TMI--CM question

[.]

Good morning everyone and thanks for the warm welcome yesterday!

Since this is my first cycle TTC, I am a little confused on...well most things.

Lately I have really been second guessing how to label my CM on FF. I know this is way TMI and sorry if it grosses you out!

What is the most obvious difference between wet and sticky? Obviously when I check it, it is wet at first but seems to dry up fairly quickly. It does leave a small amount of residue on my fingers, so does that mean it is sticky or dry or wet? It is very confusing to me! Haha.

Thanks for the help and sorry for the gross question!

[Deleted]

There's a good resource in the newbie blog about CM. Have you read it?

[.]

I did read the newbie blog. How did I miss that?!

[longhornwino0907]

Mar 6, 2015 10:46:58 GMT -5 @led said:

There's a good resource in the newbie blog about CM. Have you read it?

+1

[swivelchair5]

I frequently have to remind myself not to over analyze the CM. If I find that I have been staring at the TP for 5 minutes trying to decide, I just mark it as the most fertile possibility and go about my day.

[longhornwino0907]

Mar 6, 2015 10:49:13 GMT -5 . said:

I did read the newbie blog. How did I miss that?!

It's here

There's a link for pics. If you're brave enough to click, it may help. GL!

[.]

Ok found it! Sorry about that. So I guess my follow up question would be, what does dry look like? I didn't see a picture of that. Is it literally no moisture?

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 10:51:23 GMT -5 . said:

Ok found it! Sorry about that. So I guess my follow up question would be, what does dry look like? I didn't see a picture of that. Is it literally no moisture?

It's when it's dry like a powder. 

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 10:52:56 GMT -5 @led said:

Mar 6, 2015 10:51:23 GMT -5 . said:

Ok found it! Sorry about that. So I guess my follow up question would be, what does dry look like? I didn't see a picture of that. Is it literally no moisture?

It's when it's dry like a powder. 

Just kidding. It's when there isn't anything there.

[Sparkly]

Do you have a copy of TCOYF? The descriptions of CM and how to check/identify it are super helpful. Here is a copy of a picture they have, in case you don't have it. I personally am very visual, so pictures help immensely.

link to picture sorry!


FF also has great tutorials on CM as part of the charting course. Links:
Lesson 5: All about Cervical Fluid
Lesson 6: How to Observe, Chart, and Record Your Cervical Fluid


Lastly, I think it takes a full cycle or so of charting to really get comfortable identifying your CM. When you see the changes over the course of the cycle, it makes more sense which is which type and such. You will understand your personal pattern and what is normal for you, which will help you determine whether you're in a fertile period or not in subsequent cycles.

I do not find CM gross or TMI, by the way, so happy to answer questions any time.

[.]

Ok this is starting to make sense then. I feel like CM is the most challenging thing for me with charting!

I guess mine is dry? It starts off shiny and the quickly goes away. I don't think it could be classified as wet.

Thank you for helping!

[Deleted]

Why the fuck would you post pictures?! No one wants to see that.

[longhornwino0907]

Mar 6, 2015 10:56:42 GMT -5 @led said:

Why the fuck would you post pictures?! No one wants to see that.

Thank you! I was wondering the same thing. Pics are linked in the blog, that should be sufficient!

[kellybenelly83]

Seriously, that could have been linked. No need for photos.

[requiressnacks]

I think what was really helpful for me was learning the proper technique (using 2 fingers). It's really helpful when trying to gauge what is stretchy - which is really what I was most interested in.

[.]

I am full of questions this morning! Lol.

Had anyone used preseed? Thoughts?

[joy]

I really overanalyzed CM when I started. I was always like "sticky or creamy?"

Now? I only mark eggwhite/watery. And only when it's obvious. I don't go digging or anything. It takes the stress off.

[youdontsay]

Mar 6, 2015 11:01:20 GMT -5 . said:

I am full of questions this morning! Lol.

Had anyone used preseed? Thoughts?

We use it like regular lube if we need it, a little goes a long way.

[joy]

Mar 6, 2015 11:01:20 GMT -5 . said:

I am full of questions this morning! Lol.

Had anyone used preseed? Thoughts?

Preseed is just a sperm-friendly lubricant.  It won't get you pregnant.  If you usually need lubricant for sex and yours isn't sperm-friendly, then it's a good idea to switch, but that's about it.

[kellybenelly83]

Mar 6, 2015 11:01:20 GMT -5 . said:

I am full of questions this morning! Lol.

Had anyone used preseed? Thoughts?

do you need lube?

If yes - preseed is sperm friendly

if no - dont worry about it. 


it isnt a magical sperm boosting lube, its just a lube that is non spermicidal as most are. if you dont need lube normally then you dont need preseed.

[Sparkly]

I removed the pic! Sorry! Obviously this stuff doesn't gross me out.

[Sparkly]

Mar 6, 2015 11:13:28 GMT -5 hippo said:

Mar 6, 2015 11:12:28 GMT -5 Sparkly said:

I removed the pic! Sorry! Obviously this stuff doesn't gross me out.

Honestly, I think a big deal was made out of nothing.  ::shrugs::

I mean, I'm not posting pics of my CM. That would be TMI.

[heatherj9603]

Mar 6, 2015 10:51:23 GMT -5 . said:

Ok found it! Sorry about that. So I guess my follow up question would be, what does dry look like? I didn't see a picture of that. Is it literally no moisture?

My dry is either none or very little cm OR it's very tacky feeling and almost crumbles as soon as I rub my fingers together. 

[ironbaby]

I really wanted to know the answer, but man, do I wish I hadn't clicked through to the pictures.

[heatherj9603]

I guess I'm in the minority here being that the picture doesn't gross me out. It's the same pics that are in TCOYF.

[.]

Mar 6, 2015 11:13:28 GMT -5 hippo said:

Mar 6, 2015 11:12:28 GMT -5 Sparkly said:

I removed the pic! Sorry! Obviously this stuff doesn't gross me out.

Honestly, I think a big deal was made out of nothing.  ::shrugs::

I didn't have an issue with it either...

[joy]

Mar 6, 2015 11:13:28 GMT -5 hippo said:

Mar 6, 2015 11:12:28 GMT -5 Sparkly said:

I removed the pic! Sorry! Obviously this stuff doesn't gross me out.

Honestly, I think a big deal was made out of nothing.  ::shrugs::

::sits with hippo::

[bunnyfungo]

You guys know the pics aren't actually CM, right? Lol at being grossed out by egg whites.

[Deleted]

I think the title speaks for itself.

[ironbaby]

I don't think I am necessarily grossed out. I wouldn't normally be...maybe just uncomfortable. I am, after all, on a work computer.

Maybe it's that I am not grossed out when it's MY body, but someone else's...I don't know.