Ovulation can usually be detected even under less than ideal condition. The closer you can get to the ideal, however, the more accurate and reliable your ovulation detection, analysis and interpretation will be.
Take your temperature before rising in the morning as any activity can raise your BBT.
Take your temperature at the same time every morning.
Take your temperature after at least three consecutive hours of sleep.
Keep your thermometer accessible from your bed so you do not have to get up to get it.
Use the same thermometer throughout your cycle if possible. If it breaks or the battery dies and you use a new one, make a note of it on your chart.
Keep a spare thermometer in case one breaks (especially if you are using a glass thermometer).
If you use a mercury thermometer, shake it down the previous night (or ask your partner to do it).
Temperatures can be taken orally or vaginally but it is important to be consistent throughout the cycle since the temperature range may vary. Most women prefer to take their temperatures orally, however, when temperature patterns are unclear, switching to vaginal temperature-taking for the next cycle sometimes makes the pattern clearer.
Record your temperature soon after you take it (or ask your partner to) since most thermometers only store a reading until the next use. If you have to do something else or want to stay in bed, you can record it later, but we recommend recording it right away when possible to avoid forgetting. You can use a bedside notepad in case you are not able to enter your temperature on your chart right away.
If you must use a heating pad or electric blanket, keep it at the same setting throughout your cycle. Make a note of its use.
Take your temperature before doing anything else including eating, drinking or going to the bathroom. If circumstances arise that prevent you from taking your temperature right away, take it as soon as you are able and make a note of the circumstances.
If you have special circumstances on a temporary or an ongoing basis and you are unable to follow all of the above guidelines, keep temping anyway following the guidelines as closely as possible. Make a note of your special circumstances in the notes section of your chart. There is still a good chance that you will be able to chart and see your fertility pattern.
Enter your temperature and always record the time you took it on your data entry page. The time you took your temperature is also important for the analysis.
good luck!!!
