Basal Body Temperature Method

The basal body temperature (BBT) method is a fertility awareness-based method of birth control and also used to aid in conception. It involves tracking the woman's basal body temperature every day to identify when ovulation occurs.

How it Works

A woman's basal body temperature is her temperature at rest, usually taken immediately after waking up in the morning. Before ovulation, a woman's BBT typically ranges from 97.2 to 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit (36.2 to 36.5 degrees Celsius). After ovulation, the BBT increases by about 0.4 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius) due to the release of progesterone, a hormone produced by the empty follicle in the ovary after the egg is released.

Tracking Basal Body Temperature

To use the BBT method effectively, a woman should:

• Take her temperature at the same time every morning, before getting out of bed
• Use a basal body thermometer, which is more sensitive than a regular thermometer
• Record her temperature on a chart or spreadsheet to track changes over time
• Look for a consistent pattern of temperature increase after ovulation

Identifying Ovulation

Ovulation is typically identified by a sustained temperature increase of at least 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 degrees Celsius) above the pre-ovulatory temperature. This increase usually occurs within a day or two after ovulation.

Effectiveness as Birth Control

The BBT method is about 76% to 88% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, making it less reliable than other forms of birth control such as hormonal contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs). Its effectiveness can be improved when combined with other fertility awareness-based methods, like tracking cervical mucus or the rhythm method.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages include:

• No hormonal side effects
• Inexpensive compared to other forms of birth control
• Can help women become more aware of their menstrual cycle and fertility

Disadvantages include:

• Requires daily temperature tracking, which can be inconvenient or forgotten
• May not accurately predict ovulation in women with irregular cycles or certain medical conditions
• Less effective than other forms of birth control

Conclusion

The basal body temperature method is a natural, non-invasive way to track fertility and can be used for both birth control and planning pregnancy. However, its effectiveness depends on consistent and accurate tracking, as well as understanding the individual's menstrual cycle patterns.