What does basal temperature show and how to determine it correctly?

Determining basal temperature is a good way of self-monitoring your body, allowing you to determine with a high degree of probability the most favorable days for conception, calculate the start date of your next period, monitor the functioning of the ovaries, and identify disturbances in the functioning of the reproductive system.

For many women, the reason for determining basal temperature is a planned pregnancy.

Let's figure out what this term means and how to measure basal temperature.

BT is measured in a state of absolute rest either in the oral cavity, or in the vagina, or in the rectum using a conventional thermometer. Based on its indicators, one can judge the processes occurring in a woman’s reproductive system.

A change in hormonal levels, which causes an increase in basal temperature (if the woman is healthy), is one of the very first signs of pregnancy. It must be remembered that an increase in general body temperature associated with various diseases leads to a distortion of the BT indicator.

As you know, most women have a menstrual cycle of 28 days. The moment of ovulation divides it into the first and second phases. If you have a non-standard menstrual cycle: short or long, then only the duration of the first phase increases.

During this period, the normal value for basal temperature will be less than 37 C. Ovulation occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle, and the BT indicator increases by 0.4 - 0.6 C. The temperature will be increased throughout the second phase, and will decrease in one to two days before menstruation by about 0.3 C.

Keep in mind that to obtain more complete information, it is recommended to measure your basal temperature several cycles in a row. An important condition - do not under any circumstances change the method of measuring it. That is, if you took measurements in the rectum, then you should measure it in the same way further.

How to measure basal temperature? Rules (quite strict):

1. The temperature must be measured at approximately the same time in the morning (the time difference should not exceed 30 minutes).
2. Without getting up, without sitting down, without being particularly active in bed, take a thermometer (an electronic thermometer is not recommended, because it is considered not so accurate due to the peculiarities of contact between the measuring nose and the muscles of the anus) and insert its narrow part into the anus.
3. Lie still for 5 minutes.
4. BT should be measured every day for 3-4 cycles in a row.
5. Remove the thermometer, write down the data in the table (see example).

Normally, the BBT graph looks like a flying seagull: in the first half of the cycle it is below 37.0, and in the second half it is higher.

Factors that can affect BT

(entered in the “Special Notes” column):

1. Sexual intercourse less than 4 hours before measuring temperature;
2. Sleep less than 6 hours;
3. Sleeping in unusual conditions (especially temperature);
4. General infectious diseases;
5. Exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes;
6. Consumption of alcohol, sleeping pills;
7. Taking temperature at unusual times

There are several factors that affect basal temperature:

• fever caused by infectious or non-infectious diseases;
• drinking alcohol the night before;
• less than 3–4 hours of sleep before taking the measurement;
• consuming food or drinks before measurement;
• measuring temperature at a significantly different time than usual;
• strong body heating (for example, with an electric blanket);
• thyroid diseases.

In cases where the above factors are present, the data obtained are considered non-indicative. It also makes no sense to create a schedule when using hormonal contraceptives.

Basal temperature is normal

1. From the 1st day until the end of menstruation, BT consistently decreases from 37.0 to 36.3-36.5.
2. Until approximately the middle of the cycle (in longer cycles - approximately until the day 2 weeks before the start of the next menstruation), BT fluctuates between 36.3-36.6.
3. 2 weeks before the start of the next menstruation, the egg matures, and therefore BT increases to 37.0-37.3 within 1-3 days (in many women, before increasing by 1-2 days, BT may decrease by 0.1-0 ,2°). This rise means ovulation - the release of an egg from the ovary.
4. During the 2nd phase, BT remains within the range of 37.0-37.5.
5. 2-3 days before the start of menstruation, BT begins to decrease, reaching approximately 37.0 at the beginning of menstruation.
6. The difference between the average BT of the first and second phases of the cycle should not be less than 0.4-0.5°.

What is described is an ideal that does not occur often enough.
Deviations can be varied, with each feature indicating certain violations. Attention:

1. With a cycle longer or shorter than 28 days, the 1st phase is lengthened or shortened (until the temperature rises), and the 2nd phase in any case should be at least 12-14 days.
2. If BT during a missed period is 37.0 or higher, this is a likely sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests need to be done.
3. BBT should not be measured when taking oral contraceptives: the temperature will be approximately the same throughout the entire cycle, which depends on the concentration of hormones in the tablets, but not on your own hormonal activity.

See our article - ovulation test

What to do?

If you measure your basal temperature to calculate the most favorable time for conception, then after three months of observations you can find out when you ovulate.

If you find regular deviations in the basal temperature chart, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice. Please note that you cannot judge your health status based on the graph alone. However, having a chart of basal temperature measurements over a 3-month period usually helps your gynecologist better assess your condition, especially if you are planning a pregnancy.

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISING. THE MATERIAL WAS PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS.

How to use an electronic thermometer?

Digital devices quickly reflect a person's condition without the risks associated with mercury. How to measure temperature correctly with an electronic thermometer: turn on the device and place it under your armpit. It will take less time. Many of the modern devices quickly show results. Clear instructions on how long to measure the temperature are given in the instructions supplied with the device.

Axillary method

If we talk about how long it takes to measure the temperature under the arm, then on average 1-2 minutes is enough. The device is placed in the center of the armpit and the arm is lowered. The sensor will signal the end of the program.

It is not advisable to take measurements on the go. The ideal position is sitting, relaxed.

In the mouth

You need to know how to correctly measure the temperature in your mouth to avoid negative consequences such as broken thermometers or incorrect readings. Conditions for measuring the temperature in the mouth to get an objective result:

• Do not start measuring soon after eating or drinking;
• During the procedure, your mouth should be closed and you should breathe through your nose.

Young mothers are interested in how to measure the temperature in a child’s mouth with an electronic thermometer. This option is not suitable for very small children due to the presence of a pushing reflex. Therefore, it will be difficult to maintain time and comply with other conditions.

Rectally

Before measuring the temperature rectally, simply lubricate the sensor with oil or a water-based product for easy insertion. The child should be placed on his side and not left alone during the measurement. Lubrication is also required. The insertion depth is 2-3 cm. How many minutes to measure the temperature is regulated by the sensitivity of the device.

How many minutes to measure?

The duration of how long you need to measure the temperature depends on the manufacturer. Average time is 1 minute. Infrared thermometers have appeared among electronic devices. Their advantage is instant measurement without contact with the body. But their cost is much higher.

Measuring rectal temperature in a child

First of all, you need to know what temperature should be in the rectum of a child under 2 years old in normal condition - 38 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the child should be in a calm state. After all, if it is active, then the body temperature in the rectum rises. Moreover, it also increases when screaming, crying, during feeding, or massage.

In this case, a slight increase, for example, 38.5 degrees, requires the attention of a specialist. Knowing the normal temperature in the baby’s rectum, if it increases slightly in a calm state, you should immediately call a doctor.

What indicators allow us to conclude that pregnancy has not taken place?

When the sperm does not penetrate the egg, the concentration of progesterone gradually decreases, the temperature returns to its original value and menstruation occurs.

In this case, the woman’s body is completely cleansed and prepared for a new attempt to become pregnant. Even if you are disappointed by this fact, it is important to remain calm, not to be overly nervous, take care of yourself and have faith!

If the temperature remains consistently high, this may indicate the presence of inflammation in the woman’s body. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the color and consistency of the discharge, as well as the general condition, and be sure to consult a doctor.

Measuring rectal temperature in pregnant women

Pregnancy causes extensive changes in a woman's body. He is preparing to bear and feed a child, the mammary glands and even the skeleton are changing. All these processes are controlled by female hormones. In this case, body temperature plays a huge role. And it is often measured rectally, because, as already mentioned, this method gives more accurate readings. This temperature is called basal.

Why do you need a rectal temperature indicator during pregnancy?

Rectal temperature is measured by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. Doctors recommend taking measurements immediately after waking up, explaining that in this case the temperature readings will be more accurate. In the early and late stages of pregnancy, in order to timely exclude the development of any pathologies, doctors insist on constant measurements and drawing up a temperature chart.

In what cases do doctors recommend taking measurements?

This indicator allows you to assess the state of hormonal homeostasis in the female body and the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. The biological method of contraception is based on measurements. In addition, using this information, you can calculate days favorable for conception. Temperature indicators also make it possible to identify many disorders in the reproductive system. However, rectal temperature is most important during pregnancy.

In early and late gestation, measurement is necessary in the following cases:

• if there is a risk of pathological spontaneous abortion;
• to confirm conception, fetal fading, ectopic pregnancy;
• if it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the embryo (if there is a history of miscarriages);
• to prevent the development of pathological processes in the pelvic organs.

Usually, if the woman’s health is satisfactory and the pregnancy is not aggravated by complications, there is no need to measure the temperature. This diagnostic method is used only if there are certain medical indications.

Are there any contraindications for taking measurements?

Measuring rectal body temperature involves inserting a thermometer into the anus, therefore, in the presence of the following diseases and conditions, the use of a diagnostic method during pregnancy is not recommended:

• too frequent urge to have bowel movements;
• difficult defecation associated with compaction of stool;
• acute forms of rectal pathologies;
• hyperthermic syndrome.

How are measurements taken?

In order for all measurement readings to be as accurate as possible, certain rules must be followed:

1. Temperature measurements should be taken in the morning at the same time, before getting out of bed.
2. Measurements are carried out with the same thermometer. First you need to lubricate its tip with Vaseline.
3. During the day, the temperature changes several times under the influence of various factors, including mild stress and mood swings. Therefore, it is not recommended to measure BT in the middle of the day.
4. The thermometer should be in the anus or vagina for at least 5-6 minutes. In this case, the woman should lie on her side, pulling her knees to her chest.
5. You need to start plotting the changes the next day after the monthly cycle.

What factors influence the correctness of measurements?

During the period of constructing the BT chart, you need to remember that there are factors that significantly distort the readings. First of all, it is alcohol, and in any quantity. In addition, you need to remember that alcohol destroys follicles with eggs, so if a woman wants to have children, then she should not drink alcohol in principle, since the number of eggs in her body will be limited.

You cannot have sex 10-12 hours before measurements. Temperature levels are affected by stress, so situations that could affect a woman’s mental state should be avoided.

With any infection, the body temperature rises, so it will be impossible to determine ovulation or pregnancy under such conditions.

Although it is believed that BT is not affected by the environment, you need to understand: the presence of a heating pad nearby or frozen feet will in any case have some effect on the temperature readings. At the time of measurement, the woman should feel comfortable, she should not be cold or too hot.

In what cases is temperature measurement necessary?

Measuring body temperature rectally allows you to obtain the most accurate data, since in the rectum, closed by the sphincter, body temperature does not change under the influence of external factors. Moreover, the rectum, being part of the human internal system, allows you to transmit the exact temperature of the organs located next to it, which also helps determine the presence of inflammatory processes.

What is the normal temperature in the rectum? It is slightly higher than in the armpit. And it should be within 37-37.7 degrees Celsius.

Temperature measurement using this method is carried out in the following situations:

1. Inability to measure armpit temperature due to severe exhaustion of the patient.
2. Age less than 2 years.
3. In case of severe external hypothermia, if the patient’s skin has been frostbitten.
4. For injuries and other damage to the skin in the armpits.
5. When the patient is unconscious.
6. When planning pregnancy and monitoring its progress.

It is strictly not recommended to use the rectal temperature measurement method for inflammation of the rectum, hemorrhoids, and stool disorders.

What are the possible reasons for deviation from the norm?

Significant deviations of this indicator from normal values ​​are a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Decrease and increase can be caused by physiological and pathological factors. The first type is associated with natural phenomena that are not a direct threat to the health of the expectant mother and the condition of the fetus. In the latter case, we are talking about various pathologies. They can negatively affect the baby and the course of pregnancy. The table provides information about the reasons that provoke a deviation of this parameter from the norm.

What is BT and why measure it?

Basal (rectal) temperature is body temperature, which is measured in a non-standard way. The thermometer is not held in the armpits, but in the mouth, anus or vagina.

Why is it measured?

A woman begins to monitor the level of her basal temperature when she wants to become a mother. BT helps her track the moment of ovulation, when the chances of getting pregnant are especially high.

Throughout almost the entire cycle, its value is at 37 degrees Celsius, but at a certain point it increases by 0.3-0.4 degrees. This is a signal that ovulation has occurred. During menstruation, and sometimes a couple of days before, BT returns to 37 degrees.

If it remains elevated, this may be a signal of pregnancy. Every day, the amount of progesterone in the body of the expectant mother increases, a hormone that is responsible for ensuring that the embryo can cling to the inner surface of the uterus and begin its development.

If progesterone levels remain low, the temperature gradually drops and menstruation soon begins.

What does an increase in temperature indicate?

An increase in temperature in the rectum indicates the patient's condition. First of all, this means the development of an inflammatory process in the body, often accompanied by the release of pus. Any viral infectious disease also affects it.

The normal temperature in the rectum in women is generally the same as in men, but in some cases it changes. This helps to track the ovulation process and, accordingly, plan pregnancy.

Often high temperature in the rectum accompanies the formation of tumors of various types.