QUESTION: With a deep desire to have a child, and no success over a long period of time, I have decided to try a system involving morning temperatures to try to figure out my time of ovulation.
My girl friend was successful, but she can't explain the procedure to me in a way that I can understand.
Can you?
ANSWER: I certainly will explain the procedure to you, but the many factors that affect fertility make this a complex situation to deal with in an effective manner.
Tracking your basal or morning temperature as a means of establishing your time of ovulation is only one aspect of what should be a total effort to gain your objectives, and that requires professional advice. It's going to take some time, and you will need patience and dedication to evaluate and correct all the possible causes of your infertility.
You will want to keep an accurate record of basal temperature over a three or four month period, to provide a record that can be interpreted properly.
A special thermometer is used which is marked in a manner that makes the lower body temperature found at the end of the sleep period easy to determine.
Shake the thermometer down before retiring for the night and keep it by your bedside for use as soon as you awaken, before you leave the bed.
Keep the thermometer in your mouth for an extended period of time, from 5-10 minutes is required. Read the thermometer carefully in a good light, to the nearest tenth of a degree.
You must then note this on a special temperature chart that is usually provided with the thermometer or by your physician.
If you have had intercourse the previous evening or that morning, place a small circle around that day's temperature reading, as this will provide your physician with the record needed to counsel you.
Usually your temperature will be within narrow range of two tenths of a degree or so during the first part of your cycle.
On or about the 14th day the temperature will take a dip, to be followed on the succeeding days by a level that is elevated by as much as a whole degree. This will form a pattern that is typical for ovulation, and will help you determine your day when conception is most probable.
Both the timing and frequency of intercourse are important considerations, as too frequent intercourse may cause the quantity or quality of your partner's sperm to diminish.
This is but another factor to discuss with your physician.
Good Luck.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
