Here is some information that can be helpful for natural methods of birth control or for trying to conceive. If we pay more attention to our bodies, we can know what our bodies are going through. I have been advised by a midwife that basal temperatures are a bit hard to secure if you are breastfeeding because of the fact that you don't get a good night sleep.
Use this information at your own discretion.
Charting your Waking Body Temperature, Cervical Fluid and Cervical Position can indicate when you are most fertile during your monthly cycle. Charting can give you crucial information as to when you peak (most fertile) time is, when you have ovulated, when your menstrual period should begin, if you have successfully conceived or if there is a possibility of a hormonal imbalance. Taking your waking body temperature is the first step to charting. This page will give you instruction on how to take your daily temperature and what the information you obtain from them means.
When To Start Taking Temps
Your first temperature should be taken starting with day one of your cycle. Day one of your cycle is the first day you begin your menstrual period.
What Time To Take Temp
Your temperature reading can rise up to 1/10 of a degree for every half an hour taken later than normal or fall 1/10 of a degree for every half hour taken earlier than normal. To get an accurate chart, it is crucial to take your temperature as close as possible to the same time everyday. If you normally get up during the weekdays at 6:00 AM try and take all your temperatures at this time. Weekends can be tough....we all like to sleep in, just remember that each temperature that is not taken at the normal time has to be adjusted (using the 1/10 for every half an hour rule) which will get you close to what your temperature should have been. Always log the time your temperature was taken each day and make a notation if your temperature has been adjusted.
What Kind Of Thermometer
You can use either a traditional glass or digital thermometer, but use the same thermometer throughout your cycle. If you use a traditional glass thermometer always shake it down and make sure you wait for 5 minutes before you read the temperature. If you use a digital thermometer, wait for the beep (usually about 1 minute) before you read and that the temperature will register to 1/10 of a degree. For example: will read 97.56 and not round up to 97.6.
Do I Take Temp Orally
Temperatures can be taken either orally or vaginally. Which ever method you choose, keep it consistent throughout the cycle.
Take Temps Upon Waking
It is important to take your temperature immediately upon waking. Your temperature will fluctuate once you are moving around. If you wake up during the middle of the night and you go back to sleep and get at least three additional hours of uninterrupted sleep, your temperature will be accurate. If you wake up less than three hours before your normal scheduled waking time and have to get up for any reason, it is advisable to take your temperature then (before you get out of bed) and not at your normal waking time. Remember log the time temperature was taken and make a notation as to the adjustment.
How To Log Your Temps
Start with a good spreadsheet - Check out different charts to use or make up one of your own. There is no such thing as too much information to log in your chart - every little twinge may be telling you something! Temps should range from the mid 96's to 99.00. Your cycle day and date should run across the top of the spreadsheet. Your indicator columns and your temperature range should run up and down. Make sure you start your numbering on cycle day one (first day of mp) leave the blanks if you have missed a few days. Always round down. For example if your waking temperature registered at 97. 52 - you would chart your temp at 97.5. If it was 97.68 you would round down to 97.6 the reason for this is you do not want to risk charting a false high high temp. A false high could lead you to believe that you have already ovulated when in fact you may still be fertile. Circle the appropriate temp for the appropriate day and log all other indicators for that day. Draw a line going from your first charted temp to your second charted temp, from your second charted temp to your third and so on. This will give you a clearer picture as to the rises and or falls within your cycle. Occasionally you may get an out of the ordinary temperature read - you may be ill, stressed, did not get enough sleep, had alcohol the night before....these temps should be logged but do not connect them to the previous day or the day after - the reason for this is they are not a true temp and may cause confusion in reading your chart. Remember to make a notation as to the cause of the unusual temperature.
The Information Temps Give
Taking your waking body temperature can give you information that is very helpful if trying to conceive. If not pregnant your temperature will reflect two phases during a cycle, three phases if conception has occurred. Your temperatures will vary (fall and rise) during your monthly cycle. They will be lower in the first phase, higher in the second phase and higher still in the third phase once implantation takes place. The rise in temps from the first phase to the second phase is caused from ovulation. Your temps will rise only AFTER ovulation has taken place. Charting temperatures alone without using cervical fluid and position DOES NOT indicate when your most fertile time is (before ovulation) until after ovulation has occurred - which is too late. Therefore we recommend that all indicators are charted to give a more efficient reading of fertility.
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First Phase Temps
The first phase (Preovulatory) before ovulation has occured, temps will normally be between 97.0 to 97.5. Right before ovulation occurs the hormone estrogen is produced causing lower temps. Many women are able to see a dip in temp alerting them that peak time is near and ovulation is about to occur. Just remember, your temps can rise and fall multiple times before a dip making it difficult to know when the lowest point will be. It is important to also know that your lowest temperature is most likely NOT your peak day and unless you are charting other indicators you may miss your most fertile time completely.
Second Phase Temps
In the second phase (Luteal Phase) which begins after ovulation temperatures generally will rise between 97.6 and 98.6. The increased temperatures are due to the hormone progesterone which is released from the corpus luetum - the follicle that hold the egg. The temps will remain high for a period usually 12 to 16 days until they drop again (either the day before or the day of) when your cycle ends and menstrual period begins. If conception occurs temperatures will remain high during the entire pregnancy.
Third Phase Temps
Many women experience a third phase (Triphasic Phase) which is temperatures climbing to yet another level that is approximately 3/10's - 4/10's over the Luteal Phase high. This is due to the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone that is produced if conception has occurred and when implantation takes place.
Detecting Ovulation
Detecting ovulation by charting your temperatures can easily be seen after you have ovulated. A dip in temperature followed by a rise (at least 2/10's of a degree) higher than all temps the previous six days and staying at or beyond this level for at least 3 consecutive days shows that ovulation has occurred. Your coverline is usually drawn at this point. Remember - Snuggle Buggle has to take place BEFORE you ovulate to enhance your chances for conception. Charting your cervical fluid and position along with your temperatures will give you a much clearer picture as to when you are most likely ovulating and when your peak time is. For more detailed information on detecting ovulation and drawing coverline, click on the appropriate link provided.
Identifying Anovulatory Cycles
A anovulatory cycle means that no ovulation occurred during that particular cycle. This can be identified by charting your waking temperature. When viewing charted temperatures that appear to have peaks and valleys (many low and high temps) throughout the entire month with no clear separation of a rise in level of temps (rising from first phase / pre-ovulation Phase to second phase / luetal phase) this is a good indication that ovulation did not occur. Many women who are able to conceive may have months that no ovulation takes place - however, we only have 12 times a year to conceive so in my opinion any anovulatory cycles should be followed by seeking testing and / or treatment from ones OBGYN or RE specialist.
Low Estrogen Levels
Estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the follicles that hold an egg. Estrogen plays a large part in the ability to conceive. It is the hormone needed for women to ovulate. It also plays a part as to the amount and quality of cervical mucus which is crucial for the sperm to travel up to the outer third part of the fallopian tubes for conception. An indication of low levels of estrogen would be a nonovulatory cycle along with low amount or poor quality of cervical fluid.
Low Progesterone Levels
Progesterone is also an important hormone within our cycle. It comes from the corpus luteum. When an egg is released the follicle that held it collapses and becomes a yellowed bodied mass called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum sticks to the ovarian wall and starts producing progesterone. Its life span is about 12 to 16 days. Progesterone insures that all maturing eggs (15 - 20 within a cycle) are not released, it thickens the uterine lining, and causes the fertile signs - dip and temp, egg white cervical mucus, and high cervical position to return to a non fertile state.
Low Progesterone levels can be indicated by seeing temps close to, on or below coverline after ovulation through the end of a cycle. Even if ovulation was achieved, low progesterone levels make it very difficult to obtain successful conception. Low progesterone levels can be treated by seeking help from an OBGYN or RE specialist. Progesterone shots, pills, and suppositories are some of the ways Doctors may prescribe to increase this hormone.
Indication of Possible Pregnancy
Ovulation day is not necessarily the same day month to month making the first phase of a cycle vary. The luteal phase (second phase after ovulation) usually is the same every month. After ovulation has occurred you can indicate a pregnancy by watching for the passing of your normal luteal phase. For example if you always have 13 days (DPO - days past ovulation) from when you ovulate to when your period comes and its now 16 DPO, there is a very good chance you are pregnant! 18 DPO with high temps usually guarantee's that you have conceived. Seeing the a sustained third phase (triphasic phase) will also put you on the red alert to a possible success!
Indication of Possible Miscarriage
Miscarriages are heartbreaking and unfortunately not a rare occurrence! An astounding 1 out of 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Many early miscarriages happen so early that if not charting, one probably would never know it occurred. Sometimes it happens so early that it could be confused with a late period. Passing your normal luteal phase date combined with a third level of temps only to be followed with a steady decline or sudden drop in temp and bleeding may indicate a miscarriage has occurred. If you suspect you are miscarrying, please contact your OBGYN, RE or medical doctor.
Don't Temp Alone!
Your waking body temperature is a great tool to use in fertility awareness. But temp readings are much better served when charted along with cervical fluid and cervical position. Using the three indicators together will give you a wonderful indication of when your most fertile and peak time is which will greatly enhance your chances for conception. When you are most fertile, your cervical position is very high, your cervix gets soft and the slit becomes open. Your cervical fluid becomes abundant, clear and stretchy (consistency of egg whites). In using all three indicators you will be amazed at the information you will gain about your cycle and what your own body can tell you about your own fertility! For more detailed information on cervical fluid and position, please click on the provided links for the appropriate page.
http://www.webwomb.com/basal_body_temp.htm
Cervical Fluid is the mucus that is secreted from the cervix. It is produced by the hormone estrogen in the first phase of a monthly cycle. Cervical fluid is an essential element to conception due to its ability to keep sperm alive for up to five days (in fertile quality fluid), protects it from the acidity in the vagina and transports the sperm to the outer third wall of the fallopian tube where fertilization takes place.
What Does Cervical Fluid Look Like?
Cervical Fluid will range in abundance, consistency, color and fertile quality due to the increasing level of estrogen within the first phase of your cycle. Typically the changes in fluid will fall into the following pattern.
Dry or Light Moisture - INFERTILE
After menstruation for a period of 3 - 5 days you may experience no fluid at all or a small amount of moisture. Color of any existing fluid is clear or slightly white but will dry immediately on your fingertips. Overall sensation is not wet at this time.
Sticky or Gummy - INFERTILE
Cervical Fluid then changes to feeling sticky for a period of 2 - 3 days. When rubbed between your fingertips it may give a small amount of resistance, feels slightly gummy or may even crumble. The color will range from clear to white and although you may feel a small amount of moisture the fluid is still dry and does not feel wet at this time.
Creamy, Milky, Lotion Like - FERTILE
Cervical fluid now becomes much more abundant and will feel wet from 2 - 4 days. It can appear either thick and creamy or like hand lotion and will form peaks in your fingertips when pulled apart or can be thinner and look milky. Color of the fluid is white or yellow and the overall vaginal sensation is wet.
Eggwhite Cervical Fluid - VERY FERTILE
Cervical fluid now reaches its most fertile stage for 1 - 5 days. The fluid will look and have the consistency of eggwhites. It is slippery to the touch and if pulled between the fingertips will stretch 1 - 10 inches! The color can be clear or iridescent and the overall sensation is extremely wet.
Dry, Moist or Sticky - INFERTILE
Cervical fluid will now change drastically due to the drop in estrogen and the surge of progesterone following ovulation. It can be dry, watery, moist or sticky and will remain in that stage until the end of your monthly cycle - which is the day before your menstrual period begins. Any fluid at all will dry up quickly upon your fingertips, can range from no color to white and your overall vaginal sensation will be dry at this time.
http://www.webwomb.com/cervical_mucus_page.htm |
The Third Indicator - Cervical Position
Logging the position of your cervix on your fertility spreadsheet is a key element in charting. When your cervical position rises within your body, the opening gets larger and feels soft to the touch, this is an indication of being at your most fertile time. This page will give you information on the different positions, the changes of the opening as well as the feel of your cervix during your monthly cycle.
Cervix is Low, Hard & Closed
After your menstrual period you will begin to start checking your cervical position. At this time the position of your cervix will be low within your body and easily reached with your fingertips. The opening to your cervix will be closed - feeling like a small slit or a tiny hole. The feel of your cervix will be rather hard to the touch. It will feel almost like touching the tip of your nose. During this phase (the first phase within your cycle) you are considered infertile.
Cervix is High, Soft & Open
Right before ovulation occurs the amount of estrogen increases within your body. This causes your cervix to rise. When checking your cervical position, you will notice that it will move from the lowest point to mid and then extremely high. At the highest point it may be difficult to reach your cervix with your fingertips. The opening of your cervix increases making the slit or tiny hole much larger. The feel of your cervix is much softer now almost like touching your bottom lip. This is an indication of your peak or most fertile time. The cervix will remain high until you ovulate - after which estrogen subsides and the hormone progesterone is released causing your cervix to return to its low. closed and hard position.
http://www.webwomb.com/cervical_position_frame_page.htm
How To Check Your Cervical Position
Begin checking your cervical position after you have completed your menstrual cycle. When checking your cervical fluid or position - insure that your hands are clean and fingernails are not rough.
There are a few positions that you can be in to check your cervical position. It will depend on what you feel the most comfortable with. Which ever position you choose should remain consistent throughout the length of your cycle. Some women prefer and have no problem checking while sitting on the toilet - other women find it difficult to locate their cervix in this position during fertile time and may need to either squat down on the floor with knees bent and open or putting one foot upon the bathtub or toilet seat.
With one hand holding back the vaginal lips insert the other hands middle finger into your vagina. Move your finger up until you hit your cervix. It should feel like a rounded cylinder shaped mass within your body.
The position of your cervix will vary within your cycle. It will be low in the first phase and start to rise closer to ovulation and then will lower again after ovulation has occurred. When checking for the first time and are unsure what low or high should feel like, when high your cervix is almost unreachable with you fingertip.
Once charting and have gone the changes your cervical position takes on - you will have a better understanding of what a low, mid and high cervical position is.
http://www.webwomb.com/check_cervical_position.htm
Charting Your Cervical Position
You should begin checking your cervical position the first day after your menstrual period. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical fluid. This page explains how the different positions of your cervix along with the feel and the opening changes should be logged on your fertility spreadsheet.
Low Cervical Position
Right after your menstrual period, the position of your cervix will be low and easily reached by your fingertip. This should be charted on your spreadsheet by logging "L" or "Low". At this time, a cervical position of low is considered infertile.
Mid Cervical Position
Closer to ovulation your cervix will start to rise. This is caused by the increasing amount of progesterone in your body. Your cervix will start moving a little higher within your body but can still be reached rather quickly with your fingertips. This should be charted on your spreadsheet by logging "M" or "Mid". At this time there is a possibility of being fertile.
High Cervical Position
A day or two prior to ovulation your cervix will rise to its highest point. It moves to this level due to the amount of progesterone within your body. When checking for the position you will notice that it is almost difficult to reach your cervix and should be logged on your spreadsheet as "High". Note: Due to the unique way the Charting Consultation Service logs to show at a glance when your peak time is - the letter "X" (extra high) is used for their fertility chart. At this time you are considered extremely fertile.
Hard Cervix
When you begin checking your cervix the day after your menstrual period has ended, you will notice that the feel of your cervix is rather hard. It will feel almost as you are touching the tip of your nose. This should be logged on your cervix as "H" or "Hard". At this time you are considered infertile.
Soft Cervix
Closer to ovulation your cervix will start to soften. This is caused by the increasing amount of progesterone in your body at this time. It may feel almost like touching your bottom lip. This should be logged on your spreadsheet as "S" or "Soft". When cervix is soft and high you are considered extremely fertile.
Closed Cervical Opening
When you begin checking your cervix the day after your menstrual period begins you will notice that there is a small slit or a tiny round hole (usually women who have given birth will feel a small hole instead of a slit) which is the opening where sperm enters. The opening will be very small at this time and should be logged on your fertility chart as "C" or "Closed". When your cervical opening is at its smallest (closed) you are considered infertile.
Open Cervix
Closer to ovulation you will notice that your cervical opening begins to enlarge. This makes it easier for sperm to enter into the cervix. The slit or hole will become larger and will feel very open. This should be logged on your fertility spreadsheet as "O" or "Open". When your cervical position is High, Soft and Open you are considered extremely fertile.
http://www.webwomb.com/charting_cervical_position.htm
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