Taking the Temperature
Thermometer: should have two decimal places is more sensitive (can be purchased at the major chemist, Officework)
Keep the thermometer next to your bed ready to be used in the morning
Most people prefer to take it orally but it can be taken also under your arm. Use the same method throughout.
Should take the temperature at the same time every morning after at least three consecutive hours of sleep and immediately when you wake up, before get out of bed or do anything (i.e go to the toilet, letting the dog out)
Shift workers: It is not useful to take to take your temperature when you are already awake and active
May take your temperature in the afternoon (at least three consecutive hours of sleep) and make a note as a variation.
Be consistent with measures on other days (on day shift or day off)
Notes
Record period days (i.e D1, D3)
Record any spotting (other than proper bleeding)
Record the days when you have intercourse
Record cervical fluid (egg white and stretches without breaking quality)
Record an ovulation detection kit result of you use (not necessary)
Other notes: alcohol consumption, any illness (i.e cold, flu), bad night's sleep (less than 3 hours before taking temperature), take medication (especially paracetamol or ibuprofen), feeling stressed, travel (especially air-travel)
Free apps recommendation for recording BBT
choose user friendly that you like
Working with BBT Charts
Ideally, collect BBT charts for two or three menstrual cycles before analysing them.
Advantage
Simple and cheap
Can be very accurate if used correctly
Can help to confirm the pattern diagnosis and to monitor treatment progress
Disadvantage
Can take a minimum of 2 or 3 menstrual cycles to identify patterns
However, this is usually the minimum treatment duration for fertility support in general.
You may find it stressful to record daily and become anxious in response to every minor temperature fluctuation.
About the Author
Youngmi Choi
Ripple Acupuncture | Newcastle | New Lambton
I particularly enjoy helping women through the different phases of our lives with acupuncture and herbal medicine. If you have any questions about your women’s condition, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884.
Reference
Lyttleton, J., 2004, Treatment of infertility with Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
Szmelskyj, I. & Aquilina, L., 2015, Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An integrated approach to treatment and management, Churchill Livingstone.
Anon, 7 best Fertility Apps for 2024, fertilityroad, < https://fertilityroad.com/fertility-360/fertility-apps/> [1 Jan 2024].
BBT and shift work, fertilityfriend, <https://www.fertilityfriend.com/Faqs/BBT-and-shift-work.html> [1 Jan 2024]
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