 |
 |
 |
 Concern
 Treatment
Pregnancy
Experiences
Concern
|
 |
Body Temperature
How can I tell when I am ovulating?
The answer is either by measuring basal body
temperature (BBT), described below, or by using an ovulation predictor kit
to measure the level of Luteinizing Hormone
in the urine.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Quite simply, the basal body temperature is your temperature on
waking after a normal night’s sleep. In women who are ovulating
normally, there is a rise in basal body temperature of
approximately 0.5-1.0 degree C immediately after ovulation, which
is maintained for the remainder of the cycle and falls back before
menstrual flow begins. This temperature rise is due to the actions
of progesterone, the hormone produced by the corpus luteum after
ovulation.
So, recording your BBT will tell you whether you are ovulating
(ovulatory) or not (anovulatory) - and when ovulation is likely to
occur.
Alternatively, the BBT test can also be used to determine the best
time for you to try out other infertility tests with your doctor or
consultant.
It’s very easy to do, too. Just take your oral temperature each
morning before engaging in any activity (eating, drinking or just
moving about will change the body temperature). The basal
thermometer measures temperature in tenths of degrees, which allows
you to measure the smallest increase in temperature.
You should record your temperature on a chart beginning on the
first day of the menstrual cycle, at the onset of menstruation, to
show daily temperature fluctuations throughout the
cycle.
Also log any events that may affect your temperature or fertility,
such as intercourse, bleeding, sleepless nights or illness. A rise
in temperature of about half a degree at the time of ovulation
(about 14 days into the cycle) suggests ovulation has
occurred.- Click here to
download a Celsius version of the chart
- Click here to
download a Fahrenheit version of the chart
Example normal (top) and abnormal
(bottom) BBT charts
|
|
 |
|
|
Home
Merck Serono
