When receiving acupuncture and herbal medicine as a stand-alone treatment at the Fertility & IVF Acupuncture Clinic, most patients are asked to keep tract of their cycle using a BBT chart. This is a Basal Body Temperature Chart and it requires patients to record their temperature taken from the moment they wake up each morning.
A key component to being able to ensure an accurate BBT chart is to have a reliable and accurate thermometer. BBT charts are sensitive to small changes in temperature. The greatest expected change in temperature is 0.4 of a degree, which occurs at the time of ovulation. So it is imperative the thermometer is accurate. Using a mercurial thermometer is ideal. These are however no longer sold because they are more expensive to manufacture than their digital counterpart.
Tips to ensure your digital thermometer gives an accurate reading:
- Buy a BBT specific digital thermometer. These cost about $20 compared to the $10 for a standard thermometer, but they are worth the extra investment.
- Look after the thermometer and don’t knock it around. Damaged thermometers cannot be recalibrated.
If you thermometer is old, buy a new one. It best to have the peace of mind knowing it is in top working order. This also eliminates the chance of a worn battery.
If you would like Dr Wilson to assist with your pregnancy chances, please phone (02) 9231 3377 to make an appointment.
