BASAL TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER

Basal thermometer designed for use in determining the date of ovulation of the basal metabolic rate.

Directions:

  1. Hold clean thermometer with mercury bulb down. Shake downward and snap wrist. Repeat until mercury registers 96°F (or 35.5°C) or below.
  2. Clean before and after use with soap and water. Rinse with an antiseptic solution such as rubbing alcohol, then rinse thoroughly in cold water. Do not wash in hot water, as excessive heat affects accuracy of thermometer.
  3. Mercury level indicates temperature. Look for the mercury level directly between the scale and the numbers. To read, place thermometer on flat surface with name facing down; or hold thermometer up to light and rotate it slightly until mercury level on scale can be seen.
  4. Take your temperature every morning except when you are menstruating (at about the same time every morning).
  5. Put the thermometer under your tongue for five minutes immediately upon awakening. BEFORE you get up, move around, eat, drink, smoke, talk - if possible, while you are still "half asleep."
  6. Start a new graph with every monthly period. The first day of your menstrual period is day "1" of the new cycle. Mark an X in the space for that day and an X for each day the flow continues.
  7. The morning after the flow has stopped, take your temperature as described in No. 3. Record it by a dot in the column for that day on the line for that temperature. Then shake down the thermometer so it is ready for the next morning. Do this every morning until the next period begins, when again it is time to start a new graph.
  8. Make additional notations on the graph to help your doctor interpret it.

    9. Encircle the temperature dot on the days when intercourse occurs, and write "AM" or "PM" as the case may be above the circle. Note any pain, any bleeding or spotting, any unusual vaginal discharge. (Some women can recognize ovulation by a twinge of pain or a few drops of blood or a thin vaginal discharge). Any recognized cause for temperature change - fever, cold, alcohol, indigestion, emotional disturbance, restless sleep, etc., - should be recorded.

  9. Bring your graphs to the doctor at each visit. There will be many variations in individual graphs which can only be interpreted for you by your physician. He will give further specific directions for use of these records in your particular case after you have kept them for several months.