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Basal
Body Temperature
(B.B.T.)
How does the Basal
Body Temperature method work
Keeping a record of your basal body
temperature (B.B.T.) is an inexpensive and easy way to determine when and
whether you are ovulating. A woman's basal body temperature drops
briefly and then rises half a degree following ovulation, and remains elevated
until the start of the next period.
How do I prepare the
BBT chart
The infertility clinic will provide
you with a temperature chart and explain in detail how to record your temperature
on it. In order to be able to maintain the chart properly, you must be
able to read a thermometer with accuracy. If you are uncertain about
this, request the clinic staff to coach you. You should use a proper infertility
thermometer (preferably with a Centigrade scale). This is available at
most major chemist shops.
Each chart represents a cycle that
begins from the first day of a period (day 1 of the chart), and continues
until the next period begins. When you have completed the first chart,
you then commence a new chart. Your body temperature is recorded on the
chart when you wake up every morning. The points representing different
temperatures are joined up to make a graph. The best temperature charts
take the form of a display sheet making up six cycles. Normal BBT is between
96 and 98 degrees. This temperature rises to 97 and 98 degrees after ovulation.
If this rise in temperature persists for at least 3 days, it means that
ovulation has taken place. The temperature then remains raised until
it falls once more with the onset of a period. The fall and subsequent
rise in temperature represents ovulation.
How does the rise in
BBT indicate ovulation
Your basal body temperature when
you wake up in the morning reflects changes in your progesterone output.
The rise and fall of progesterone levels in your body follows a pattern
very similar to the body temperature during this part of the cycle. If
you do not ovulate, you do not produce progesterone and your temperature
will remain low. The temperature chart is therefore plotting changes in
your progesterone production, and can be used by your specialist to determine
the normality of your ovulation. If you have intercourse at the time of
the dip in temperature and "chase" the temperature rise, you will not miss
ovulation if and when it occurs.
For how long do I need
to maintain BBT charts
If there is a problem with ovulation,
it should show up if you have maintained the charts properly for two to
three months. The phase of the cycle after ovulation (luteal phase) should
show an raised temperature lasting for at least eleven days for a pregnancy
to be possible. If it is confirmed that there is a problem with ovulation,
there are a number of treatments available.
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