busylama

How to measure basal temperature to determine ovulation? Practical guide!!

Measuring basal body temperature (BBT) and tracking ovulation on a temperature chart is not always easy. We will tell you how to do it correctly in order to get pregnant faster.

What is basal body temperature?

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the temperature that can be recorded during sleep and immediately after waking up. As a rule, this is the lowest body temperature during the day.

Measuring basal temperature is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to determine ovulation.

On the BBT graph, you can see when the previous ovulation occurred, but it is impossible to predict accurately from it when the next one will occur. Therefore, in order to use BBT to predict ovulation, you need to record and track it for at least one cycle, or better, two or three cycles.

By seeing when ovulation occurred in previous cycles, you can roughly determine when it will occur in a new cycle. By scheduling intercourse before the expected rise in temperature, you will increase your chances of getting pregnant.

How does the BBT schedule change after ovulation?

After the release of the egg (ovulation), the body begins to produce the hormone progesterone - and the body temperature rises.

If you measure your BBT daily, you should notice an increase of at least 0.4 ° C the day after ovulation.

How to use basal body temperature to predict ovulation?

BBT tracking is a simple alternative to pelvic ultrasound to detect ovulation.

To predict the release of an egg from the ovary, measure the BBT daily for several cycles without interruption. Before ovulation, it usually decreases, immediately after ovulation it rises sharply.

    The dynamics of basal body temperature is as follows.

  • During the follicular phase of the cycle, BTT is usually less than 37 ° C. Due to the low level of progesterone, it most often drops to 36.4–36.8 ° C.
  • One day before ovulation, the level of luteinizing hormone in the body reaches its peak. Because of this, BTT may decrease by another 0.2–0.3 ° C.
  • After ovulation, the level of progesterone increases sharply (about 10 times). This causes the temperature to jump to over 37 ° C.

Here you can convert Celcius to Farenheit if you need.

During normal functioning of the corpus luteum, progesterone remains at this level for 10-14 days.

If implantation of a fertilized egg does not occur, the levels of progesterone and BTT decrease and then menstruation occurs.

Why should basal body temperature (BBT) be measured?

Temperature fluctuates throughout the day due to stress, cold or heat, exercise, food intake, etc.

Basal temperature is one that is not influenced by external factors, so it is best suited for tracking temperature changes associated with hormonal fluctuations.

To get an accurate basal temperature, it should be measured at the same time, with the same thermometer, after at least 3-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep or rest, and before any physical activity (and even before getting out of bed ).

When can a BBT schedule come in handy?

To determine ovulation yourself, measure your BBT daily before getting out of bed.

    Ovulation tracking is needed if you want to:
  • understand and control the processes that occur in your body;
  • determine your fertile days;
  • predict your periods;
  • recognize possible hormonal imbalances and malfunctions of the reproductive system.

How to track basal body temperature (BBT)?

  1. Get at least 3-4 hours of sleep before taking your temperature.
  2. During and before measurements, do not get out of bed or even talk.
  3. Record the temperature every morning at the same time.
  4. Always do it the same way: orally, vaginally, or rectally.
  5. Use the same thermometer (no matter electronic or mercury one).
  6. Note the temperature in a notepad or one of many special applications.

Take measurements for at least 3 menstruation cycles. The BBT values collected during this time will help determine the day of ovulation and identify hormonal imbalances, if any.

Fluctuations in body basal temperature BBT on the graph

Based on the BBT values ​​obtained during the cycle, a graph is plotted, divided horizontally into 2 phases. The vertical dividing line corresponds to ovulation. The first phase of the cycle is the part of the schedule that precedes it; the second phase is the one that follows after ovulation.

During the menstrual cycle, the temperature changes due to the effect of progesterone and estrogen on thermoregulation.

The temperature in the first phase (low temperature) mainly depends on the level of estrogen.

The temperature in the second phase (high temperature) is determined by progesterone.

If a woman is not pregnant, her BBT tends to decrease about 1–2 days before her period begins.

BBT values ​​are individual for each woman. They can also vary slightly from cycle to cycle.

Which thermometer to use to measure BBT?

For tracking ovulation with basal body temperature, both electronic and mercury thermometers are suitable.

It all depends on your preference. The main thing is to use the same thermometer throughout the entire measurement period.

The electronic thermometer has some advantages over the mercury one. It is safer to use, signals when the peak temperature has been reached and records the value of the last measurement (if you forgot to write it down right away).

The electronic thermometer is easy to use and the mercury one needs to be shaken off. By the way, it is best to do this before bed, so that in the morning hand movements do not affect the temperature.

If after measurement the column of a mercury thermometer is between two marks, select the lower value.

What is the most accurate way to measure BBT?

Basal body temperature can be measured in 3 ways: rectally, orally, or vaginally. The chosen method must be adhered to throughout the entire measurement period.

The rectal method (measurement in the rectum) is considered the most accurate.

When measuring temperature orally, the thermometer should be held under the tongue with the mouth closed for at least 5 minutes (if using a mercury thermometer) or until you hear a beep (electronic thermometer).

When measuring temperature rectally or vaginally, the waiting time for the results of the mercury thermometer is reduced to 3 minutes.

You should not measure the basal temperature by placing the thermometer under the arm: the readings in this case will be inaccurate.

How to measure BBT if you were active at night?

If you get out of bed or stay awake at night, your BBT measurements may be incorrect.

BBT should be measured after at least 3-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

If you work at night, measure your BBT during the day, but also after at least 3-4 hours of sleep. This will make your graph more accurate.

How to determine pregnancy on a BBT chart?

If your temperature remains elevated for more than 14 days after the spike, which indicates ovulation, and your period does not occur, it could be a sign of pregnancy.

6-10 days after conception, the fertilized egg is implanted into the endometrium. This can be reflected in the BBT graph in the form of a sharp short-term drop in temperature.

However, you should not completely rely on these signs. Sometimes basal temperature can be unpredictable during pregnancy. To eliminate doubts, do a home pregnancy test or see your doctor.

When BBT goes down, if pregnancy has not occurred?

If you have not become pregnant in your current cycle, your basal temperature will usually drop 10-14 days after ovulation - around this time your next period will begin.

The ideal BBT chart: what it looks like?

The menstrual cycle consists of 2 phases (before and after ovulation), so the normal BBT schedule is also 2-phase. It looks like a bird flying upwards.

The graph shows the decrease in temperature before ovulation and menstruation (if pregnancy has not occurred).

Immediately after ovulation, the temperature rises and remains at this level until the premenstrual drop.

In the second phase, the temperature drops by at least 0.4 ° C compared to the first phase. Typically, the temperature drop lasts 12-14 days.

By the beginning of your period, BBT is usually around 37 ° C. Towards the end, it goes down.

Let's take a look at the different types of BBT charts and what they indicate.

BBT Graph - Monotonic Curve

If the graph is stable (there is no clear decrease or increase in temperature during the cycle), this may indicate a lack of ovulation. If your basal temperature does not rise after the expected ovulation, it is most likely that ovulation has not occurred.

Do not worry. Your thermometer may be defective. Try another one.

Keep in mind that every woman can normally have multiple anovulatory cycles (in which no ovulation occurs) per year.

If the described situation occurs in each cycle, it is worth undergoing an examination.

BBT Chart - Zigzag Curve

If pregnancy has not occurred, your graph should reflect 2 temperature levels: low in the first phase and high in the second.

If the graph is zigzag, with a constant alternation of low and high temperatures, this may indicate an estrogen deficiency (provided that the thermometer is working properly and all measurements are performed correctly).

Try to adjust your diet and pay more attention to your physical and mental condition. Then monitor the temperature for 3 more cycles.

BBT graph - chaotic curve

If over several cycles your graph looks like a chaotic curve, there are sharp jumps in temperature (it rises and then falls by more than 1 ° C), this may indicate an estrogen deficiency.

In addition, such a result sometimes appears due to a faulty thermometer (in this case, it should be replaced), non-compliance with the measurement rules (each time the temperature was recorded at different times or in different ways), changes in your physical and emotional states (stress, fatigue, colds, etc.) etc.).

If your BBT schedule is a monotonous, zigzag, or chaotic curve, you should see your doctor and have additional tests. One graph is not enough to make a diagnosis.

When is the BBT chart considered inaccurate?

    Basal body temperature values may be incorrect:
  • when measuring it at different times and in different ways;
  • taking certain medications;
  • breastfeeding or insomnia;
  • emotional or physical stress;
  • violation of the circadian rhythm caused by a change in time zones;
  • using an electric blanket, electric sheet, or heating pad;
  • drinking alcohol the day before;
  • if you have fever.

It is useless to track BBT even when taking hormonal contraceptives. In this case, synthetic hormones affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Hopefully you're now one step closer to seeing the BBT chart you've been waiting for!

Welcome to Busylama

Joining our website you accept Busylama's Privacy Policy