Women may also examine their fertile mucus to see if it looks like the white of an uncooked egg, yet clear and transparent and elastic enough to stretch as far apart as your thumb and forefinger can go. If any of these signs of ovulation are recognized, make a note at the bottom of the graph. Some women can recognize ovulation by a twinge of pain low on one side of the abdomen, or by a light drop of vaginal bleeding. If you note either of these signs, record it in the box, since these observations may provide clues that ovulation is occurring or has already occurred. Also indicate on the bottom of the chart any medications you took and their dosage.
Many women examine their cervical mucus, as it is an additional predictor of impending ovulation.
If the temperature rises 4 to 6 tenths of a degree above the previous level, and if the rise is not due to illness with a fever, there is a high probability that ovulation is taking place. This is particularly likely if the temperature rise occurs about 14 days before the next period is expected and if cervical mucus is slippery, abundant, and wet. Ovulation is also likely if the rise corresponds with a similar rise in the graph of the previous menstrual cycle. In many instances, the temperature drops 2 to 4 tenths of a degree the day before it rises. Intercourse during the 24 hours following this temperature drop, or during the 24 hours following the temperature rise offers the best chance for conception in most cases.