Basal body temperature, abbreviated as BBT, is a very important indicator, by observing which a woman can find out about the onset of ovulation, pregnancy, and the presence of health problems. Some representatives of the fair sex determine BTT in order to calculate the days of abstinence if they do not want to use contraceptives, while others determine the favorable days for conceiving a baby. Now we will talk in detail about how to measure basal temperature correctly.

Basal temperature is determined in the morning immediately after waking up. You don't need to get out of bed. It is advisable to prepare a thermometer for measurement in the evening and put it next to your bed. The slightest movement, moving around the room can affect the indicator. Measurements should be taken daily at the same time for several months.

For those who do not know how to measure basal temperature at home, it is worth noting that it is very easy to do. It is enough to insert a thermometer into the rectum, into the vagina or into the mouth.

The first option is the most preferred. If there is no desire to measure BBT in the rectum, then you can use other methods, but here you need to remember that they are less accurate. Moreover, it is not possible to define different ways on different days. Under the arm, BBT is not measured.

In order for the readings to be correct, it is recommended to refuse to take alcoholic beverages, it is worth avoiding stressful situations. Basal temperature can be inaccurate due to various diseases, insomnia, frequent flights and moves, sexual contact that occurred a few hours before waking up.

When taking oral contraceptives, it makes no sense to think at all about where it is better to measure basal temperature. Its level is set by drugs. In women who use pills, the hormonal background does not change much.

That is why the basal temperature on any day is almost the same. There may be slight ups and downs, but there are no peaks characteristic of ovulation.

What thermometer to measure basal temperature?

To determine the basal temperature, a conventional mercury thermometer is used. You can also use electronic, but it shows the temperature with small errors. When measuring an indicator, accuracy is very important.

Features of scheduling BTT

It is necessary to start measuring basal body temperature from the first day menstrual cycle. The results obtained should be recorded daily. It is also necessary to indicate the factors that could affect the numerical indicator (whether alcohol was consumed or not, whether you had to get into stressful situations whether high physical activity was transferred, etc.).

It is recommended to note the nature of the discharge (viscous, bloody, yellowish, watery, etc.). Using the results obtained, you can make a graph from which it will be clearly seen whether the day of ovulation is approaching or not.

Drawing a graph is easy. To do this, follow simple steps:

• prepare a piece of paper (preferably in a cage);
• draw 2 perpendicular lines (horizontal and vertical axes);
• on the horizontal beam indicate the days of the menstrual cycle;
• mark the degrees on the vertical axis.

It is necessary to measure basal temperature no more than 5 minutes. This time is enough to accurately determine the indicator and understand what processes are taking place in the body.

Every day, a corresponding mark is placed in the graph - the result obtained is noted as a dot opposite the day of the cycle and degrees. Then all marks are connected by a line. To notice a pattern in temperature changes, it must be measured over 3 menstrual cycles.

BTT during and after menstruation

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature every day, even during menstruation. What should it be on critical days? This indicator is individual for each woman. However, there are average values ​​that are typical for all the fair sex.

Normal basal temperature during menstruation is 37 ° C. At the end of critical days, it drops to 36.4 degrees. This drop is explained by the fact that the hormonal background changes in the woman's body - the level of progesterone decreases and the number of estrogens increases.

After menstruation, the basal temperature is 36.4-36.6 degrees. In the middle of the cycle, before ovulation, the value of the indicator decreases sharply. During the release of a mature egg from the ovary, the basal temperature increases by 0.5-0.6 degrees. It is the rise after the fall that indicates that ovulation has occurred.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, BBT is usually slightly above 37 degrees. Before menstruation, the value of the indicator decreases (by 0.3 degrees). Recession is a sign of approaching critical days.

If you measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy, you need to learn how to analyze the graph. This is done very simply. The indicator is measured every day, recorded and marked on the graph.

If there is no decrease in temperature before menstruation, then the woman may be pregnant. In some cases, the fair sex does not observe ups and downs at all. This may be a sign that ovulation is not occurring and the woman is infertile.

If there is a delay in menstruation, and the numerical indicator is not normal and too low, then there may be a risk of spontaneous miscarriage. If, during menstruation, BBT continues to grow after a fall, then this is a sign of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity.

As you can see, every health-conscious woman needs to know how to measure basal temperature in the rectum. Measuring BBT and plotting is a simple procedure. ITS is recommended in the following situations: attempts to conceive a child fail, there is a suspicion of health problems (hormonal disorders, infertility), there is a desire to increase your chances of pregnancy. The main thing is to do this regularly, and you will have accurate data on the state of the reproductive system.

Content

Basal body temperature (BBT) shows a woman when pregnancy and ovulation can occur. They measure it in a certain way: early in the morning, just waking up, at rest. Any thermometer is suitable for measurements, the time required is 3-6 minutes. Everything is simple, and the results clarify many points.

What is basal temperature and how to measure it

BBT is body temperature, which is measured in the rectum early in the morning, without getting out of bed. This will allow you to find out whether ovulation or egg maturation is currently taking place, on which days conception is possible. Basal temperature will indicate the imminent onset of menstruation, changes in the cycle, help in planning and detecting pregnancy or diagnosing some gynecological problems in the body.

How to measure basal temperature at home:

1. It is necessary to measure BBT from the first day of the arrival of menstruation.
2. The thermometer should be placed in the rectum, not in the vagina. The rectal method gives accurate data.
3. The device should be held for 3 minutes.
4. Measurements must be taken daily for 2-3 months at one hour.
5. It is better to do it in the morning, after waking up, right in bed. BBT may differ by 1 degree if you measured it in the evening.

Why you need to measure basal temperature

When menstruation occurs, the hormonal background of a woman undergoes changes. The increase in the amount of progesterone is immediately displayed in numbers on the thermometer:

• When the egg matures (with high estrogen levels), BBT is low.
• After this phase, it rises again.
• On average, an increase in thermometer readings reaches 0.4-0.8 degrees Celsius and indicates that ovulation has occurred.

The days before and during ovulation are favorable for conception. You need to know how to correctly measure basal temperature to determine ovulation. It is important to first clarify all the points for yourself in order to keep a schedule, entering indicators into it with the necessary regularity. Such records will help the doctor to get a picture of what is happening, and over time, the woman herself will understand the numbers.

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy

How to measure basal temperature to determine pregnancy? The measurement should be made during the period of maximum rest, which is sleep. Since this is impossible, you need to get as close to the ideal as possible and measure it early in the morning when you are extremely calm. It makes no sense to find out the data if you are taking hormonal drugs or antidepressants, and also while drinking alcohol.

What thermometer to measure basal temperature

There are three types of thermometers for these purposes: electronic, mercury and infrared. The latter are least suitable for such a measurement. With mercury, you should be extremely careful, because during the measurement early in the morning, being sleepy, you can break it. It is unacceptable to change measuring device otherwise errors cannot be avoided. Do you want to use a regular thermometer or change it to a more advanced one? No problem, but choose the device for a long time.

How to measure basal temperature with a mercury thermometer

Accurate data can be achieved using a mercury thermometer, but even in this case it is possible to measure incorrectly. The thermometer can be entered incorrectly or removed too quickly. Given the danger of mercury, this type of thermometer is less commonly used. How to measure basal temperature with a regular thermometer:

• the tip of the thermometer can be lubricated with ordinary oil (vegetable) or petroleum jelly;
• then gently insert the device into the anus;
• wait 5 minutes, lying with your eyes closed in a state close to sleep.

How to measure basal temperature to determine ovulation with a digital thermometer

Electronic devices are easy to use but have a bad reputation for not being accurate enough. To achieve the desired result, follow the instructions: so, using the oral method, close your mouth as tightly as possible so that the thermometer does not show a value less than it actually is. As a rule, the end of the measurement is indicated by a sound signal.

The greatest advantage of such devices (and the reason for the recommendations of doctors) is their safety:

• If you drop it while you are asleep or it breaks in your hands, it will not cause you any harm.
• The flexible tip makes the instruments comfortable to use, they are waterproof and take measurements faster.

How long does it take to take a temperature

Regardless of the method you choose, the time for this process will remain the same. How to measure basal temperature correctly? It's simple:

1. The thermometer lasts 5-7 minutes. All this time you should remain motionless.
2. The thermometer itself must be prepared in advance and placed near the bed so that in the morning you do not make any unnecessary movements that could affect the data.
3. The time when the temperature will be measured must be observed to the nearest quarter of an hour.

Many planning couples want to know how to determine ovulation by basal temperature. Building a graph will not take much time. If a woman cannot figure it out on her own, a specialist consultation is necessary. The doctor will explain how to dot the graph and how to decipher it.

This technique should not be taken lightly. It allows you to determine not only the day of ovulation, but also the presence of various pathological processes in the hormonal and reproductive system. For this reason, it is recommended to track fertility for three menstrual cycles. This will allow you to better understand possible reasons absence of pregnancy.

Before you understand how to build a system, you should know how it works. This technique was developed in 1953 in England. The active scientist Marshal revealed the relationship between temperature changes and hormonal substances.

The main influence on the increase in performance is exerted by progesterone. It causes a gradual rise in the graph in the second phase of the cycle. On the difference between the temperatures of the first and second phases, you can notice days that are accompanied by a decrease and a sharp jump in the curve. It is these days that are most favorable for a successful conception.

The change in basal temperature depends on the phase of the cycle. Each phase must have a specific duration. The first part of the menstrual cycle depends on the work of estrogen. This hormone begins to function actively the next day after the end of menstruation. The average for a healthy girl should not exceed 36.8 degrees. Measurement should be carried out daily to obtain a clearer clinical picture.

Estrogen causes preparatory processes in the uterus. The substance contributes to the appearance of the endometrium, which is necessary for the introduction of a fertilized egg. The endometrial layer also actively changes over time. The fabric is divided into three layers. The thickness of the layers should also increase. On days 10–12, the basal temperature chart shows a decrease in performance. The result of the obtained changes may differ by 0.5 degrees. This phenomenon occurs due to a decrease in the amount of estrogen. This period indicates the onset of the ovulatory phase.

The normal ovulatory period begins with the appearance of luteinizing hormone in the bloodstream. The luteinizing substance is responsible for the rupture of the dominant follicle. The follicle grows on the surface of the ovary in almost every cycle. It is located at the site of the release of the egg under the shell of the organ. Follicle growth is observed under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone. An increase in the volume of fluid filling the cavity of the follicle occurs when a luteinizing substance appears. The appearance of LH is accompanied by a drop in estrogen hormone. A dip appears on the chart. The norm of this period can be 2-3 days. If the fall is longer, there are certain problems in the work of the ovaries. A computer program that draws a graph of basal temperature, on the second day of sinking, draws an ovulation line. After ovulation, the patient should continue to measure BW and plot the result on the chart.

In this case, the work of the corpus luteum and the progesterone substance is monitored. Progesterone is involved in fixing the fetus in the uterus and its further development. This same technique allows the girl to know how to determine ovulation by basal temperature.

The appearance of progesterone causes an increase in indicators on the graph. The difference between the ovulatory phase and the progesterone stage can reach 0.8 degrees. In a healthy woman, the increase in the curve in the table should occur no more than three days. If the increase in the line is slower, there are problems with the hormonal background.

It is recommended to measure basal temperature to determine ovulation when various problems with conception. The technique is recommended for the fair sex, who have problems such as:

• prolonged absence of pregnancy;
• infertility of unknown etiology;
• irregular menstrual cycle.

The main reason for visiting a doctor is the long-term inability of the patient to become pregnant. It is possible to establish the reason for the lack of conception only with the help of a series of tests. During the examination, the girl is recommended to use this technique. It allows you to determine the presence of hormonal failure or various pathological processes in the reproductive system. Also, according to the schedule, the doctor can set the length of each phase of the menstrual cycle. This is necessary to determine the proper functioning of each hormone. The norm of the content of each hormone is prescribed in the laboratory form. After the examination, it is handed over to the patient.

Prolonged absence of pregnancy in apparently healthy parents is called infertility of unknown etiology. This problem is often found in modern people. The reasons for this problem are varied. Pathology may appear due to the presence of hidden processes in the reproductive system, an unhealthy lifestyle, the presence of weak physical activity and other negative impacts. At the same time, during the examination, the couple does not show any signs of disease. You can determine the cause of infertility of unclear etiology using a table indicating how ovulation proceeds according to the basal temperature chart. The presence of any hidden processes causes a jump in the curve. By the time of its appearance, the doctor can determine the cause of the pathology.

Measurement of basal temperature is also recommended for irregular menstrual cycles. The graph allows you to determine if the patient has ovulation, and when it happens. According to the table, a woman can determine the beginning of the fertile period. At this time, the couple may begin to plan a pregnancy or be heavily protected. Also, the gynecologist can determine the cause of the violation of the cycle and select the necessary treatment.

Often, planning couples resort to measuring basal temperature. By temperature fluctuations, the patient determines the approach of ovulation. The norm in this case is 13-16 days of the menstrual cycle. You can also use the schedule to plan for a specific gender of the baby. In this case, it is necessary to have sexual intercourse on certain days of the menstrual cycle. To conceive a girl, you should have sex 3 days before ovulation. A boy, on the other hand, can be born to a couple whose sexual contact occurred on the day of the onset of ovulation.

The veracity of the methodology

As the English scientist found out, each phase has certain temperature indicators. In the first phase of the cycle, the temperature should be lower by 0.5 degrees. On the day of ovulation, there is a decrease in indicators for 2-3 days. The progesterone stage is accompanied by a rise in the curve by a few tenths of a degree. This construction gives a clear picture of the two-phase menstrual cycle.

Phases healthy woman should be approximately the same length. Deviation is allowed for 2-3 days only in the duration of the estrogen period. An error can be observed due to an untimely increase in estrogen after menstruation.

The progesterone stage should not have an error. The prolongation of the phase can only be observed in the presence of elevated prolactin or pregnancy. The average length of the progesterone phase should be 2 weeks. If a phase is observed that has a duration of less than 11 days, the patient has a lack of the hormone - progesterone.

Thus, this technique allows you to accurately determine the presence of ovulation, the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the causes of infertility.

Measurement Rules

To correctly determine what the basal temperature is during ovulation, certain rules must be followed. It is recommended to measure basal temperature according to the following rules:

• correct use of the thermometer;
• decreased physical activity;
• observance of the time of measurement;
• consideration of related factors.

These rules will help determine how to measure the basal temperature to determine the fertile period. Basal temperature should be measured with a separate mercury thermometer. The use of an electronic thermometer is not recommended. Such a device carries out further measurement after a signal to stop working. Experts advise an additional holding time of one minute. Otherwise, the result will be invalid. A mercury thermometer, on the other hand, measures for a longer time, but has an accurate result. Each measurement should be performed for at least five minutes. Basal body temperature rises slowly during ovulation. When entering the results, it is necessary to accurately determine the degrees to tenths.

The main rule is to reduce physical activity. Before the study, a woman must remain physically calm for at least four hours. This contributes to the setting of indicators at the same level. Due to this feature, experts recommend measuring in the morning. The thermometer must be put in a place located at arm's length. This arrangement will help the woman to carry out less movement. After the woman woke up, she should not make any movements. The thermometer should be placed rectally, orally, or vaginally. The most accurate is the measurement in the intestines. To do this, it is necessary to insert a thin part of the thermometer into the anus to a depth of 2 cm. When inserting a thermometer, do not make sudden movements. Basal temperature should be measured after 5-7 minutes. Only then can you get up.

If, before measuring, a woman had sexual contact or an unplanned trip to the toilet, the basal temperature for determining ovulation should not be taken into account. The next measurement is carried out 4 hours after physical rest.

All measurements must be taken at the same time. If the time changes, then the result is considered uninformative. The definition of ovulation will be incorrect. In order to comply with this rule, you must use an alarm clock. This will help you stay on time.

A common cause of jumps in the basal temperature chart is the use of alcohol-containing drinks. Alcohol adversely affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Under its influence, the activity of the pituitary gland decreases. The pituitary gland produces female sex hormones. For this reason, there is a decrease in the content of the hormone, the schedule falls.

Drug treatment of concomitant diseases also affects what the temperature should be. This is especially true for women with diabetes. Endocrine diseases are cured with medicines containing hormonal substances. Substances cause changes in the hormonal background. In this case, ovulation is not set according to the basal temperature chart. Also, do not use this method patients who are protected by oral contraceptives.

Impaired ovulation and basal temperature changes under the influence of prolonged stress. The presence of stress causes a change in the functioning of the pituitary gland. Against the background of stress, there is a decrease in the work of the sex glands. There is a hormonal imbalance. In this case, the schedule may also change.

Changes are also observed against the background of strong physical activity. Performing heavy exercises causes a strong tension in the muscular frame. Such loads are also not recommended for women who measure basal temperature during ovulation.

The presence of any of these factors should be noted in the graph. This contributes to its correct decoding. If the patient does not follow these recommendations, the schedule is considered incorrect.

What can the table show

Why do you need to know what the correct basal temperature should be? According to the schedule, it is possible to establish the presence of various ailments in a woman. The table of basal temperature during ovulation shows the presence of diseases such as:

• hidden endometritis;
• lack of estrogen or progesterone;
• anovulatory cycle;
• luteinization of the follicle.

Endometritis is a serious illness for many of the fair sex. In the presence of this disease, the patient is not able to become pregnant for a long time. This problem arises due to the presence of cells on the tissues of the uterus that are unusual for the endometrium. The disease can be cured. To do this, it is necessary to set a constant temperature increase in the first phase on the graph. The indicators of the second and first stages will be approximately equal. In this case, the occurrence have a good day and pregnancy is impossible.

The lack of hormones is also easy to determine using basal body temperature. The hormone, which is in insufficient quantity in the body, affects the duration of the phase. If the first phase is shorter than the second, a lack of estrogen is detected. With a short second stage in the body, there is a lack of progesterone.

Anovulation is easily determined from the table. There is no temperature drop in the middle of the cycle. In this case, the doctor should identify the reasons for the lack of ovulation.

Luteinization of the follicle prevents the egg from leaving the ovary. The follicle degenerates into a cyst. In this case, after ovulation, the temperature rises gradually. The postovulatory period is more than three days.

The presence of problems with ovulation does not allow the couple to conceive. To determine the cause of the problem, you need the help of a specialist. A competent doctor advises girls to measure basal rates for three months to find the cause of infertility.

To correctly plan your pregnancy, a woman needs to know how to determine ovulation. Signs and symptoms of the phenomenon will help:

• determine the best day to conceive a baby;
• prevent unplanned conception, but only in cases where the menstrual cycle is regular;
• plan the gender of the future baby.

Thermometer determining the day of ovulation
First symptom after childbirth

There is an opinion that boys are born on the day the egg is released from the ovary, and girls - 1-2 days before it. Scientists say that spermatozoa with male chromosomes are fast, however, not very hardy. Female chromosomes are slow, but their viability is higher. When unprotected sex occurs about a day or two before the release of the egg, the female chromosomes survive and the male chromosomes die. It is for this that you need to know how to determine ovulation at home.

How to know the right time

All healthy women of the reproductive period have a menstrual cycle that lasts about a month. If you are planning a pregnancy, you need to know how to determine the day of ovulation. When the cycle lasts 28 days, then the right time is on the 14th day from the beginning of menstruation. If the cycle lasts about 35 days, then the day must be calculated from the moment of the arrival of menstruation. It happens that it lasts 22 days, then you need to schedule unprotected sex for 8 days.

Measurement of basal temperature

This calendar method is very simple, since counting the days since the start of menstruation is not difficult. However, there is a big "pitfall". The method will work only if the menstruation comes "by the clock." But today, not every woman has a regular cycle. In addition, it is affected by:

• emotional condition;
• possible drug treatment;
• physical exercise.

You can also determine the day of ovulation using a calculator. For this method, an online calculator is suitable, which can be easily found on various sites. It is very accurate and fast way, which is suitable if you need to define not a specific day, but several. The situation is greatly simplified if you have the Internet. You will only need to find the desired website, and then enter the necessary data in the calculator. The program will automatically determine ovulation.

When for some reason you cannot go online and use an online calculator, you should understand how to independently determine ovulation using this method. To do this, you need to know the date of the onset of menstruation, first subtract 12 from it, and then 4. The long-awaited phenomenon occurs in the interval between the days received. Today, this is a particularly relevant method, since there are many programs that are easy to install on a tablet or phone, so you can make calculations at any time convenient for you.

Unfortunately, if you have an irregular cycle, the online method for accurately determining ovulation will not work. Especially if the day needs to be calculated in order to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy. Now let's figure out how to accurately determine the day of ovulation with an irregular menstrual cycle.

If the cycle is irregular

Yes, the calculator allows you to most accurately determine the day of ovulation, but what if the cycle is irregular? In this case, there are also several reliable ways:

• saliva diagnostics;
• temperature measurement;
• allocation tracking.

Try the saliva method. 1-3 days before the onset of the desired day, the level of estrogen in the female body increases. This hormone contributes to the retention of sodium and potassium in the body. Because of this, the composition of saliva changes slightly.

You will need a drop of saliva and a small microscope. Saliva must be applied to the instrument glass of the apparatus and after a while to consider its pattern. When the image becomes like fern leaves, it means that in the coming days you can actively engage in unprotected sex - this is the ideal time to conceive a baby. If you still settled on the "saliva" method, but you want to make everything as simple as possible, try special tests that are sold in pharmacies.

If it is not possible to determine the day of ovulation using a special online programs, you can use the temperature method. To do this, in the morning immediately after waking up, you need to measure the temperature in the rectum. It should range from 36.2 to 36.9 degrees. When the temperature rises to 37 degrees, it means that the process has occurred and on this day you need to have unprotected sex.

Temperature method

You should know not only how ovulation can be reliably determined by basal temperature, but also how to do it correctly. It is best to put a thermometer on the bedside table in the evening so that you can use it in the morning immediately after waking up. The tip of the thermometer should be lubricated with oil or petroleum jelly, then turn on its side and insert the tip of the device into the rectum by 1-1.5 centimeters. Then you need to wait from 3 to 7 minutes and see the result. This diagnosis should be started only after the end of menstruation. Every day you need to measure the temperature at the same time, for example, at 8 am.

If you are trying to understand the most accurate way to calculate and determine your ovulation day, try this method. It is accurate and suitable for irregular and regular monthly cycles.

It is worth learning how to reliably determine ovulation by the discharge that has appeared. During this period, the cervix secretes mucus, through which the spermatozoa enter the uterus. The translucent mucus is similar to raw egg white. This is a very simple and easy way. There is another method that is reliable, but costly - an ultrasound study. The doctor will diagnose and determine the possible onset of the desired date. But for this, ultrasound will have to be done daily, which is inconvenient and expensive.

What external signs will help

If the above methods are not suitable for you, you need to find out how you can determine the onset of ovulation by internal sensations. It is believed that they are no less reliable than popular tests and analyzes for hormones. So, let's talk about how exactly at home you can determine the onset of ovulation.

General health control

First of all, uncomfortable sensations appear in the abdomen and chest. Due to a sharp change in hormonal levels, the breasts can swell and hurt. Often flatulence develops, so the stomach swells, as with problems with the intestines. From the side of the ovary, which released the mature follicle, there are pulling, aching pains.

Now you know how you can determine your ovulation by various sensations and secretions, so you are unlikely to miss this long-awaited phenomenon. But it is better to use several methods at once to be 100% sure.

Way	essence
calendar method	Calculate what date falls on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. This day will be the most suitable for conception.
Calculator	Use online calculators posted on websites on the Internet.
Temperature measurement	When the time is right, the temperature will rise to 37 degrees.
Saliva diagnostics	Put saliva on the dashboard and look at it through a microscope. If the time has come, then the saliva pattern will look like a fern leaf. Or use special text.
Excretion control	When the right period of time comes, white mucous discharge begins to appear from the vagina.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

Measurement of basal temperature has become truly folk remedy pregnancy planning.

Why measure basal body temperature

Basal or rectal temperature (BT)- this is the body temperature at rest after at least 3-6 hours of sleep, the temperature is measured in the mouth, rectum or vagina. The temperature measured at this moment is practically not affected by factors external environment. Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and basal temperature does not solve anything, but this is far from the case.

The method of measuring basal body temperature was developed in 1953 by the English professor Marshal and refers to research methods based on the biological effect of sex hormones, namely on the hyperthermic (temperature increase) action of progesterone on the thermoregulation center. The measurement of basal body temperature is one of the main tests for the functional diagnosis of ovarian function. Based on the results of measuring BT, a graph is built, an analysis of the graphs of basal temperature is given below.

Measurement of basal temperature and scheduling is recommended in gynecology in the following cases:

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success
If you suspect infertility in yourself or your partner
If your gynecologist suspects you have hormonal disorders

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

You want to increase your chances of pregnancy
You are experimenting with the method of planning the sex of the child
You want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you in communicating with specialists)

Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and it does not solve anything.

In fact, by measuring your basal body temperature, you and your doctor can find out:

Does the egg mature and when does it happen (respectively, highlight "dangerous" days for the purpose of protection, or vice versa, the possibility of getting pregnant);
Did ovulation occur after the maturation of the egg?
Determine the quality of your endocrine system
Suspect gynecological problems, such as endometritis
When to expect your next period
Whether pregnancy occurred in case of delayed or unusual menstruation;
Assess how correctly the ovaries secrete hormones in the phases of the menstrual cycle;

A graph of basal temperature, compiled according to all the rules of measurement, can show not only the presence of ovulation in the cycle or its absence, but also indicate diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems. You must measure your basal temperature for at least 3 cycles so that the information accumulated during this time allows you to make accurate predictions about the expected date of ovulation and the most favorable time for conception, as well as conclusions about hormonal disorders. Only a specialist gynecologist can give an accurate assessment of your basal temperature chart. Charting a basal temperature chart can help a gynecologist determine deviations in the cycle and suggest the absence of ovulation, but at the same time, a diagnosis by a gynecologist only and exclusively based on the type of basal temperature chart without additional tests and examinations most often indicates medical unprofessionalism.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, and not the body temperature in the armpit. The general increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, physical exertion, eating, stress, naturally affects the basal temperature and makes them unreliable.

Thermometer for measuring basal temperature.

You will need a conventional medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. With a mercury thermometer, the basal temperature is measured for five minutes, while the electronic thermometer must be removed after the signal about the end of the measurement. After he squeaked, the temperature will still rise for a while, because the thermometer fixes the moment when the temperature rises above it very slowly (and do not listen to nonsense about the fact that the thermometer is in bad contact with the muscles of the anus). The thermometer must be prepared in advance, in the evening, by placing it next to the bed. Don't put mercury thermometers under your pillow!

Rules for measuring basal temperature.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, if possible, every day, including on the days of menstruation.

You can measure in the mouth, in the vagina or in the rectum. The main thing is that throughout the entire cycle the place of measurement does not change. Armpit temperature measurement is not accurate. With the oral method of measuring basal temperature, you put a thermometer under your tongue and, with your mouth closed, measure for 5 minutes.
For vaginal or rectal measurements, insert the narrow part of the thermometer into the anus or vagina, measuring for 3 minutes. Measurement of temperature in the rectum is the most common.

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

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature at the same time (a difference of half an hour - an hour (maximum one and a half hours) is acceptable). If you decide to sleep in longer on the weekend, make a note of this on your schedule. Keep in mind that every extra hour of sleep raises your basal temperature by about 0.1 degrees.

Uninterrupted sleep before measuring basal temperature in the morning should last at least three hours. Therefore, if you measure the temperature at 8 am, but got up at 7 am to go, for example, to the toilet, it is better to measure BT before that, otherwise, at 8 o'clock familiar to you, it will no longer be informative.

You can use both digital and mercury thermometers to measure. It is important not to change the thermometer during one cycle.
If you use a mercury thermometer, shake it off before you go to sleep. The effort you make to shake off the thermometer just before taking your basal temperature can affect your temperature.

Basal body temperature is measured in the supine position. Do not make unnecessary movements, do not turn around, activity should be minimal. Never get up to take a thermometer! Therefore, it is better to cook it in the evening and put it near the bed in order to be able to reach the thermometer with your hand. Some experts advise taking measurements without even opening your eyes, as daylight may increase the release of certain hormones.

Readings from the thermometer are taken immediately after it is removed.

Basal temperature after measurement is best recorded immediately. Otherwise, you will forget or get confused. Basal temperature every day is approximately the same, differs by tenths of degrees. Relying on your memory, you can get confused in the testimony. If the thermometer readings are between two numbers, record the lower reading.

The chart must indicate the reasons that could lead to an increase in basal temperature (ARI, inflammatory diseases etc.).

Business trips, moving and flights, sexual intercourse the night before or in the morning can significantly affect the basal temperature.

In diseases accompanied by elevated body temperature, your basal temperature will be uninformative and you can stop measuring for the duration of the illness.

Various medications, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, and hormonal medications, can affect basal body temperature.
Measurement of basal temperature and the simultaneous use of oral (hormonal) contraceptives does not make any sense. The basal temperature depends on the concentration of hormones in the tablets.

After taking a large amount of alcohol, the basal temperature will be uninformative.

When working at night, basal temperature is measured during the day after at least 3-4 hours of sleep.

The basal body temperature (BT) record table should contain the lines:

Day of the month
cycle day
BT
Notes: Abundant or moderate discharge, abnormalities that can affect BBT: general illness, including fever, diarrhea, intercourse in the evening (especially in the morning), drinking alcohol the day before, measuring BBT at an unusual time, going to bed late (for example, went to bed at 3 o'clock, and measured at 6), taking sleeping pills, stress, etc.

The "Notes" column contains all the factors that in one way or another could affect the change in basal temperature.

This form of recording helps both the woman and her doctor to understand the possible causes of infertility, cycle disorders, etc.

Rationale for the basal body temperature method

Basal body temperature during the cycle changes under the influence of hormones.

During the maturation of the egg against the background of a high level of estrogens (the first phase of the menstrual cycle, hypothermic, "low"), the basal temperature is low, on the eve of ovulation it drops to its minimum, and then rises again, reaching a maximum. At this time, ovulation takes place. After ovulation, the high temperature phase begins (the second phase of the menstrual cycle, hyperthermic, "high"), which is caused by low levels of estrogen and high level progesterone. Pregnancy under the influence of progesterone also takes place completely in the high temperature phase. The difference between the "low" (hypothermic) and "high" (hyperthermal) phases is 0.4-0.8 °C. Only with accurate measurement of basal body temperature, it is possible to fix the level of "low" temperature in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the transition from "low" to "high" on the day of ovulation, and the temperature level in the second phase of the cycle.

Usually during menstruation, the temperature is kept at 37 ° C. During the maturation of the follicle (the first phase of the cycle), the temperature does not exceed 37°C. Before ovulation itself, it decreases (the result of the action of estrogen), and after it, the basal temperature rises to 37.1 ° C and above (the effect of progesterone). Until the next menstruation, the basal temperature remains elevated and slightly decreases by the first day of menstruation. If the indicators of basal temperature in the first phase, relative to the second, are high, then this may indicate a small amount of estrogen in the body and requires correction medicines containing female sex hormones. On the contrary, if in the second phase, relative to the first, a low basal temperature is observed, then this is an indicator of a low level of progesterone, and drugs are also prescribed here to correct the hormonal background. This should be done only after passing the appropriate tests for hormones and prescribing a doctor.

A persistent two-phase cycle indicates ovulation, which has taken place and the presence of a functionally active corpus luteum (the correct rhythm of the ovaries).
The absence of a rise in temperature in the second phase of the cycle (monotonous curve) or significant temperature fluctuations, both in the first and second half of the cycle with the absence of a stable rise, indicates inoculation (lack of release of the egg from the ovaries).
The delay in the rise and its short duration (hypothermic phase for 2-7, up to 10 days) is observed with a shortening of the luteal phase, insufficient rise (0.2-0.3 ° C) - with insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum.
The thermogenic effect of progesterone leads to an increase in body temperature by at least 0.33 ° C (the effect lasts until the end of the luteal, that is, the second, phase of the menstrual cycle). Progesterone levels peak 8 to 9 days after ovulation, which is approximately the time a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

By making a chart of basal temperature, you can not only determine when you ovulate, but also find out what processes are taking place in your body.

Decoding charts of basal temperature. Examples

If the basal temperature chart is built correctly, taking into account the measurement rules, it can reveal not only the presence or absence of ovulation, but also some diseases.

Break line

The line is drawn over 6 temperature values ​​in the first phase of the cycle, preceding ovulation.

This does not take into account the first 5 days of the cycle, as well as days on which various negative factors could affect the temperature (see temperature measurement rules). This line does not allow any conclusions to be drawn from the graph and is for illustration purposes only.

ovulation line

In order to judge the onset of ovulation, the rules established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are used:

Three temperature values ​​in a row must be above the level of the line drawn over the previous 6 temperature values.
The difference between the midline and the three temperatures must be at least 0.1 degrees on two of the three days and at least 0.2 degrees on one of those days.

If your temperature curve meets these requirements, then an ovulation line will appear on your basal temperature chart 1-2 days after ovulation.

Sometimes it is not possible to determine ovulation according to the WHO method due to the fact that there are high temperatures in the first phase of the cycle. In this case, you can apply the “finger rule” to the basal temperature chart. This rule excludes temperature values ​​that differ from the previous or next temperature by more than 0.2 degrees. Such temperatures should not be taken into account when calculating ovulation, if in general the basal temperature chart is normal.

The most optimal time for conception is the day of ovulation and 2 days before it.

Menstrual cycle length

The total cycle length should normally not be shorter than 21 days and should not exceed 35 days. If your cycles are shorter or longer, then you may have ovarian dysfunction, which is often the cause of infertility and needs to be treated by a gynecologist.

Second phase length

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

The length of the second phase of the cycle is normally from 12 to 16 days, most often 14 days. In contrast, the length of the first phase can vary greatly, and these variations are an individual norm. At the same time, in a healthy woman in different cycles, there should not be significant differences in the length of the first phase and the second phase. The total length of the cycle normally changes only due to the length of the first phase.

One of the problems revealed on the graphs and confirmed by subsequent hormonal studies is the insufficiency of the second phase. If you have been measuring your basal temperature for several cycles, following all the measurement rules, and your second phase is shorter than 10 days, this is a reason to consult a gynecologist. Also, if you regularly have sexual intercourse during ovulation, pregnancy does not occur and the length of the second phase is at the lower limit (10 or 11 days), then this may indicate a lack of the second phase.

temperature difference

Normally, the difference in the average temperatures of the first and second phases should be more than 0.4 degrees. If it is lower, then this may indicate hormonal problems. Take a blood test for progesterone and estrogen and consult a gynecologist.

An increase in basal temperature occurs when the level of progesterone in the blood serum exceeds 2.5-4.0 ng / ml (7.6-12.7 nmol / l). However, monophasic basal temperature has been identified in a number of patients with normal progesterone levels in the second phase of the cycle. In addition, monophasic basal temperature is noted at approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles. A simple statement of a two-phase basal temperature does not prove the normal function of the corpus luteum either. Basal temperature also cannot be used to determine the time of ovulation, since a two-phase basal temperature is also observed during luteinization of a non-ovulated follicle. Nevertheless, the duration of the luteal phase in accordance with the data of basal temperature and the low rate of rise in basal temperature after ovulation are accepted by many authors as criteria for diagnosing the syndrome of luteinization of a non-ovulating follicle.

Five main types of temperature curves are described in classic gynecological manuals.

On such graphs, there is an increase in temperature in the second phase of the cycle by at least 0.4 C; noticeable "preovulatory" and "premenstrual" temperature drop. The duration of the temperature increase after ovulation is 12-14 days. Such a curve is typical of a normal biphasic menstrual cycle.

The graph example shows a pre-ovulatory drop on the 12th day of the cycle (the temperature drops significantly two days before ovulation), as well as a premenstrual drop starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

There is a weakly pronounced rise in temperature in the second phase. The temperature difference in the first and second phases is no more than 0.2-0.3 C. Such a curve may indicate estrogen-progesterone deficiency. See chart examples below.

If such schedules are repeated from cycle to cycle, then this may indicate hormonal disruptions that cause infertility.

Basal temperature begins to rise only shortly before menstruation, while there is no "premenstrual" temperature drop. The second phase of the cycle may last less than 10 days. Such a curve is typical for a two-phase menstrual cycle with insufficiency of the second phase. See chart examples below.

Pregnancy in such a cycle is possible, but it is at risk from the very beginning. At this moment, a woman still cannot know about the onset of pregnancy, even gynecologists would find it difficult to make a diagnosis on such early term. With such a schedule, we can talk not about infertility, but about miscarriage. Be sure to contact your gynecologist if you have such a schedule for 3 cycles.

In a cycle without ovulation, the corpus luteum is not formed, which produces the hormone progesterone and affects the increase in basal body temperature. In this case, the temperature rise is not visible on the basal temperature chart and ovulation is not detected. If there is no ovulation line on the chart, in this case we are talking about an anovulatory cycle.

Each woman can have several anovulatory cycles a year - this is normal and does not require medical intervention, but if this situation repeats from cycle to cycle, be sure to consult a gynecologist. Without ovulation - pregnancy is impossible!

A monotonic curve occurs when there is no pronounced rise throughout the cycle. Such a schedule is observed during an anovulatory (ovulation is absent) cycle. See chart examples below.

On average, a woman has one anovulatory cycle per year and there is no cause for concern in this case. But anovulatory schedules that are repeated from cycle to cycle are a very serious reason to contact a gynecologist. Without ovulation, a woman cannot become pregnant and we are talking about female infertility.

estrogen deficiency

Chaotic temperature curve. The graph shows large temperature swings, it does not fit into any of the above types. This type of curve can be observed both in severe estrogen deficiency and depend on random factors. Chart examples below.

A competent gynecologist will definitely require testing for hormones and conduct an ultrasound examination before prescribing medications.

High basal temperature in the first phase

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical line) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

Estrogen deficiency

In the first phase of the cycle in the female body, the hormone estrogen dominates. Under the influence of this hormone, the basal temperature before ovulation is kept on average in the range from 36.2 to 36.5 degrees. If the temperature in the first phase rises and stays above this mark, then estrogen deficiency can be assumed. In this case, the average temperature of the first phase rises to 36.5 - 36.8 degrees and is kept at this level. To increase the level of estrogen, gynecologists-endocrinologists will prescribe hormonal drugs.

Estrogen deficiency also leads to an increased temperature in the second phase of the cycle (above 37.1 degrees), while the rise in temperature is slow and takes more than 3 days.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase is above 37.0 degrees, in the second phase it rises to 37.5, the rise in temperature by 0.2 degrees on the 17th and 18th day of the cycle is insignificant. Fertilization in a cycle with such a schedule is very problematic.

Inflammation of the appendages

Another reason for an increase in temperature in the first phase may be inflammation of the appendages. In this case, the temperature rises only for a few days in the first phase to 37 degrees, and then drops again. In such charts, ovulation calculation is difficult because such a rise "masks" the ovulatory rise.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase of the cycle is kept at 37.0 degrees, the increase occurs sharply and also falls sharply. A rise in temperature on day 6 of the cycle can be mistaken for an ovulatory rise, but in fact it most likely indicates inflammation. Therefore, it is so important to measure the temperature throughout the cycle in order to exclude such a scenario: the temperature rose due to inflammation, then fell again and then rose due to the onset of ovulation.

endometritis

Normally, the temperature in the first phase should decrease during menstrual bleeding. If your temperature at the end of the cycle drops before the onset of menstruation and rises again to 37.0 degrees with the onset of menstruation (less often on day 2-3 of the cycle), then this may indicate the presence of endometritis.

Characteristically, the temperature drops before menstruation and rises with the beginning of the next cycle. If there is no drop in temperature before the start of menstruation in the first cycle, i.e., the temperature is kept at this level, then pregnancy can be assumed, despite the onset of bleeding. Take a pregnancy test and consult a gynecologist who will conduct an ultrasound for an accurate diagnosis.

If the basal temperature in the first phase rises sharply for one day, then this does not mean anything. Inflammation of the appendages cannot begin and end in one day. Also, a lack of estrogen can only be assumed by evaluating the entire graph, and not a separate temperature in the first phase. In diseases accompanied by high or elevated body temperature, it makes no sense to measure basal temperature, and even more so to judge its nature and analyze the graph.

Low temperature in the second phase of the menstrual cycle

In the second phase of the cycle, the basal temperature should differ significantly (by about 0.4 degrees) from the first phase and be at the level of 37.0 degrees or higher if you measure the temperature rectally. If the temperature difference is less than 0.4 degrees and the average temperature of the second phase does not reach 36.8 degrees, then this may indicate problems.

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum

In the second phase of the cycle, the female body begins to produce the hormone progesterone or the corpus luteum hormone. This hormone is responsible for raising the temperature in the second phase of the cycle and prevents the onset of menstruation. If this hormone is not enough, then the temperature rises slowly and the onset of pregnancy may be at risk.

The temperature in case of corpus luteum insufficiency rises shortly before menstruation, and there is no "premenstrual" fall. This may indicate hormonal deficiency. The diagnosis is based on a blood test for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If its values ​​are lowered, then usually the gynecologist prescribes a progesterone substitute: utrogestan or duphaston. These drugs are taken strictly after the onset of ovulation. With the onset of pregnancy, the reception continues until 10-12 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal of progesterone in the second phase during pregnancy can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Particular attention should be paid to charts with a short second phase. If the second phase is shorter than 10 days, then one can also judge the insufficiency of the second phase.

Situations when the basal temperature remains elevated for more than 14 days occur during pregnancy, the formation of an ovarian corpus luteum cyst, and also in an acute inflammatory process of the pelvic organs.

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If, in combination with a low temperature in the second phase, your graph shows a slight rise in temperature (0.2-0.3 C) after ovulation, then such a curve may indicate not only a lack of progesterone, but also a lack of the hormone estrogen.

Hyperprolactinemia

Due to the increase in the level of the pituitary hormone - prolactin, which is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation, the basal temperature graph in this case may resemble the graph of a pregnant woman. Menstruation, as well as during pregnancy, may be absent. An example of a basal temperature chart for hyperprolactinemia

Basal temperature chart for ovulation stimulation

When ovulation is stimulated, in particular with clomiphene (clostilbegyt) using duphaston in the second phase of the mc, the basal temperature graph, as a rule, becomes "normal" - two-phase, with a pronounced phase transition, with a fairly high temperature in the second phase, with characteristic "steps" (the temperature rises 2 times) and a slight sinking. If the temperature schedule during stimulation, on the contrary, is violated and deviates from the normal, this may indicate an incorrect selection of the dose of drugs or an inappropriate stimulation scenario (other medications may be needed). An increase in temperature in the first phase during stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

Special cases of the basal temperature chart

Low or high temperature in both phases, provided that the temperature difference is at least 0.4 degrees, is not a pathology. This is an individual feature of the body. The measurement method can also affect the temperature values. Typically, with an oral measurement, the basal temperature is 0.2 degrees lower than with a rectal or vaginal measurement.

When to contact a gynecologist?

If you strictly observe the rules for measuring temperature and observe the described problems on your basal temperature graph for at least 2 cycles in a row, contact your doctor for additional examinations. Beware of making diagnoses by a gynecologist only on the basis of charts. What you need to pay attention to:

anovulatory charts
regular cycle delays in case of non-approaching pregnancy
late ovulation and not getting pregnant for several cycles
controversial schedules with indistinct ovulation
high temperature charts throughout the cycle
low temperature curves throughout the cycle
schedules with a short (less than 10 days) second phase
charts with high temperature in the second phase of the cycle for more than 18 days, without the onset of menstruation and a negative pregnancy test
unexplained bleeding or heavy discharge mid-cycle
heavy menstruation lasting more than 5 days
graphs with a temperature difference in the first and second phases of less than 0.4 degrees
cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
graphs with well-defined ovulation, regular intercourse during ovulation and no pregnancy for several cycles

Signs of probable infertility according to the basal temperature chart:

The average value of the second phase of the cycle (after the temperature rise) exceeds the average value of the first phase by less than 0.4°C.
In the second phase of the cycle, there are drops in temperature (the temperature drops below 37°C).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle lasts more than 3-4 days.
The second phase is short (less than 8 days).

Definition of pregnancy by basal temperature

The method of determining pregnancy by basal temperature works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation (see Examples of graphs for normal and various disorders).

Fluctuations in basal temperature in different phases of the menstrual cycle are due to different levels of hormones responsible for phases 1 and 2.

During menstruation, the basal temperature is always elevated (about 37.0 and above). In the first phase of the cycle (follicular) before ovulation, the basal temperature is low, up to 37.0 degrees.

Before ovulation, the basal temperature decreases, and immediately after ovulation it rises by 0.4 - 0.5 degrees and remains elevated until the next menstruation.

In women with different lengths of the menstrual cycle, the duration of the follicular phase is different, and the length of the luteal (second) phase of the cycle is approximately the same and does not exceed 12-14 days. Thus, if the basal temperature after the jump (which indicates ovulation) remains elevated for more than 14 days, this clearly indicates the onset of pregnancy.

This method of determining pregnancy works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation.

If a woman is pregnant, then menstruation will not occur and the temperature will remain elevated throughout the pregnancy. A decrease in basal temperature during pregnancy may indicate a lack of hormones that maintain pregnancy and the threat of its termination.

With the onset of pregnancy, in most cases, on the 7th - 10th day after ovulation, implantation occurs - the introduction of a fertilized egg into the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). In rare cases, early (before 7 days) or late (after 10 days) implantation is observed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reliably determine the presence of implantation or its absence either on the basis of the schedule or with the help of ultrasound at a gynecologist's appointment. However, there are several signs that may indicate implantation has taken place. All these signs can be detected on the 7-10th day after ovulation:

It is possible that these days there are small discharges that disappear within 1-2 days. This may be the so-called implantation bleeding. At the time of the introduction of the egg into the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium is damaged, which leads to minor discharge. But if you have regular discharge in the middle of the cycle, and pregnancy does not occur, then you should contact the gynecology center.

A sharp decrease in temperature to the level of the midline for one day in the second phase, the so-called implantation retraction. This is one of the signs most often observed in charts with confirmed pregnancy. This retraction can occur for two reasons. Firstly, the production of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for raising the temperature, begins to decline from the middle of the second phase, when pregnancy occurs, its production resumes again, which leads to temperature fluctuations. Secondly, during the onset of pregnancy, the hormone estrogen is released, which in turn lowers the temperature. The combination of these two hormonal shifts leads to the appearance of implantation depression on the graph.

Your chart has become triphasic, which means you are seeing an ovulation-like rise in temperature on the chart during the second phase of your cycle. This rise is again due to increased production of the hormone progesterone after implantation.

On the example of the graph - implantation retraction on the 21st day of the cycle and the presence of the third phase, starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

Early signs of pregnancy such as nausea, tightness in the chest, frequent urination, indigestion, or just feeling pregnant also do not give an accurate answer. You may not be pregnant if you have all of these signs, or you may be pregnant without a single symptom.

All these signs can be a confirmation of the onset of pregnancy, but you should not rely on them, since there are many examples in which the signs were present, but the pregnancy did not occur. Or, conversely, with the onset of pregnancy, there were no signs. The most reliable conclusions can be drawn if there is a clear rise in temperature on your chart, you had intercourse 1-2 days before or during ovulation, and your temperature remains high 14 days after ovulation. In this case, the time has come to take a pregnancy test, which will finally confirm your expectations.

Basal temperature measurement is one of the main fertility tracking methods recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). for details, see the WHO document "Medical Eligibility Criteria for the Use of Contraceptive Methods" page 117.

When using the basal temperature method to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you need to consider that not only the days of ovulation according to the basal temperature schedule can be dangerous. Therefore, in the period from the beginning of menstruation until the evening of the 3rd day after the rise in basal temperature, which occurs after ovulation, it is better to use additional measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Our regular reader, Natalya Gorshkova, has compiled a form for you to quickly fill out and automatically plot a basal temperature chart, which you can print out and show to your doctor. You can download it from the link: schedule form.

Charts are discussed on the forum

Attention! It is impossible to make any diagnoses only on the basis of basal temperature charts. Diagnosis is made on the basis of additional examinations conducted by a gynecologist.