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Basal temperature: how to measure correctly and where to check. Method of self-determination of fertility

In the modern world, women have learned to plan their lives for several years ahead. This includes not only career growth, time and place of vacation, but also the birth of children. After all, it is during the period of birth and the initial upbringing of the baby that the mother is forced to drop out of the ordinary life schedule for at least a year and a half. To predict the time of birth of a baby, you need to know how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy.

This is the issue that our article is devoted to. In addition to the most faithful change process, you will also receive information about the rules for plotting.

Basal temperature in women tends to change its value depending on the state of the body, its readiness for the beginning of the menstrual cycle, days of "rest" and readiness for conception. If you learn how to correctly measure, record and read the data obtained, this will not only allow you to learn more about your body, but also use this information to regulate sex life, as well as identify hormonal disruptions for those women who have problems with pregnancy.

When a woman's body is ready to receive sperm, the basal temperature rises sharply by a quarter or half of a degree, and on the contrary falls before menstruation. In the case of pregnancy, the basal temperature does not decrease, which indicates the active work of the pregnancy hormone and the corresponding changes in the woman's body.

Measuring the basal temperature does not take much time, but it forces the girl to be more disciplined, since the fixation of the result should take place at the same time, every day. The results obtained must be plotted in order to then see the full picture. Today, it is not at all necessary to delve into the intricacies of charting; numerous mobile applications and thematic sites with appropriate functionality come to the rescue. You only need to enter data on time, and smart programs will build, calculate and give results themselves.

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

In order for the results of basal temperature measurements to be as accurate as possible, you must adhere to a number of rules:


With the question of how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy, we almost figured it out. It is only necessary to replace that at the onset of pregnancy, the basal temperature does not drop below 37.1 degrees for a long time. It's all about progesterone, which helps the fertilized egg to develop, which is what is responsible for maintaining the high temperature regime. It is possible to determine the fact of pregnancy by fixing the basal temperature values ​​before the onset of a delay in menstruation, so if your temperature does not drop for three weeks in a row, it can be assumed that you are pregnant.

There are other situations in which an increase in basal temperature is not recorded. In this connection, we can conclude that there is no ovulation and that this is the reason for the impossibility of getting pregnant.

As for reading the plotted charts, you first need to accumulate material, about the past three months, and then either contact a gynecologist, or make a comparison with typical chart options that are abundant on the Internet. If you notice striking differences from the standard options, it means that you need to immediately consult a doctor.

By measuring the basal temperature, you can monitor the course of pregnancy. A sign of the correct course of pregnancy can be considered a temperature of thirty-seven degrees and a little more. If the temperature drops, it is necessary to urgently contact your supervising doctor. Please note that this procedure is relevant only until the twentieth week, since later a decrease in temperature is natural for a pregnant woman.

Rules for accurate measurement of basal temperature

When measuring basal temperature, a number of rules should be followed in order to get reliable results.

  1. Basal temperature is measured immediately after waking up.
  2. We measure the basal temperature should be the same. If you decide to measure in the rectum, then we measure all the time only in this way.
  3. We change the thermometer to a new one only from the beginning of a new cycle.
  4. Be sure to write down all the obtained values. The records will be used to visually display the basal temperature graph.
  5. Better to use a regular thermometer.

Using our tips, the question of how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy will not seem so scary to you. Gradually, you will get used to this simple procedure, which will help you to control your baby's well-being.

How to measure basal temperature: video

The accuracy of rectal temperature readings depends on many factors. Time of day is perhaps the main one. In the evening, basal temperature will not be informative. The same can be said for daytime and even late morning hours.

Why is it necessary to measure temperature indicators rectally in the morning? And is it possible to do this at other times of the day, but with an amendment?

Basal temperature is understood as indicators of heating of internal organs in a state of complete rest. Measurements are taken rectally, that is, in the anus.

All internal changes in temperature indicators are affected by hormonal levels. It is the correct ratio of the required amount of hormones that ensures the natural functioning of the reproductive system in a woman. With this technique, the moment is traced before, during and after ovulation. With the onset of each period, the hormonal background changes. These changes are recorded by the basal temperature.

The study is painless and does not require financial costs. To record the results, you only need a thermometer, a sheet of paper and a pen. Both a conventional mercury thermometer and an electronic thermometer are used. In the case of regular correct research, it is possible to track the presence of inflammatory processes, as well as the best or "safe" days for conception.

Day and evening

When and to track the true values?

Research is carried out in the morning, as soon as awakening from sleep has occurred. Lying in bed, without making any unnecessary movements, a woman should take a thermometer prepared in advance (just don't put a mercury thermometer under the pillow, it's dangerous!) And insert it into the anus. Remove the thermometer after 7-10 minutes. The measurement is considered complete.

Can rectal readings be measured at other times of the day?

Basal temperature in the evening will not be informative, since many factors affect the body during the day. Natural physical activity, food intake, nervous excitement - this is not a complete list of reasons why temperature indicators will be distorted.

Can rectal temperature be measured during the day? The answer will also be unequivocally negative. Basal temperature during the day is as distorted as in the evening. Any physical movement and mental excitement will increase or decrease the performance.

Some girls measure BT during the day or in the evening "with an amendment", that is, they subtract a few tenths of a degree and enter the figure into the graph. But this is the wrong way. One day you will be calm. For example, you will stay at home and take your time to do your daily routine. Then BT will rise insignificantly in comparison with the state of rest. On another day, you will rush around the city, solving numerous problems, getting nervous and destroying strong coffee in between. And then the temperature goes off scale. But not under the influence of hormones (and we want to find out exactly their amount), but because of stress and physical effort.

What factors affect BT

However, morning measurements also do not always guarantee a 100% correct result.

Consider the factors that have a direct impact on temperature performance.

  • Physical activity. The smallest movements cause the splitting of special energy molecules in the muscles, which provoke an increase in temperature in all organs and tissues.
  • The process of eating. As food enters the esophagus, intestinal motility changes. It affects the general blood flow and temperature in the intestine. These changes are especially relevant after eating fatty, spicy and salty foods.
  • Alcohol. In the process of splitting the molecules of an alcoholic drink, changes occur in the filling of blood vessels with blood. The blood flow fills up faster, and the temperature of the body and internal organs rises.
  • Stress and nervous tension. Any processes in our body are controlled by the brain. Temperature regulators are very close to the centers that control the emotional state of a person. Therefore, their relationship is obvious.

In addition, any changes in the usual rhythm of a woman's life, taking medications, moving around and even sexual intercourse can cause a distortion of the basal temperature.

And if you are pregnant?

Often this technique is used for early diagnosis of the onset of conception. Women who use it know that the rectal temperature should normally drop after ovulation. If she has increased rates for a long time, this may indicate pregnancy.

Read the detailed article on what it should be. We will only present the basic facts here.

No one can give exact numbers, since the indicators depend on the individual characteristics of the woman's body. However, during early pregnancy, before the delay, the graph will necessarily show increased values ​​(from 37 to 38 degrees). Progesterone is to blame for this, which continues to be actively produced for the full development of the fetus.

If pregnancy is confirmed with a special test, doctors recommend continuing measurements. This must be done in order to diagnose possible violations in the development of the fetus at the earliest possible date.

So, a sharp and prolonged decrease in the figures on the graph most often indicates the termination of fetal development: a woman is threatened with a miscarriage or a frozen pregnancy. Too high values ​​(over 38 degrees) are a sign of inflammation processes.

In both cases, you need to consult with a gynecologist, who, using ultrasound diagnostics and laboratory tests, will identify the cause of the failure. Indeed, basal data cannot be used to make a diagnosis. These figures only help to suspect the presence of any deviations. In addition, minor deviations from the norm within 1-2 days are not a signal of any violations. Perhaps this situation has developed as a result of errors in the performance of the study or because of general well-being.

During the study during pregnancy, you must adhere to the same recommendations as before. Measurements should be taken only in the morning hours, since the basal temperature in the evening during early pregnancy will also be distorted.

Should you measure BT?

Summing up, we note that measurements of basal temperature indicators are not a guarantor of one hundred percent informative figures on the graph. Too many factors influence them.

Modern obstetricians-gynecologists are inclined towards more accurate methods - ultrasound and hormone tests. Many doctors generally do not advise their patients to draw up BT schedules. Or they use this technique as an auxiliary one, because it can be useful to complete the picture. If you measure the temperature in the morning, observing all the rules and recommendations, you can significantly facilitate the diagnosis of events important for a woman's life and serious diseases.

But doctors are unanimous about the measurement mode. It is pointless to carry out studies of basal temperature in the afternoon or in the evening, since there will definitely not be the correct numbers in the graph.

Basal temperature chart. Why is this needed?

Basal temperature measurement and scheduling is recommended in gynecology in the following cases:

    If you have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for a year

If you suspect yourself or your partner infertility

If your gynecologist suspects you have hormonal disorders

In addition to the above cases, when scheduling is recommended by a gynecologist, you can measure basal temperature:

    If you want to increase your chances of pregnancy

If you are experimenting with the method of planning the sex of the child

If you want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you in communicating with specialists)

The basal temperature graph, drawn up according to all the measurement rules, can show the presence of ovulation in the cycle or its absence. An accurate assessment of your schedule can only be given by a specialist gynecologist... You must measure the temperature for at least 3 cycles, so that the information accumulated during this time allows you to make accurate predictions about the expected date. ovulation and the most favorable time of conception, as well as conclusions about hormonal disorders.

How does this method work?

Right after ovulation(the most favorable time for conception) a hormone is released in a woman's body. This hormone contributes to a rise in body temperature by 0.4 - 0.6 degrees and occurs within two days after ovulation. Ovulation occurs around the middle of the cycle and thus divides the cycle into two phases - the first and the second. In the first phase, before ovulation, your body temperature is usually lower than in the second phase, when ovulation has already occurred. With sufficient production of the hormone progesterone, starting from the middle of the cycle, an increase in body temperature occurs, which is a fairly reliable sign of ovulation. The second phase of the cycle normally lasts 13-14 days and before the onset of menstruation, the temperature usually drops again by 0.3 degrees. If the basal temperature remains at the same level throughout the cycle, there are no ups and downs on the graph, then we can talk about the absence of ovulation, and as a result, female infertility.

Why are we talking about basal temperature, and not about simple body temperature? The fact is that during the day, a person's body temperature changes all the time. You are hot - the temperature is rising, cold - the temperature is falling. It depends on physical activity, food or drink, stress, clothes, etc. Thus, it is very difficult to "catch" the optimal time to measure body temperature during the day. Therefore, the basal temperature is measured - the body temperature at rest and after at least 6 hours of sleep.

Basal temperature measurement rules

When measuring basal temperature, you must observe the following rules:

    You can start measuring basal temperature on any day of your cycle, but it is better if you start measuring at the beginning of your cycle (on the first day of your period).

Always measure the temperature in the same place. You can choose the oral, vaginal or rectal method. Measurement under the armpit is not accurate. It does not matter which measuring method you choose: it is important not to change it during one cycle.

With the oral method, you put the thermometer under the tongue and with your mouth closed, measure for 5 minutes.

With the vaginal or rectal method, the measurement time is reduced to 3 minutes.

Take your temperature in the morning, right after waking up and before getting out of bed.

Continuous sleep before measurement should be at least 6 hours.

The temperature is measured strictly at the same time. If the measurement time differs from the usual by more than 30 minutes, then this temperature is considered not indicative.

You can use either a digital or a mercury thermometer to measure. It is important not to change the thermometer during one cycle.

If you use a mercury thermometer, shake it off before falling asleep. The force you apply to shake off the thermometer just before measuring can affect the temperature.

Record your basal temperature values ​​each day in a notebook or use our website to keep charts.

Business trips, travel and flights can significantly affect basal temperature.

In case of diseases accompanied by an increased body temperature, your basal temperature will not be indicative and you can stop taking measurements for the duration of the illness.

Basal temperature can be affected by various medications, such as sleeping pills, sedatives and hormonal drugs.

Measurement of basal temperature and the simultaneous use of contraception does not make any sense.

After taking a lot of alcohol, the temperature will not be indicative.

Recognition of the method in gynecology

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes basal body temperature measurement as one of two main methods of tracking fertility (for details, see the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use on page 117). Making a basal temperature chart can help the doctor gynecologist identify abnormalities in the cycle and assume the absence of ovulation. At the same time, setting gynecologist the diagnosis only and exclusively by the type of graph without additional analyzes and examinations most often indicates a medical lack of professionalism.

Video. basal temperature during ovulation

Basal temperature - this is body temperature at rest after at least 6 hours of sleep... In different phases of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature in a woman is constantly changing under the influence of hormonal changes in the female body.

Measurement of basal body temperature BT is a simple functional test that every woman can learn at home. The method is based on the hyperthermic (temperature) effect of progesterone on the thermoregulatory center located in the hypothalamus.

Why do I need a basal temperature chart

Having drawn up a graph of fluctuations in basal temperature, you can accurately predict not only the phase of the menstrual cycle at the moment, but also suspect possible deviations from the norm. Let's list what exactly you might need basal temperature measurement skill in everyday life:

1. If you want to get pregnant and cannot predict when ovulation occurs - a favorable moment for conceiving a child - the release of a mature, capable of fertilization egg from the ovarian follicle into the abdominal cavity;
or vice versa - you do not want to get pregnant, thanks to the basal temperature (BT), you can predict “dangerous days”.
2. To determine early pregnancy with a delay in menstruation.
3. With regular measurement of basal temperature, you can determine the possible reason for the delay in menstruation: pregnancy, lack of ovulation or late ovulation.
4. If your gynecologist suspects that you have hormonal disorders, infertility in you or your partner: if after one year of regular sexual activity, pregnancy has not occurred, the gynecologist may recommend that you measure your basal temperature (BT) to determine the possible causes of infertility.

5. If you want to plan the sex of the unborn child.

How to measure basal temperature (BT) correctly

As you can see, the correct measurement of basal temperature (BT) helps to answer many important questions. Most women know why it is necessary to measure basal temperature (BT), but few know how to properly conduct a study. Let's try to deal with this issue.

Firstly, you need to immediately understand for yourself that whatever the basal temperature (BT) values ​​obtained are, this is not a reason for self-diagnosis, and even more so for self-medication. Only a qualified gynecologist should decipher the basal temperature graphs.

Secondly, you do not need to make any quick conclusions - basal temperature (BT) needs at least 3 menstrual cycles to more or less accurately answer the questions - when you ovulate, and do you have hormonal disorders, etc. etc.

Basic rules for measuring basal temperature (BT)

1. It is necessary to measure basal temperature (BT) from the first day of the menstrual cycle (from the first day of menstruation), otherwise the graph will not reflect the full dynamics of changes.

2. Basal temperature (BT) can be measured in the mouth, vagina or anus, the latter being more preferable. Many gynecologists believe that it is the rectal method that is more reliable and gives less errors than all the others. In the mouth, you need to measure the temperature for about 5 minutes, in the vagina and in the rectum for about 3 minutes.
If you measured the basal temperature (BT) in one place, then the next time you take the measurement, the location of the thermometer and the duration of the measurement cannot be changed. Today in the mouth, tomorrow in the vagina, and the day after tomorrow in the rectum - such variations are not appropriate and can lead to a false diagnosis. The basal temperature (BT) cannot be measured under the armpit!

3. Basal temperature (BT) should be measured at the same time, preferably in the morning, immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed.

4. Always use the same thermometer - digital or mercury. If using mercury, be sure to shake well before use.

5. Write down the results obtained immediately, while making notes if there was something on that day or the day before that could affect the basal temperature (BT): alcohol intake, flight, stress, acute respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases, increased physical activity , intercourse the night before or in the morning, taking medications - sleeping pills, hormones, psychotropic drugs, etc. All these factors can affect basal temperature and make the study unreliable.

When taking oral contraceptives, it makes no sense to measure BT!

Thus, in order to draw up a complete graph of fluctuations in basal temperature (BT), you will need to mark the indicators:
- date of the calendar month;
- day of the menstrual cycle;
- indicators of basal temperature;
- the nature of discharge from the genital tract on a certain day of the cycle: blood, mucous, viscous, watery, yellow, dry, etc. It is important to mark this for completeness of the picture of the compiled schedule, since during ovulation, the discharge from the cervical canal becomes more watery;
- notes as necessary for a certain day: we enter there all the provoking factors listed above that can affect the change in BT. For example: I took alcohol the day before, did not sleep well, or had sex in the morning before the measurement, etc. Notes must be made without fail, even insignificant ones, otherwise the resulting graphs will not correspond to reality.

In general terms, your basal temperature records should look like a table like this:

Date Day mts BT Highlighting Remarks

July 5 13th 36.2 Watery, transparent Drank wine the day before
July 6 14th 36.3 viscous, transparent _________
7 July 15th 36.5 white, viscous _________

Basal temperature chart normal

Before you start drawing up a basal temperature (BT) graph, you need to know how the basal temperature should actually change under the influence of hormones?

A woman's menstrual cycle is divided into 2 phases: follicular (hypothermic) and luteal (hyperthermic). In the first phase, a follicle develops, from which an egg cell subsequently emerges. In the same phase, the ovaries intensively produce estrogens. During the follicular phase, BT is below 37 degrees. Then ovulation occurs - in the middle of 2 phases - approximately on the 12-16th day of the menstrual cycle. On the eve of ovulation, BT decreases sharply. Further, during ovulation and immediately after it, progesterone is released and BT increases by 0.4-0.6 degrees, which serves as a reliable sign of ovulation. The second phase - luteal, or it is also called the phase of the corpus luteum - lasts about 14 days and if conception has not occurred, it ends with menstruation. In the phase of the corpus luteum, very important processes take place - a balance is maintained between low levels of estrogen and high levels of progesterone - thus the corpus luteum prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. During this phase, the basal temperature (BT) is usually kept at around 37 degrees and above. On the eve of menstruation and in the first days of the cycle, the basal temperature (BT) again decreases by about 0.3 degrees and everything starts anew. That is, normally, every healthy woman should have fluctuations in basal temperature (BT) - if there are no ups and downs, then we can talk about the absence of ovulation, and as a result, infertility.

Let's consider examples of basal temperature (BT) graphs, what they should be in the norm and in pathology. The basal temperature (BT) graph that you see below reflects two normal physiological conditions that a healthy woman can have: 1-lilac curve - basal temperature (BT), which should be during a normal menstrual cycle, ending with menstruation; 2- light green curve - basal temperature (BT) of a woman with a normal menstrual cycle, end with pregnancy. The black line is the ovulation line. The burgundy line is a mark of 37 degrees, serves for the clarity of the graph.

Now let's try to decipher this basal temperature graph. Please note that a mandatory sign of basal temperature (BT) is normally biphasic in the menstrual cycle - that is, both the hypothermic and hyperthermic phases should always be clearly visible on the graph. In the first phase, basal temperature (BT) can range from 36.2 to 36.7 degrees. We observe these fluctuations on this chart from day 1-11 of the cycle. Further, on the 12th day, BT falls sharply by 0.2 degrees, which is a harbinger of the onset of ovulation. On the 13-14th day, a rise is visible immediately after the fall - ovulation occurs. Further, in the second phase, the basal temperature (BT) continues to rise by 0.4-0.6 degrees compared to the first phase - in this case, up to 37 degrees, and this temperature (marked with a burgundy line) lasts until the end of the menstrual cycle and before menstruation falls - on the 25th day of the cycle. On the 28th day of the cycle, the line is interrupted, which means that the cycle has ended and a new menstrual cycle has begun. But another option is also possible - the light green line, as you can see, does not fall, but continues to grow to 37.1. This means that the woman with the light green line on the basal temperature (BT) graph is most likely to have a pregnancy. False positive results of basal temperature measurement (an increase in basal temperature in the absence of a corpus luteum) can occur in acute and chronic infections, as well as in some changes in the higher parts of the central nervous system.

It is important to know when charting basal temperature!

1. Normally, the menstrual cycle in a healthy woman is from 21 to 35 days, most often 28-30 days, as on the chart. However, for some women, the cycle may be shorter than 21 days, or, conversely, longer than 35. This is a reason to visit a gynecologist. Perhaps this is ovarian dysfunction.

2. The basal temperature (BT) graph should always clearly reflect ovulation, which divides the first and second phases. Always immediately after a pre-ovulatory decrease in temperature in the middle of the cycle, a woman ovulates - on the graph this is the 14th day, marked with a black line. Therefore, the most optimal time for conception is the day of ovulation and 2 days before it. Using this graph as an example, the most favorable days for conception will be 12,13 and 14 days of the cycle. And one more nuance: you may not detect a pre-ovulatory decrease in basal temperature (BT) immediately before ovulation, but only see an increase - there is nothing wrong with that, most likely ovulation has already begun.

3. The length of the first phase can normally change, lengthen or shorten. But the length of the second phase should not vary normally and is approximately 14 days (plus or minus 1-2 days). If you noticed that the second phase is shorter than 10 days, this may be a sign of insufficiency of the second phase and requires consultation with a gynecologist. In a healthy woman, the duration of the 1st and 2nd phases should normally be approximately the same, for example, 14 + 14 or 15 + 14, or 13 + 14, and so on.

4. Pay attention to the temperature difference between the average values ​​of the first and second phase of the graph. If the difference is less than 0.4 degrees, this may be a sign of hormonal disorders. You need an examination by a gynecologist - take a blood test for progesterone and estrogen. In approximately 20% of cases, a similar monophasic graph of basal temperature BT-without a significant temperature difference between the phases is a variant of the norm, and in such patients hormones are normal.

5. If you have a delay in menstruation, and the hyperthermic (elevated) basal temperature of BT lasts more than 18 days, this may indicate a possible pregnancy (light green line on the graph). If menstruation nevertheless has come, but the discharge is rather scanty and at the same time the basal temperature of BT is still elevated, you urgently need to consult a gynecologist and take a pregnancy test. Most likely - these are signs of a miscarriage that has begun.

6. If the basal temperature of BT in the first phase rose sharply by 1 day, then dropped - this is not a sign for concern. This is possible under the influence of provoking factors affecting changes in basal temperature (BT).

Now we will consider examples of graphs of basal temperature of BT for various gynecological pathologies:

The graph is monophasic, i.e. almost without significant temperature fluctuations in the curve. If the rise in basal temperature (BT) in the second phase is poorly expressed (0.1-0.3 C) after ovulation, then these are possible signs of a lack of hormones - progesterone and estrogen. You need to have a blood test for these hormones.

If ovulation does not occur and the corpus luteum produced by progesterone does not form, then the basal temperature (BT) curve is monotonic: there are no pronounced jumps or falls - ovulation does not occur, and accordingly, a woman with such a basal temperature (BT) schedule cannot become pregnant. Anovulatory cycle is normal in a healthy woman if such a cycle occurs no more than once a year. Accordingly, during pregnancy and lactation, the absence of ovulation is also the norm. If all of the above does not apply to you and this situation repeats from cycle to cycle - you definitely need to contact your gynecologist. Your doctor will prescribe hormonal treatments for you.

The basal temperature of BT rises a few days before the end of the cycle due to hormonal insufficiency and does not decrease immediately before menstruation, there is no characteristic pre-ovulatory depression. The second phase lasts less than 10 days. It is possible to get pregnant with such a basal temperature (BT) schedule, but there is a high probability of miscarriage. We remember that the hormone progesterone is normally produced in the second phase. If the hormone is synthesized in insufficient quantities, then BT rises very slowly, and the pregnancy can be terminated. With such a basal temperature (BT) graph, it is necessary to pass an analysis for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If progesterone is lowered, then hormonal drugs - gestagens (Utrozhestan or Duphaston) are necessarily prescribed in the second phase. For pregnant women with low progesterone, these drugs are prescribed for up to 12 weeks. With abrupt withdrawal of drugs, a miscarriage may occur.

In the first phase, the basal temperature of BT under the influence of estrogens is kept in the range of 36.2-36.7 C. If the basal temperature of BT in the first phase rises above the indicated mark and if you see sharp jumps and rises on the graph, then most likely there is a lack of estrogen. In the second phase, we see the same pattern - ups and downs. On the graph, in the first phase, the basal temperature of BT rises to 36.8 C, i.e. above the norm. In the second phase, there are sharp fluctuations from 36.2 to 37 C (but with a similar pathology, it can be even higher). Fertility in such patients is sharply reduced. For the purpose of treatment, gynecologists prescribe hormonal therapy. Seeing such a graph, there is no need to rush to draw conclusions - this picture can also be observed in inflammatory gynecological diseases, when everything is in order with estrogens, for example, with inflammation of the appendages. The graph is shown below.

You can see on this graph with sharp drops and rises that, due to the inflammatory process, it is problematic to determine when ovulation took place, since the basal temperature of BT can increase both during inflammation and during ovulation. On the 9th day of the cycle, we see a rise, which can be mistaken for an ovulatory rise, but this is most likely a sign of an inflammatory process that has begun. This basal temperature (BT) graph proves once again that you cannot draw conclusions and make diagnoses based on the basal temperature (BT) graph of one cycle.

We remember that at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature of BT is lowered. If the temperature at the end of the previous cycle dropped, and then rose sharply to 37. 0 with the onset of menstruation and does not decrease, as can be seen on the graph, perhaps we are talking about a formidable disease, endometritis and you urgently need treatment from a gynecologist. But if you have a delay in your period and your basal body temperature remains elevated for more than 16 days from the start of the rise, you are probably pregnant.

If you have noticed that during 3 menstrual cycles you have stable changes on the schedule that do not correspond to the norm, you need to consult a specialist.

So, what should alert you when drawing up and decoding basal temperature (BT) charts:

Basal temperature (BT) charts with low or high temperature throughout the cycle;
- cycles less than 21 days and more than 35 days. This may be a sign of ovarian dysfunction, clinically presenting with bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Or there may be another picture - the cycle is always lengthened, which is expressed in constant delays in menstruation by more than 10 days, while there is no pregnancy;
- if you observe a shortening of the second phase according to the graphs;
- if the graphs are anovulatory or manifestations of ovulation are not clearly expressed on the graph;
- schedules with a high temperature in the second phase for more than 18 days, while there is no pregnancy;
- monophase graphs: the difference between the first and second phase is less than 0, 4 C;
- if the BT schedules are absolutely normal: ovulation occurs, both phases are full, but pregnancy does not occur within a year with regular unprotected sex;
- sharp jumps and rises in BT in both phases of the cycle.

If you follow all the rules for measuring basal temperature, you will discover a lot of new things. Always remember that you do not need to draw any conclusions on the basis of the graphs received on your own. This can only be done by a qualified gynecologist and then only after additional research.

Obstetrician-gynecologist, Ph.D. Christina Frambos.

Women who dream of a child use all means to confirm their long-awaited position. To do this, it will be useful to know how to measure basal temperature for. This method guarantees an almost 100% result. However, for this, certain conditions and rules must be observed. Thanks to this, an ordinary thermometer can determine the onset of pregnancy at an early stage.

In contact with

Simple method

The pregnancy test shows the correct result only a few weeks after the delay. With the help of basal temperature, it is possible get an answer almost immediately after conception.

Every woman will be interested to know how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy. The process is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.

However, thanks to the indicators, it is possible to achieve an excellent result within a short period of time. It is convenient to use the graphical method to interpret the readings.

The first step is to figure out how to measure basal temperature with an ordinary mercury thermometer. This should be done only at rest. Thanks to this, it will be possible not only to calculate, but also to control the changes in the hormonal background. To obtain a result, it is necessary to make measurements in one of the following ways:

  • in the anus;
  • in the mouth;
  • vaginally.

Measurement technique

How to measure basal temperature at home? What does the schedule give, and how should it be maintained correctly? Thanks to him, it will be possible not only to calculate ovulation, but also at an early date. The result will be reliable only in case of compliance with a number of mandatory rules. Any external or internal factor can play a negative role:

  • certain changes in diet or lifestyle;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • the presence of bad habits;
  • negative effects of stress and overload;
  • recent change of residence or flight;
  • disturbances in the work of the endocrine system or other organs;
  • colds or other viral infections.

To identify lack of estrogen or other hormones necessary for conception, the basal temperature is measured over several months. It is these changes that lead to the inability to get pregnant. Today there is a wide range of drugs that will help normalize the endocrine system.

If you measure this indicator all the time, then you can determine the lack of estrogen in the body. A large amount of it is formed in a woman's body directly just before ovulation.

Against this background, the general basal temperature in the body rises. If during this period the temperature, on the contrary, decreases, then an insufficient amount of estrogen is produced in the body.

If this problem is identified in time, then a woman can quickly become pregnant. However, only a gynecologist can choose the right course. Taking medication on time reduces the risk of developing complications in the future.

In the absence of ovulation in a woman, the same temperature indicators are recorded throughout the entire menstrual cycle. In this case the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced to a minimum. With a detailed analysis of the general clinical picture, the doctor will be able to draw up a course of treatment that will make a woman fertile. That is why a woman should know how to correctly measure basal temperature. Thanks to this, she will not only be able to get pregnant, but also track irregularities in the work of her internal organs and systems.

How to ensure accuracy

You need to know how to determine the temperature readings correctly to obtain a reliable result:

  • What time is it necessary to take measurements? This is best done in the early morning. It is also important not to get out of bed.
  • The time error between specific days should not exceed 30 minutes.
  • Where should the measurement be taken? The process must always be carried out in the same way. For example, it can be done orally or vaginally.
  • The basal temperature thermometer should not be changed. One tool should be used throughout the cycle.

Important! Indicators can change dramatically if the woman had a chance to drink alcohol the day before. Sexual contact or insomnia can also change the result. Colds play a negative role in this study.

You should take care that the thermometer is always close at hand. It is not allowed to get out of bed in the morning to get it.

Before the procedure, a woman should sleep for at least 5 hours. The readings can be distorted if you had to get up to use the toilet.

Correct readings will be obtained if measured the first time you get out of bed. This will make it possible to obtain a more accurate result.

We have already described how to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy. Additionally, it should be noted that this indicator within a few days after conception is in the range from 37.1 to 37.2 degrees.

Even if the basal temperature thermometer does not change throughout the cycle, the result may be unreliable. Distortion occurs through admission... Accurate information is distorted in the event of a negative impact of a large number of factors. That is why it is recommended to minimize their influence. The hormonal background is very fragile and can change at any time.

Each option has a number of nuances that must be taken into account without fail. For example, with the oral method, the basal temperature thermometer should be kept under the tongue for at least five minutes. The temperature is also measured rectally. In this case, the tool is pre-lubricated. It should go into the rectum at least 5 centimeters. For vaginal examination, the instrument is inserted at least halfway. If the mercury version is used, then it should be kept for at least eight minutes. For electronic, fifteen seconds will be enough. What kind of thermometer to measure the basal temperature, the woman chooses on her own. Changing it within one cycle is considered unacceptable.

Changing BT in the early stages

To determine ovulation measurements should be taken from the first day menstrual cycle. From the fourth day, the BT value will be in the range from 36.4 to 36.8 degrees. In this case, it is quite possible to say that optimal conditions have been created for the egg.

Before ovulation, the temperature indicators gradually decrease. At the time of the release of the egg, this indicator is fixed at 37.4 degrees.

This situation is observed against the background of an increase in the amount of progesterone in the body. With a sufficient amount of it, the egg will be able to complete its formation.

Against the background of its excessive amount, there is an increase in indicators. In this case, optimal conditions are created for the onset of pregnancy.

After conception, BT continues to grow. If there is no pregnancy, then before the start of the next period indicators are falling noticeably... This situation develops against the background of a decrease in progesterone in a woman's body. The picture continues throughout all menstruation. After the bleeding ends, ovulation of the egg should be expected, which is again ready for fertilization.

Important! Early pregnancy allows you to determine the basal temperature schedule. If an elevated temperature is observed for two weeks, then with a high degree of confidence we can say about successful fertilization.

Video: determining basal temperature

Output

Basal temperature measurement is a cheap and practical method that is highly effective. It can only be achieved if the basic rules of the process are followed. Thanks to this, a woman will be able not only to determine ovulation, but also to notice pregnancy before the delay.

This version of the study allows a woman to study her body, as well as identify hormonal disorders. Medicines are used to solve them. Only a gynecologist can correctly prescribe them and choose the dose. He should be consulted if violations are detected within the last three cycles. Only on the basis of such data can a complete clinical picture be formed.