Basal Body Temperature

Basal Body Temperature
Basal body temperature is measured orally. It is the temperature of the body that is measured when it is at rest. One can measure their basal body temperature early in the morning as soon as they wake up and before engaging in any physical activity. Normal glass tube thermometers may not be able to measure or indicate the minor changes that are in the range of 0.1º Fahrenheit. There are special basal glass thermometers that are used to measure the basal body temperature. You will also be able to use your regular digital thermometers as most of them are capable of recording 0.1ºF.
During ovulation women undergo a number of internal changes and this leads to change in their body temperature. Normally there is an increase in the body temperature in women during this phase. The temperature can increase from 0.5 ºF to 1ºF. Also before ovulation their basal body temperature will drop down.
The hormonal changes that happen within the body contribute to the change in the temperature. In the pre-ovulatory stage the estrogen level goes up and this results in lower basal body temperature. In the post-ovulation stage the progesterone level in the body increases giving rise to higher body temperature. However, the change of temperature can be noticed only the day after the ovulation. So it is only possible to calculate the ovulation phase over a period of 3 days range.
So by keeping track of their body temperature women will be able to find out the fertility period. There is a certain correlation that has been established between regular menstrual cycles and regular ovulation. Those who have regular cycles will have regular ovulation. However, most women who have irregular menstrual cycle still have regular ovulation cycle. Women with irregular menstrual cycles normally have problem in conceiving. By keeping track of the basal body temperature we can estimate whether there is sufficient post-ovulatory period for a successful pregnancy. The results will help the physicians to decide the required course of the treatment.
Also, regular pregnancy tests may not be accurate within the first two weeks of ovulation. If the basal body temperature remains high for a period of 18 days then it can be considered as confirmed pregnancy. Using the basal body temperature technique the gestational age too can be accurately calculated as opposed the calculations based on menstrual cycle.
Those who would like to avoid unwanted pregnancy through natural family planning methods can use the basal body temperature technique to identify their fertility and the post-ovulatory infertile period. By abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertility period they can avoid pregnancy. One of the disadvantages of this method is that it requires regular charting of the basal body temperature. This can also be inaccurate at times because the body temperature can change due to various other reasons that are not related to ovulation. The advantage here is that you do not have to take contraceptive pills that can be potentially harmful to one’s health or have other negative side effects. So basal body temperature technique is one of the safest methods.