Starting a bbt chart isn't too difficult. It is ideal to wait until your next period and then start charting. However, it won't make much of a difference if you start right away. Take your temp every morning before you do anything. Try not to actually get out of bed or have to move aroung too much. I find it is easier to have a thermometer on a night stand close by. A digital thermometer is best because it will give you a quick reading and some can store your temp untill you are ready to record it. Try to take your temp the same time each morning after atleast 3 hours of sleep. This will give you the most accurate results. While you are charting you should have a general up and down temp pre-ovulation, then a dip and rise over one or two days (this shows you ovulated), then your temp should stay higher during your luteal phase. This is a general chart pattern. However, everyone is different, and it may take you a couple of cycles to get to know your own pattern. The best thing is to stay consistent. A bbt chart is one of the best tools in charting conception and possible fertility problems. Good luck with your charting. Hope I answered all your questions.