Basal temperature throughout the day. Rectal temperature during ovulation. Study of the menstrual cycle, temperature curve. Basal temperature charts during pregnancy

The body, how and for what purpose it is measured, doctors call one of the most valuable for a woman who is conscious of her own health and future motherhood. So, the compilation method is very, very informative for those of the ladies who are extremely important to get information about the hormonal changes taking place in the body, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, and the possibility (or impossibility) of pregnancy associated with these changes. The fact is that it is hormones that cause changes in the basal body temperature in a particular period of the cycle: if the first half of it passes under the sign of estrogen dominance in the body, then the second phase of the menstrual cycle occurs with an increase in the level of progesterone in the body. And this "turning point" - the transition from the "estrogenic" to the "progesterone" period - is the moment: the most favorable time for successful conception and subsequent bearing of the baby.

Basal body temperature: what is and how it changes

Basal body temperature in specialized literature is the lowest body temperature in the period immediately after sleep. Basal temperature can be measured by a woman in three different ways to choose from: in the mouth, in the vagina or in the rectum. In this case, the choice of a thermometer is not important - both a classic mercury thermometer and a supernova electronic thermometer can be used to measure temperature indicators. But a prerequisite for observing all the rules for measuring basal temperature with the subsequent drawing up of a temperature graph is the rule of immutability of the thermometer: the basal temperature is always recorded exclusively by the same thermometer, because the errors of each individual thermometer are even 1 tenth of a degree different. Accordingly, the use of different thermometers may well become a reason for drawing up an incorrect temperature graph.

Temperature indicators when measuring basal temperature throughout the entire menstrual cycle change and directly depend on hormonal fluctuations. Experts divide the menstrual cycle into 3 periods: follicular (the period of time before ovulation), ovulatory (the period when a mature egg is released from the ovary) and luteal (the period after ovulation before the onset of menstruation). In the compiled basal temperature graph, at the same time, the menstrual period by changing the curve is divided into 2 periods: the follicular and luteal phases. The transition from one phase to another - the ovulatory period - becomes the most suitable time for conceiving a child, for the sake of which, in most cases, the mentioned schedules are drawn up.

The follicular period is characterized by the prevalence of estrogens in the female body, this is the time of low temperatures: the basal temperature will now be kept at 36.2-36.5 degrees. With the onset of the luteal phase, on the eve of the release of the egg from the ovary, the temperature decreases even more, by about 0.1 degrees, and then a sharp jump in temperature follows - the active production of progesterone causes an increase in basal temperature to 37.2-37.5 degrees. Such temperature indicators will persist until the onset of the next menstruation, after which a gradual decrease in basal temperature should be expected.

So, drawing up a basal temperature chart with daily indication of temperature levels will allow you to optimally calculate the most favorable days for a successful conception, as, in fact, days for virtually safe sex. Please note that for each woman, depending on the characteristics and duration of the menstrual cycle, the duration of the follicular phase will be different. At the same time, the luteal phase always has approximately the same duration: from 10 to 14 days. For example, if the menstrual cycle is the optimal 28 days, the estrogen and progesterone dominance phases will be approximately equal. If the cycle is shortened or, conversely, longer, the phase of estrogen dominance decreases or increases.

How to measure basal temperature?

In order to get the most accurate basal temperature graph, by which it will be possible to navigate and calculate the chances of conception, it is necessary to strictly follow a number of certain rules. Indeed, even seemingly insignificant actions or interventions from the outside of subjective factors affect the temperature indicators of the body. By the way, keep in mind that by observing the basal temperature for several months, it is also possible to determine possible hormonal problems in the body. For example, increased temperature readings in the first phase indicate a deficiency of estrogen in the body, while lower temperatures in the second phase may indicate insufficient production of progesterone. But an even schedule, without significant temperature changes and sharp jumps in the schedule, can be an alarming signal of the absence of ovulation and inability to conceive. In any of the above cases, it is advisable, if possible, to consult a doctor as soon as possible for advice and undergo diagnostics for possible hormonal disorders.

It is possible to correctly and accurately track the basal temperature and draw up the correct schedule, be sure to follow the written rules. So how to measure basal temperature so that the graph is as informative as possible?

Basal temperature is measured exclusively after sleep, without getting out of bed and before starting any physical activity. Temperature measurements should always take place at the same time: if you wake up at 8 am, then the temperature should be taken every day at the same time. In the case when, for example, on a weekend the awakening occurs a little later (and, accordingly, measurements are also made with a shift in time), it is necessary to make a note of this state of affairs in the schedule.
The duration of uninterrupted sleep before basal temperature measurement should be at least 4-6 hours. So, if, for example, you woke up at 6 o'clock in the morning due to small need, and then go to bed to get some sleep, it is better to measure the temperature immediately after waking up "with an urge": waking up at 8:00 you will no longer get accurate data. And, even after sleeping for more than 3 hours after preliminary awakening, the data will be less accurate than obtained several hours earlier.
Having decided on the method of measuring temperature (orally, rectally or in the vagina), in the future it is necessary to use this method as the only one without moving the thermometer. Otherwise, there is no need to talk about the exact schedule. The temperature should also be measured during menstruation, each time recording it immediately after measurements, so that later you do not forget to do it later.
The following factors can affect the temperature indicators: alcohol intake the night before or at night; stressful conditions; various diseases, including those with an increase in body temperature; insomnia; moving or flights with climate change; taking medications; sex a few hours before waking up. Please note that it is impossible to draw up a basal temperature chart when using hormonal drugs or contraceptives.

Basal temperature chart

Drawing up the actual basal temperature graph is actually not so difficult. For the graph, you will need an ordinary piece of paper in a box, which is drawn manually: horizontal and vertical rays are drawn from one point. The horizontal ray marks the days of the menstrual cycle, the vertical ray marks the degrees, with the calculation of 1 cell = 0.1 degrees. Every morning, when measuring the basal temperature, you should immediately make a note on the chart, marking the indicators with a dot.

For the greatest reliability, it is better to draw up a graph not less than for 3 cycles. And then - you can study the dynamics of changes in the curve, determining the day of ovulation.

Surely many of the fair sex have heard about such a medical term as "basal temperature" more than once. But not everyone understands what this is about. While this definition is directly related to the preservation of women's health. And now everything is in order: what is basal temperature, for what purpose it is measured and how to do it correctly.

Basal temperature - what is it?

As a general concept, basal temperature is the lowest body temperature measured at rest. But the observation of such indicators is of particular importance for the fairer sex, since such a temperature reflects the hormonal cyclical changes in the woman's body. This means that by observing BT, you can monitor reproductive health without tests and medical examinations.

If we talk about what a woman's basal temperature is, then the following definition can be formulated: these are temperature fluctuations that occur as a result of the production of certain hormones by the ovaries.

Why is BT measured?

Analyzing the definition of basal temperature, it is easy to conclude that the thermometer readings change during the month in a certain way, depending on the phase of the cycle. Regularly observing such changes in the body by measuring BT, at home, without tests and complex diagnostic studies, one can observe women's health. What exactly can be found out by conducting such an observation:

The presence or absence of ovulation in a woman.
Determine the most favorable days of the cycle when the probability of conceiving a child is high.
Assess the consistency of the menstrual phases during the cycle, and therefore, detect abnormalities in the hormonal background.
Confirm pregnancy as early as possible.
Find out the cause of infertility.

BT as a method of contraception

What does basal temperature mean as a method of preventing unwanted pregnancy? It is known that the conception of a child can occur immediately on the day of ovulation or within 48 hours after it. And, as mentioned above, it is the BT measurement method that determines the ovulatory day. To do this, you need to regularly monitor temperature changes and display the data on a graph. After ovulation is marked on the curve, it will not be difficult to calculate the days on which the baby is most likely to conceive - these are 2 days before and 1 day after the marked indicator. During this period, one should refrain from intimate relationships or use other methods of contraception.

Basal temperature when planning pregnancy

When planning a couple to conceive a baby, you can also use the method of monitoring the basal temperature. By regularly measuring indicators, a woman can determine the favorable days of the monthly cycle, in which the likelihood of fertilization increases significantly.

It takes self-control and discipline to get the right metrics. Since this temperature should be measured strictly in the morning, without getting out of bed, preferably without even changing the position of the body after waking up, it is very important to adhere to all recommendations, since any violation of them will lead to a distortion of the indicators. What needs to be done:

It is preferable to use a mercury thermometer. It is this type of device that will show the most reliable results.
Measure rectally or intravaginally. The first way is preferable.
Measure temperature after uninterrupted sleep (not less than 6 hours).
It is necessary to carry out the procedure at the same time every day.
The results obtained should be recorded immediately, and then transferred to the basal temperature graph (how to do this correctly, you can read in the corresponding section of the article).
When interpreting the data obtained, the day of the menstrual phase should be taken into account. Basal temperature directly depends on this factor.

Factors affecting BT indicators

In order to obtain reliable data on BT indicators, it is important, if possible, to exclude factors that can lead to false results. Namely:

taking medications, especially hormonal ones;
the use of oral contraceptives and the uterine spiral;
lack of sleep;
alcohol consumption;
sexual intercourse less than 6 hours before taking measurements;
stress;
overwork;
diseases, including viral;
increased body temperature.

What BT indicators are considered the norm?

In order to correctly decipher and analyze the obtained measurement results, one should compare them with the norms established in medicine. What should be the basal temperature in a healthy non-pregnant woman, read below.

There are three phases of the female cycle: follicular, ovulatory and luteal. In each such period, the ovaries produce certain hormones that contribute to the normal conception and childbirth of a woman.

In the follicular phase, the maturation of the egg occurs due to the increasing levels of the hormone estradiol. During this period, BT ranges from 36.2 to 36.8 degrees. The phase ends with a "pre-ovulatory fall" - a sharp decrease in indicators by about 0.3 degrees before the release of the egg from the follicle. This is exactly what the basal temperature should be during ovulation.

In the luteal phase, due to an increase in the level of progesterone in a woman's body, BT indicators also increase. During this period, the thermometer will show from 37.0 to 37.4 degrees. And only a few days before the onset of menstruation, the temperature will drop to the level of the follicular phase. It is this cycle of basal temperature that a healthy woman should have.

How to determine ovulation?

By regularly measuring your temperature, you can calculate the day of ovulation. On the chart, this day will normally be displayed as follows:

The first 12-16 days of the menstrual cycle will be up to 36.7 degrees.
Then there is a drop in temperature by 0.3-0.5 degrees, which indicates the release of the egg from the follicle. This usually occurs on days 12-16 of a woman's cycle.

BT for pregnancy detection

In addition to determining ovulation, using the temperature measurement method, pregnancy can be confirmed at the earliest possible date. In the presence of conception, progesterone indicators only increase. This means that the thermometer will record high BT readings in the second period of the cycle. If a basal temperature of 37.1-37.6 is noted at the end of the luteal (second) phase, and there is no monthly menstrual flow, then there is a high probability that the woman is pregnant.

In addition, the implantation temperature drop will be recorded on the graph of the pregnant woman approximately a few days after ovulation. This fall is caused by the attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus. A low indicator is recorded for only 1-2 days, and then the temperature rises again and reaches levels above 37 degrees.

Is it necessary to measure basal temperature while a woman is carrying a child?

Often, women monitor the rectal temperature readings after sleep in order to calculate the most favorable days of the cycle for conceiving a baby. After the desired fertilization has been confirmed, expectant mothers stop paying attention to measurements of this kind. After all, the goal has been achieved and there is no more sense in doing this. Let's figure out what the basal temperature is during pregnancy and whether there is a need to measure it during this period.

In fact, doctors recommend continuing to measure BT, since often this diagnostic method allows you to detect hormonal abnormalities in time during pregnancy. It is worth remembering that any unreasonable decrease in indicators is a reason to visit a doctor unscheduled. In this case, it is better to play it safe and do additional analyzes and examinations.

What should be the basal temperature during pregnancy? Indicators should not be lower than 37 degrees. Otherwise, a low temperature may indicate a threat of miscarriage, missed pregnancy, anembryonia.

Thus, by measuring BT, it is possible to suspect violations in the development of pregnancy even before the onset of symptoms, to consult a specialist and receive medical assistance in a timely manner. Oftentimes, a simple procedure such as taking your temperature after sleep can help prevent serious complications or even save your life.

Deviations from the norm

If the indicators deviate from the established norms, especially if such a situation has been observed for several months in a row, one should assess the possibility of external factors affecting the results, and then consult a doctor for additional examination. It is especially important to visit a specialist in a timely manner if there are other complaints or the woman is pregnant.

When to see a doctor:

in the first half of the cycle, the temperature is above 37 degrees;
there is no pre-ovulatory drop in indicators;
in the second half of the monthly cycle, a low basal temperature is recorded;
the temperature difference between the phases is less than 0.3 degrees.

It is important to understand that it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on basal temperature indicators alone.

How to build graphs?

For the convenience of interpretation of measurement results and clarity of the obtained indicators, it is recommended to keep a graph of basal temperature. For this, you can select a special notebook. It must be structured into the following graphs:

basal temperature;
day of the cycle;
menstrual flow;
additional information.

The y-axis in such a graph will be the basal temperature (from 35.5 to 37.8), and the x-axis will be the days of the cycle. In the column "Menstrual flow" the corresponding days of the cycle are indicated. And in the "Additional Information" various information is noted that can negatively affect the reliability of the BT measurements, for example, taking medications. An example of a graph is provided below.

Types of curves

In medicine, it is customary to classify the curves obtained as a result of BT measurement on the graph - this simplifies the decoding of indicators and speeds up the process of determining deviations from the norm. There are these types of curves:

We told you what “basal temperature” is and why it is measured. But it is important to note that such a diagnostic method is only an additional means of monitoring one's own health, available to every woman. In no case should one make diagnoses on his own, let alone self-medicate, based only on the results obtained. If abnormalities are found, consult your doctor for correct interpretation and evaluation of the results.

Basal temperature is the lowest body temperature measured after a long rest. Fluctuations in this temperature reflect the processes that take place in the female body. Measuring BT and its fluctuation graph helps to find out the day of ovulation in women and use this information to plan or prevent conception.

Basal temperature: how to measure correctly

The accuracy of determining ovulation will depend on the correct measurement. Let's consider how to measure the temperature.

BT should be measured without getting out of bed, immediately after sleep. The main condition is not to make any movements, not to raise the body to an upright position, not to stand up. Any movement activates blood flow and increases the temperature inside the body. It is for this reason that the temperature is higher in the evening.

It is required to determine the minimum temperature that forms only due to the work of internal organs. Therefore, it is necessary to measure BT immediately after waking up, before washing and going to the toilet.

The following conditions must be met:

It must be borne in mind that the following factors can affect the temperature indicator:

lack of sleep;
diseases of the digestive organs (inflammation of the liver and pancreas, bowel disorders);
stress, nervous feelings, mental overload;
alcohol consumed in the evening.

The above factors reduce the efficiency of the schedule, as they violate the measurement rules.

BT indicators and measurement technique

The thermometer must be inserted into any open body cavity (anus, vagina, mouth). According to the technique that was developed by Professor Marshall, the basal temperature is measured through the anus. This is often done if the temperature needs to be measured for a newborn baby. There is no way to hold the thermometer under the arm, so it is inserted into the anus.

For women, determining the temperature in the vagina or anus allows you to find out fluctuations in tenths of a degree. It is the fractions of degrees that show significant jump in ovulation basal rate.

The value of the measured values

The BT measurement method is designed to determine ovulation. Ovulation is the release from the ovum follicle membrane that occurs after its maturation. The egg cell begins to exit into the fallopian tube and move to the uterus. These changes accompany an increase in temperature by tenths of a degree. BT before ovulation first decreases slightly, and then increases sharply. From the time the egg is released, conception is possible.

Daily temperature measurement makes it possible to find out the day of ovulation. This, in turn, allows you to take appropriate measures to prevent pregnancy, or, conversely, it is on these days to try to get pregnant.

BT schedule

The measured indicators are entered into a table and a graph is started. In addition, additional factors need to be recorded in the table, affecting the accuracy of measurements(presence of headaches, infections, colds).

The graph looks like a broken line. At the beginning of the month, the indicator is approximately at around 36.9-37.1C (fluctuations of 0.1-0.4C are possible).

After menstruation, the degrees decrease to the lowest rates - 36.6-36.9C. It is this temperature that is required for the maturation of the egg. The ripening period can take up to 2 weeks, therefore, in the next decade, the graph will begin to fluctuate about one indicator - from 36.7C, down or up by 0.1-0.3C.

The day before ovulation, the degree decreases (by 0.3-0.5), then sharply increases by 0.4-0.7C and reaches 37C.

Temperature during ovulation

BT during ovulation is a slight decrease before increasing to 37C. By the way, the highest probability of conception on this day is 35%. Therefore, if you are not planning a pregnancy, then you need to limit sexual intercourse or use protection (a condom or other contraception).

After ovulation, basal temperature is e e ascent to the upper level ( with slight fluctuations at the top of the graph).

The subsequent schedule will depend on whether the body is preparing for menstruation or pregnancy. If a pregnancy has taken place, then the basal rate will be at a high level. In the female body, progesterone is formed, which maintains a high temperature.

If conception has not occurred, then the hormonal background is normalized, the indicator decreases. This is observed a week before menstruation (BT decreases by 0.4-0.7C).

This BBT schedule during ovulation is usually found in healthy women. In case of some violations, the normal broken graphics gets lost, the jump becomes not so pronounced. Then the biological method of contraception is ineffective. Pregnancy can occur despite the pronounced absence of a jump in temperature.

Diagnosis of diseases by BT

The whole cycle of changes throughout the month makes it possible to identify the causes of infertility and other disorders. The most common cause of infertility in women is the lack of ovulation. Measuring the temperature makes it possible to determine on which days of the cycle it is easiest to get pregnant and whether the egg release begins.

In addition, BT speaks about the presence inflammatory process in other organs and systems. This affordable method helps you to examine yourself for hidden diseases completely free of charge, independently and simply.

Days of Desired Conception and Safe Sex

Monthly BT measurements make it possible to determine a typical graph of temperature changes in the body. According to the schedule, it is most likely possible to predict the days when pregnancy is possible and days when conception is impossible under any circumstances. This data can be used to prevent pregnancy, or to conceive a child. Consider when conception is possible and how to use this method as contraception.

The days of possible conception are two days immediately after the egg leaves the follicle. And also 2-3 days before ovulation.

During these days, the egg cannot be fertilized yet. However, sperm remain viable for several days. Therefore, getting into the uterus through the vagina, they are in it for 2-3 days and fertilize the egg immediately when it leaves the follicle. That is, several days before ovulation can be added to the days of probable conception.

The time of ovulation, as well as the days before it (approximately 4-6 days) are called fertile. If you are not planning a pregnancy, then it is better to abstain from sex. If you are planning a child, then you need to have sex the day before ovulation. How to find out about the release of the egg, which BT in the vagina should be measured during ovulation?

The day of ovulation according to the schedule is a slight decrease in temperature, and after a few days - a sharp jump up. These two days must be considered fertile (who wants to get pregnant) or "dangerous" (for opponents of conception).

The time after ovulation is called absolute infertility. The period of life of an egg after release is a day and. Unfertilized egg after that it collapses, the possibility of getting pregnant after ovulation after two days is minimal.

The above division of days into periods of impossible and possible conception is not true for all women. The contraction system will only work if your period is stable. For the rest, this method is ineffective.

Deviations and norm

Any changes in the BT index are the result of hormonal imbalance. In a woman's body, all vital processes are determined by hormonal changes. Therefore, pregnancy occurs due to changes in BT.

During pregnancy, BT is at a high level (more than 37.3C). The presence of increased BT creates the hormone progesterone, which is intensively formed in the first 4 months of gestation. Therefore, the BT indicator is high at this time. After the amount of progesterone decreases, at the same time BT decreases with it. Therefore, after three weeks of pregnancy, it is pointless to measure its value.

In the first stage of pregnancy, BT is the main sign, by which conception is judged even before the delay of menstruation. But this is an ambiguous sign. Maintaining a high level of temperature can be accompanied by the use of certain medicines, physical activity, and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the test will definitely be able to tell about pregnancy. And high BT - indirectly.

Definitions of pregnancy with BT

Attention should be focused on two main conditions:

BT is measured at the same time in the morning (a difference of no more than 20 minutes is permissible).
BT is measured without getting out of bed. In order to measure the temperature correctly, the thermometer must be left on the table near the bed, where it can be reached by hand, without turning the body.

You don't need to measure your temperature throughout the day. BT will not be able to show important changes in the body during the day. Only daily measurements in the morning will reflect the real level of hormones.

Basal temperature chart of a healthy woman during pregnancy

The BT graph during pregnancy looks like a broken line, fluctuating in the range of + 37.5C. A decrease of less than 36.9C indicates that the body has decreased progesterone levels. This indicates the likelihood of a miscarriage, a frozen pregnancy or the threat of a breakdown. A doctor's consultation is required.

But this diagnosis is also ambiguous. You've probably heard a lot of stories about difficult childbirth or overwork. Any experience, overload and stress reduce the BT and lower hormone levels... Just try to bounce back and leave your nerves for later.

The maximum BT value during pregnancy can reach + 38C. If your BT level is higher, you should consult your doctor. This indicator is often accompanied by inflammation, internal infections.

What should be the BT before menstruation? And why is this indicator important? Measuring the temperature before and during menstruation makes it possible to determine the presence of an inflammation process in the body. If the temperature during menstruation jumps above 38C, then this means that there is a hidden source of inflammatory disease inside.

BT before menstruation is high. During menstruation, the amount of progesterone decreases, therefore, a decrease in the basal rate begins. From higher indicators (37.8C on the first day of menstruation), it decreases to 37.1C (by 4-5 days of menstruation).
BT during menstruation is the average between the increased temperature of the previous period and the lower value after menstruation. During menstruation, BT remains at about 37C or slightly lower.
BT after menstruation is the lowest cycle indicator (except for the day of ovulation, when the indicator is further reduced by several degrees).

Why do you need to know what BT is before menstruation? Measurements are required for early diagnosing pregnancy... If you have had intercourse without a contraceptive, then you can identify the presence of pregnancy even before the delay of menstruation. Why are B.T. measured. If the basal rate does not decrease, then there is a pregnancy.

If you follow all the rules for determining the basal temperature, you can discover a lot for yourself. But do not forget that you should not draw certain conclusions yourself, taking into account the graphs received. This can only be done by a qualified gynecologist and only after additional examinations.

Basal temperature (BT) measurement is a cheap and affordable method for calculating and determining pregnancy for every woman. Basal temperature is the body temperature at rest: that is, when you are completely calm, both emotionally and physically.

When can BT measurement be useful?

If you are planning a pregnancy and want to calculate the days of ovulation

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle

When is BT measurement useless?

Measurement of basal temperature does not make sense in the following situations:

What is the normal basal temperature when taking birth control pills?

In women taking, the level of basal temperature is set by the pills themselves. Since a woman takes birth control pills every day for a month, the level of hormones in her blood remains approximately the same throughout the entire cycle. In this regard, the basal temperature is maintained at the same level, and the basal temperature graph looks like an irregular curve. Basal temperature can fluctuate, but it does not have peaks (characteristic of ovulation) or pronounced rises.

After the end of taking oral contraceptives, the basal temperature graph returns to its usual form.

Controlling basal body temperature helps a woman to detect changes in the body in a timely manner. It is these data that can show minor changes that cannot be seen externally. Many people are interested in knowing what basal temperature should be during the day and in the evening.

Basal temperature is understood as the lowest mark recorded by a thermometer when measured after at least three to four hours of rest. Ideally sleep. It is called basal conditionally, since fixing a truly basal temperature is impossible at home. But, at the same time, the method is good enough to fix the temperature, which is determined not by human activity, but by the basic (basal) function of internal organs.

For example, to monitor the menstrual cycle and calculate the day of ovulation and the best time to conceive.

Changes

Body temperature changes throughout the day depending on the person's activity. Both physical and psycho-emotional. Therefore, the temperature measured during the day or in the evening cannot be considered basal. It will depend on external factors.

So, for example, as a result of daily activities, the evening temperature in the anus can normally reach 37.5 - 37.7 ° C in any phase of the menstrual cycle.

The body temperature is also influenced by such actions as food intake (digestion process), sexual intercourse, exercise, experienced stress or joy, taking medications, certain vitamins and dietary supplements. Of course, taking hormonal drugs will distort the basal temperature values.