How to Measure & Interpret Basal Body Temperature
WHAT IS BBT?
A cycling woman can track basal body temperature (BBT) as a way to identify her hormonal patterns, detect if ovulation is occurring, and determine when she is most fertile.
This "base" temperature is measured each morning and charted throughout the month.
BBT is often used in conjunction with other fertility awareness methods.
WHAT DOES THE “SPIKE” SIGNIFY?
A BBT spike occurs the day after ovulation, when the ovary follicle releases an egg.
The empty follicle then becomes a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone throughout the luteal phase to support a potential pregnancy.
If this spike is not observed, ovulation may not be occurring.
HOW TO MEASURE BBT
1. GET A THERMOMETER
should measure to 0.1 of degree, can be digital or BBT armband
2. TAKE IN SAME PLACE
mouth, vagina, rectum, or use armband
3. TAKE AT SAME TIME
immediately on waking, before drinking or getting out of bed
4. RECORD
manually or in app
HOW TO INTERPRET A BBT GRAPH
Identify ovulation as the day before the BBT spike. The spike is usually a 0.5-1 degree increase, followed by at least 2 more consecutive increases.
If wanting to achieve pregnancy, have sex during the fertile window.
If trying to avoid pregnancy, refrain during this time.
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References
Basal Body Temperature. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21065-basal-body-temperature