|
The Temperature Method is based on the fact that your body
temperature rises by 0.2 - 0.5 ° C during the course of the day after ovulation.
This rise in temperature occurs as a result of an increase in the level of
progesterone in your body.
This method is used to measure what is known as the basal
temperature (your body temperature in the morning when you wake up), as soon as
you wake up, and before you get out of bed after at least 5 hours' sleep.
It is important for the temperature to be measured correctly, with
same thermometer and at around the same time every day.
As the rise in temperature at the time of ovulation is fairly
small, your temperature should be measured with a digital thermometer that can
measure to an accuracy of two decimal places.
Write down your temperature or enter it into a temperature diagram
day by day so you have a clear idea of your menstrual cycle. When your
temperature rises, and stays raised, ovulation has occurred.
The easiest way of evaluating your temperature curve is by using
what is known as the "three over six rule" when three consecutive temperatures
are registered, all of which are above the average temperature of the last six
preceding days, you can be sure you've ovulated.
You should, however, be aware that your body temperature can rise
for a number of other reasons, including illness or alcohol intake.
Back to article
overview |
