Basal body temperature as a means of birth control

The basal body temperature is frequently used by women for birth control. The Basal body temperature (BBT)is the body temperature when one wakes up in the morning. By monitoring this temperature at the same time every day and observing the changes, one can determine when ovulation has occurred.

This crude method of birth control is widely used all over the world by women who do not want to take the pill and want to rely on natural method of protection. Measuring BBT is not foolproof and only works ¾ of the time. At least ¼ of the women who use this method still end up getting pregnant. The reason for such large error is because the BBT can be affected by the following:

- any illness or fever
- mental stress, anxiety
- poor and disorganized sleep patterns
- frequent use of tobacco
- use of alcohol
- use of a warming device at night or an electric blanket

While the BBT is natural and safe way for family planning, it does have a downside besides getting pregnant. It does not protect one against transmission of sexually transmitted disease.

BBT is not for everyone and should not be used without any experience. Before using BBT one must know hot to use a thermometer (which is relatively easy) and then get a baseline temperature for about 2-3 months. One should get in the habit of measuring the temperature every morning and recording it. In time, one can predict when ovulation is going to occur and when it is completed. If one cannot predict this, then BBT is not for you. The temperature change at ovulation is very slight –usually only one degree.

Once a temperature spike occurs, this means you have ovulated within the past 24 hours. For family planning one should abstain from intercourse during this time period or use an alternative method of contraception. Because sperm can remain viable for 2-3 days, the unsafe period is usually 3 days before ovulation and 3 days after. This means that unprotected sexual intercourse should not be undertaken from the last menstrual period until the r3rd day after ovulation each month.

Thermometers which can measure basal body temperature are readily available and usually cost anywhere from $6-$10.