V. THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
In order to understand the Basal Temperature Method it is helpful to review the basics of human female
reproductive activity.
A. THE ROLE HORMONES PLAY IN OVULATION
At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone (FSH or Follicle
Stimulating Hormone), that acts upon the ovaries to prepare for ovulation. As one or more follicles in an
ovary prepare for ovulation, they secrete another hormone called estrogen, that prepares the uterus for
pregnancy by causing the inner lining of the uterus to thicken.
Estrogen also causes some glands in the cervix to secrete a mucus discharge that is necessary for fer-
tility.
This mucus changes the environment in the vagina to make it more favorable to sperm life and provides
a medium in which the sperm move upward into the uterus. The mucus typically starts as a sticky sub-
stance. During the time of fertility, it becomes more liquid and plentiful usually attaining a consistency
very similar to raw egg whites. Sometimes the mucus becomes so watery that it will no longer stretch
like raw egg whites, but continues to produce sensations of lubrication or wetness at the outer lips of the
vagina.
B. WHAT IS OVULATION?
At ovulation, the ovarian follicle releases an egg which is picked up by one of the Fallopian tubes and
transported toward the uterus. In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized in the fallopian
tube by sperm within 24 hours after ovulation. After 24 hours the egg disintegrates and cannot be fertil-
ized.
C. AFTER OVULATION?
After ovulation, the ovarian follicle that released the egg secretes another hormone called progesterone.
This hormone suppresses further ovulation. The progesterone continues to build the vaginal lining and
maintains it after ovulation. It also causes the basal temperature to rise and the cervical mucus to thick-
en so much that it appears to dry up.
Ovarian progesterone secretion continues for approximately 14 days. When it stops, the inner lining of
the uterus can no longer be maintained, so it is discharged off in a process called menstruation (your
period), and the menstrual cycle starts again.
D. HOW TO DETERMINE THE DATE OF OVULATION?
By carefully taking basal temperatures upon waking and recording them on a chart, the characteristic rise
in temperature after ovulation can be observed. The OviTrack
TM
Basal Digital Thermometer makes it easy
to read and record the slight temperature variations which occur when ovulation has taken place.
This thermometer may be used as an oral or rectal thermometer. Since body temperature will vary with
each site you should choose one method and stick with it.
III. RECORDING BASAL TEMPERATURE
Please refer to the sample recording and blank temperature tracking charts enclosed. Prepare your chart
following the example. Day 1 for each cycle is the first day of menstruation (your “Period”). Above the
pre-printed days of the cycle enter corresponding calender dates. During your menstrual flow, it is not
necessary to record temperature (unless you have short cycles). Instead, mark an X in each space pro-
vided to indicate the number of days your period lasts. Begin recording your basal temperature the first
morning following the end of menstruation.
For each daily temperature, trace down the column below the cycle day until it intersects with your
recorded temperature. Place a dot at the intersection. The number on the chart represents tenths of a
degree. A notation should be made for any rise in temperature due to illness, emotional stress, or sleep-
lessness. Intercourse can be indicated by placing a circle around the dot of the appropriate day.
Chart your readings for at least three months in order to be sure that you have determined your approx-
imate time of ovulation during any regular menstrual cycle. Careful temperature recording will help
establish your particular pattern. Completed charts should then be presented to your physician or fami-
ly planning counselor, who will assist you in accurately interpreting your results.
IV. IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND
THE BASAL TEMPERATURE METHOD
Hormonal changes associated with ovulation produce a slight rise in a woman’s basal body temperature,
(approximately 0.5°F/0.3°C), as well as other recognizable signs such as changes in cervical mucus.
Learning to record and interpret basal temperature changes is known as the Basal Temperature Method.
By monitoring the basal temperature changes, couples, in conjunction with their physician or family
planning counselor, may be able to determine when ovulation takes place. Monitoring other symptoms,
such as cervical mucus changes, can assist in determining the fertile days prior to ovulation. When tem-
perature changes are used in conjunction with other fertility symptoms, such as the cervical mucus, this
is known as the Sympto-Thermal Method.
Determination of ovulation can be used to time sexual intercourse during fertile days to aid in the likeli-
hood of achieving pregnancy.
Please note, use of the Basal Temperature Method only may not be effective in avoiding
pregnancy.
QUICK START GUIDE
for
OviTrack
™
Basal Digital Thermometer by VICKS
®
Model V955
FIRST TIME USE:
NOTE: To properly use this Basal Thermometer it is important to take your tem-
perature at the same time each day. Typically this is best upon wakening before
you experience any activity.
1. Remove thermometer from case
2. Add probe cover
3. Turn on thermometer by pressing on/off button
4. Select location (oral or rectal)
5. Insert and wait until thermometer beeps
6. Remove and record reading on temperature charts
7. Discard used probe cover and wash probe tip (see care directions)
Need Assistance?
Call 1-800-477-0457 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.kaz.com