Basal temperature is the temperature of the body at rest. Women can monitor it to determine the period of ovulation and maximum fertility. It is quite simple to measure it. Once you have this data, you can enter it into a chart to determine when you are most fertile. Use this information if you want to get pregnant or avoid becoming pregnant.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measure Basal Temperature
Step 1. Get a digital basal thermometer
You can buy it in pharmacies or supermarkets stocked with this kind of items. On the package it must indicate that it has been specially made to measure the basal temperature. The digital version will allow you to get a quick and accurate result. In addition, once the temperature is detected, it will beep and give you a readable number even when you are sleepy in the morning.
- Some digital basal thermometers also store temperature. However, you still have to record it so that you don't lose this data, for example by using a special diary or an application on your smartphone.
- You can also use a non-digital thermometer, such as glass, as long as it is manufactured to measure basal temperature.
Step 2. Keep it on the bedside table
You will need to get into the habit of taking your basal temperature as soon as you wake up in the morning and are still lying in bed, before moving, stretching, or even talking. You need to get an exact reading of your body at rest, so if you move or talk, you risk skewing the result. To make it easier to measure in the morning, place the thermometer on the nightstand next to the bed so you can pick it up as soon as you open your eyes.
If you are using a glass thermometer, be sure to reset the result in the evening before placing it on your bedside table to be ready when you wake up
Step 3. Measure your temperature as soon as you open your eyes, at the same time every day
Try to take it at the same time every morning. Schedule an alarm and try to do this within half an hour from when you usually wake up to avoid too large variations as the days go by.
Always try to sleep at least 3-5 hours continuously before measuring to ensure accurate results
Step 4. Put the thermometer in your mouth
You can take your basal body temperature orally every morning, at exactly the same spot. Hold it in your mouth for a few seconds to allow the thermometer to detect it accurately.
Some women measure their basal temperature in the vagina or rectum, especially if they have difficulty getting an accurate result by mouth. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure you always use the same one for the duration of your menstrual cycle. Place the thermometer in the same place and at the same depth, whether it is in the vagina or in the rectum
Part 2 of 2: Monitor Basal Temperature
Step 1. Register it now
To effectively monitor the trend of your basal temperature, you should write this down every morning. Write it in a diary or on your mobile using an application. There are several applications that keep track of these results by organizing them in the form of graphs. You can use them to get a better idea of your menstrual cycle and fertile periods.
- Make sure the chart includes a column that represents the day of the cycle (1, 2, 3, etc.), the month, and the date. In addition, it should have a line with a temperature range of 35.5 ° C to 37.2 ° C. Before ovulation, the basal temperature fluctuates on average between 36 ° C and 36.4 ° C. After ovulation, it usually rises between 36.4 ° C and 37 ° C.
- You can find examples of basal temperature graphs online.
Step 2. Check the chart after two menstrual cycles for patterns
You will need to keep track of your basal temperature for at least one or two menstrual cycles if you want to get an accurate picture of ovulation. Notice any obvious trends highlighted by the graph, such as the rise or fall in temperature that occurs during your menstrual cycle over the course of two months.
Watch out for a change in temperature of at least 0.4 degrees over 48 hours - this indicates that you are ovulating. The thermal peak should be higher than the highest temperatures recorded in the previous six days. Most women have a basal temperature between 35.6 and 36.7 ° C, a day or two before ovulation
Step 3. Identify the most fertile periods of your cycle
In most women, the most fertile period occurs two days before the basal temperature rises or ovulation begins. Keep in mind that sperm can live up to five days in the reproductive system, so if you want to get pregnant, you should have sex two days before ovulation begins. If not, you must avoid sexual intercourse from the start of your menstrual cycle until 3-4 days after your basal temperature peak. However, don't apply this method as a form of contraception until you've tried it for a few months.
