarly a ‘Sperm-Mucus Compatibility Test’ must be carried out prior to ovulation regardless of the day of cycle.

More - Sympto-thermal chart for the woman experiencing fertility problems

• Irregularity of cycles and the impact of stress, illness and drugs.

• Return of fertility post-pill - monitoring the immediate or delayed return of fertility.

• Diagnosis of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) may be confirmed by the timing and regularity of cyclical symptoms.

  Erratic temperature charts and abnormalities in the pattern of cervical mucus become normal as symptoms subside.

More - Sympto-thermal chart for the woman with cyclic problems

• Returning fertility during reduced suckling or weaning.

• The interface between Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) and NFP.

More - Sympto-thermal chart for the breast-feeding mother

• Declining fertility and symptoms of the pre-menopause can be monitored on the chart.

• Monophasic temperature charts (anovulatory cycles), give reassurance that delayed periods are not due to pregnancy.

More - Sympto-thermal chart for the woman in the Pre-menopause years