What is a Basal Body Thermometer?

A basal body thermometer measures the body's basal temperature, which is the body's resting temperature. Since shifts in the basal body temperature are usually less than 1 degree F, the basal body thermometer is a hypersensitive device. Basal body thermometers are primarily used to chart decreases in the basal body temperature, which indicates ovulation in women. Determining periods of fertility with these devices can help a woman become pregnant.

  1. Function

    • The basal body thermometer is used to measure the body's basal temperature, or resting temperature, to an accuracy of a tenth of degree Fahrenheit.

    Types

    • Glass fever thermometers and digital thermometers are the two main types of basal body thermometers. Some digital thermometers have built-in memory, which records basal body temperatures for a period of time.

    Use

    • The basal body thermometer can be inserted through the mouth, vagina or anus. It should be used immediately upon waking to accurately measure the body's resting temperature.

    Benefits

    • By using a basal body thermometer, a woman can track changes in her temperature and determine when she is ovulating. This can help her conceive successfully.

    Cost

    • Basal body thermometers generally range from about $5 to $20, depending on the type and its features. Specialty basal body thermometers for fertility tracking can cost about $100.

    • No, you cannot get pregnant from touching yourself. Heres why:* Pregnancy requires sperm and an egg: Getting pregnant requires sperm from a male to fertilize an egg from a female. Touching yourself does not involve any sperm.* No sperm, no pregnanc
    • No, a woman cannot get pregnant by masturbating, even if she has started her period. Heres why:* Pregnancy requires sperm: Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg. Masturbation does not involve any sperm.* Periods indicate no egg: A womans
    • Its possible to get pregnant when your period is due, but not likely. Heres why:* Ovulation: You are most fertile in the days leading up to ovulation, which typically occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period.* Sperm survival: Sperm