BASAL BODY TEMP.

What is BBT?

is the lowest body temperature attained during rest. It is usually estimated by a temperature measurement
immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken. This will lead to a somewhat
higher value than the true BBT.

Method

The temperature method helps you predict when you’re going to ovulate by tracking the changes in your body
temperature during your menstrual cycle.

How do I use the temperature method?

Your body temperature naturally changes a tiny bit throughout your menstrual cycle. It’s lower in the first part of

your cycle, and then rises when you ovulate. For most people, 96-98 degrees Fahrenheit is their typical

temperature before ovulation. After you ovulate, it goes up to 97-99°F.

To use the temperature method, you must take your temperature the same way every single day, and write it on a

fertility awareness chart. You can get FAM charts from a nurse or doctor, your local Planned Parenthood health

center, or a family planning clinic.

How do I take my temperature?

In order to track your temperature accurately, you have to do it as soon as you wake up, before you even get out of

bed. Take your temperature before you talk, eat, drink, have sex, check your phone — take your temperature

before you do ANYTHING. Keep the thermometer in place for about five minutes.

What are the safe days to have sex when using the temperature method?

Safe days begin after the increase in your temperature lasts for at least 3 days, and end when your temperature

drops just before your next period begins. During your safe days, you can have unprotected vaginal sex. On your

unsafe (fertile) days, avoid sex or use another method of birth control

Advantages

Since this is a natural method of contraception there are no side effects that could cause health problems. The

users of this mode of contraception are more informed about the menstrual cycle and understand it better. The

user will therefore know more what is happening in their body. When the temperature of the person is monitored

well it is a highly effective mode of contraception. It is also a very cheap method because all you need is a

thermometer and a chart. Since it is a natural method people who believe artificial contraception is wrong can use

it.

Disadvantages

When the temperature is not monitored properly it is not as reliable as other methods of contaception. This

method of contraception only allows you to have sexual intercourse at a limited time so you would have to use

another method the other times. This method requires a lot of work because you have to constantly monitor your

temperature. This method has no protection agaisnt sexually transmitted infections. Certain people can not use

this method because some women have a health condition which causes their temperature to rise