|
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECORDING AND USING THE BASAL TEMPEPATURE GRAPH
Most people believe that there is a chance for conception whenever intercourse takes place.
Actually, this is not true. Conception can follow only if intercourse occurs near the time when the egg (ovum) is released by the ovary (ovulation). Obvious fertilization is impossible if there is no ovum
to be fertilized. As far as we know, ovulation occurs only once in each menstrual cycle. This means that a woman has only one opportunity for conception during her cycle. The importance of determining the
exact time of ovulation is therefore apparent. An individual who wishes to become pregnant may increase her chances of conception enormously by having intercourse at the time of ovulation, or on the contrary,
she may decrease the chance of conception by avoiding intercourse at that time.
One simple method of determining the time of ovulation is by means of temperature graphs.
Theoretically the normal temperature of a healthy individual is 98.6 degrees. Actually, there are always slight variations from this fgure. It has been found that a woman's temperature is lower during the first
part of the menstrual cycle than it is during the last two weeks of the same cycle, and further, that the shift
from the lower level of temperature to the higher occurs about the time of ovulation. Therefore, in many
cases, it is possible to determine the time of ovulation by keeping a graphic record of each day's tempera ture. The variation in temperature is slight, only a few tenths of a degree, so it is essential that the temperature be taken with the utmost practical accuracy.
The temperature is to be taken precisely according to your physician's instruction; some doctors wish the temperature taken in the morning, some in the evening, some prefer mouth temperatures, some rectal temperatures. No matter what technique is used the results will be about the same. One of the best plans is as follows:
- Take the temperature with a special "metabolic" thermometer for five minutes
by the clock immediately after waking in the morning and before arising, eating,
drinking, or smoking.
- Note the temperature immediately by a dot on the graph. If the temperature
so recorded differs markedly from previous readings, and particularly if it is lower than
previous readings, the thermometer should be shaken down and re-inserted for an
additional five minutes by the clock and the reading verified before it is recorded
permar.ently.
- If the temperature rises 4 to 6 tenths of a degree above the previous level
and if the rise is not due to a sore throat or some other ailment, it is probable that
ovulation is taking place. This is particularly likely if the temperature rise occurs about
14 days before the next period Is expecfej, or if the rise corresponds with a similar rise
in the graph of the previous menstrual cycle. In many instances the temperature drops
2 to 4 tenths of a degree the day before it rises.
- If the temperature is taken according to directions, and is accurately read,
the time of ovulation will be indicated. Intercourse during the 24 hours following the
temperature drop, or during the 24 hours following the temperature rise offers the
best chance of conception in most cases.
- It is necessary to continue recording the temperatures for at least two
menstrual cycles before the graph is of much value. With a graph of two cycles at
hand to provide the pattern of your own temperature curve it is usually possible to
redict when the temperature will shift (ovulation). Sexual abstinence for several days
Eafore ovulation allows time for the male to store up matured sperm and probably
increases the chance of fertilization. Intercourse more than once in twenty-four hours
is unnecessary.
- In order to assist your physician in interpreting the graph, it is important to
make the following notations:
-Encircle the temperature dot on the days when intercourse occurs and write "A.M."
or "P.M." as the case may be above the circle.
-Some women can recognize ovulation by a twinge of pain low on one side of the
abdomen, or by a slight drop of vaginal bleeding. If either of these signs appear,
make a note of it on the graph.
-Any recognized cause for fever should be noted on the chart, for example a cold,
grippe, marked indigestion, or even too many cocktails.
-Mark the days of menstruation by an "X." It is not necessary to take the tempera-
ture during the flow.
-Commence a new graph for each cycle, beginning by placing an "X" at the left of
the graph sheet on the line marked at the top of the graph " I."
A sample graph is shown on the other side of this page. Note that in the first graph f here was no chance for conception because intercourse did not occur at the time'of ovulation. During the next cycle the timing was better and pregnancy followed.
(References to the medical literature will be found in the J.A.M.A.. 124: 698-700, March 11, 1944. J. of Ob. & Gyn. Brit. Emp. 62: 241-252, June. 1945, Mod. Clinics of North America, 1425-1434. November. 1945.)
|
