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What is the Connection Between Temperature and Ovulation?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an egg for potential fertilization. This normal part of menstrual function occurs about 10-14 days into a menstrual cycle, and is followed by an often notable rise in body temperature. Temperature and ovulation are often linked thanks to the fact that ovulation marks the most fertile period of the month for a woman; some women keep track of body temperature and ovulation to help determine the most likely time for pregnancy to occur.

The combination of hormone shifts and the egg release cause the rise in temperature just after ovulation. Some medical professionals believe that a slightly higher body temperature is more hospitable to a fertilized egg, allowing it to implant and begin growth in a more comfortable and suitable environment. It is important to note that women do not usually feel feverish or extremely hot despite the temperature rise; in most cases the increase is so slight, it is not noticeable without daily temperature monitoring.

Female reproductive system.
Female reproductive system.

The practice of linking temperature and ovulation to measure fertility is known as basal body temperature charting or BBTC. The method requires a woman to measure her resting body temperature each day, generally first thing in the morning. In most woman, resting body temperature will rise about .3-.5 degree Fahrenheit (.2-.4 Celsius) immediately after ovulating, and remain elevated until menstruation occurs. While this method does not predict when a woman will ovulate, it can indicate when ovulation has just occurred by the sudden jump in body temperature.

Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.

To use BBTC, it is important to get an accurate thermometer that reads out to at least one-tenth of a degree in either Fahrenheit or Celsius, as well as an easily usable charts. To make a chart, use graphing paper to create a graph with days of the cycle running horizontally and temperature running vertically. Day one should be the first day of menstruation. Charts are also easy to find online in downloadable form. Some fertility websites even have online logs that can keep track of BBT for a woman and help keep data on temperature and ovulation.

Timing intercourse during these few days of peak fertility is the best way to achieve pregnancy.
Timing intercourse during these few days of peak fertility is the best way to achieve pregnancy.

Most women ovulate around the 14th day of a cycle, but stress, illness, and certain medications may alter this pattern. Some woman have a naturally longer or shorter cycle as well. The idea of the chart is to use it for several months, establishing a pattern of temperature and ovulation that may help predict periods of high fertility. While not 100% accurate, this can give a good general idea of fertility levels.

Ovulation typically occurs between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle.
Ovulation typically occurs between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle.

Some women use this method of measuring temperature to predict ovulation to help get pregnant, but others use it to help avoid sexual intercourse during ovulation to prevent pregnancy. Other methods that are useful in measuring fertility include cervical mucus examination, as vaginal discharge tends to become slick and slippery during ovulation. While neither method is foolproof, combined they can give a woman a fairly accurate idea about her menstrual cycle.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@Raynbow- This article provides good information about how to track body temperature to predict ovulation, so you should share it with your friend. This method is definitely a good way for a woman to get a clearer picture of her ovulation days, but having patience with the process is important. It may take several months for a woman to get her exact ovulation days figured out, since body temperature can fluctuate because of so many factors.

Your friend should certainly give the temperature monitoring method a try, but should not get discouraged if she still has difficulties conceiving. She may need to see a fertility specialist to help her determine other methods that may benefit her situation if temperature monitoring doesn't work for her.

Raynbow

I have a friend who is trying to conceive, but hasn't had any luck for over a year. She is thinking about trying to map her ovulation days more precisely by measuring her temperature each day. Does anyone have some thoughts about her likeliness of getting pregnant if she follows this plan closely?

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    • Female reproductive system.
      By: chart
      Female reproductive system.
    • Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
      By: Rob Byron
      Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
    • Timing intercourse during these few days of peak fertility is the best way to achieve pregnancy.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Timing intercourse during these few days of peak fertility is the best way to achieve pregnancy.
    • Ovulation typically occurs between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle.
      By: reineg
      Ovulation typically occurs between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle.
    • Some women naturally have a longer or shorter menstrual cycle.
      By: picsfive
      Some women naturally have a longer or shorter menstrual cycle.