Measuring basal body temperature: this is how the temperature method works

If you take your basal body temperature regularly, you can use natural contraception without hormones. We’ll show you how to do this and what to look out for here.

Measuring basal body temperature: what is the temperature method?

With the temperature method, you can either naturally prevent or one Planning pregnancy. It tells you exactly when your ovulation happens: Your temperature tends to be lower before ovulation and increases during or around ovulation.

To find out on which days you are fertile, you have to measure the so-called basal temperature in the morning. According to the Heidelberg University Hospital, measurement at exactly the same time is not necessary.

You can learn how to use the temperature method from trained advisors or teach it yourself. All you need is a basal thermometer – you can get this at the pharmacy. After about three months, i.e. three cycles, you should get reliable data.

This is how you measure your basal body temperature

As mentioned earlier, you have to do it every day In the morning measure your basal body temperature. Measure it with a thermometer after you wake up and before you get out of bed. A digital thermometer with two digits behind the decimal point should suffice. Classically, you carry the temperatures in one Cycle table a. There are now many apps and cycle computers that you can use.

How to measure – step by step:

1. Take your temperature right after you wake up, before you get up.
2. Take the measurement while lying down either vaginally or orally by.
3. Do this by lying still for about three minutes.
4. Read off the temperature and write it down on your spreadsheet or computer.

Important is:

• You should not have been physically active before taking a measurement.
• You should have slept for at least five hours.

Tip: It is best to place the thermometer next to you on your bedside table so that it is always close at hand.

Is the temperature method safe?

According to a cited study by the Heidelberg University Hospital, the temperature method is for sure: They tested the method for over a year and reported that only 0.6 in 100 women became accidentally pregnant. During their fertile days, the participants either refrained from sexual intercourse or Condoms used. On the basis of these figures, the researchers describe the temperature method as “highly secure”.

The temperature method works without hormones. Another advantage is that you get to know your body better.

Well combined: the symptothermal method

Although researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital rate the basal temperature method as safe, there are also disadvantages: because it takes enough time and practice before the method can be used correctly and safely. Alcohol, medication, illnesses and time differences can also affect the cycle. To be on the safe side, you can also use your Observe cervical mucus. This is called the symptothermal method.

A few days before you ovulate, a kind of “mucus” flows out of your cervix. If you take a closer look at its consistency, you can also find out if you are currently fertile. The closer you get to ovulation, the thicker and clearer your cervical mucus will be. After ovulation, it becomes less and more milky and white.

Tip: Before you change your contraceptive method, it is best to seek gynecological advice or find out more from an NFP counseling center.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Pregnancy and a vegan diet – is that possible?
• Taking off the pill: this happens to your body
• Contraception without hormones – an overview