‘I read on the Internet that ovulation falls on the 14th day and that to confirm it’s the right day, you can just see if the temperature curve increases. That sounds too easy! Is it true?’
Laura, 20
What the expert says:
Generally speaking, we know that it’s usually the 14th day before your period (not after) when there is a surge of LH — the luteinising hormone that precedes ovulation by 24 to 36 hours. So technically, we only know the date of ovulation after it has occurred. If a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days long and she ovulates on the 14th day, the fertility period is estimated to be between the 11th and 14th day of the cycle. Keep in mind, these estimates are given as a guideline for women who want to get pregnant and have a regular cycle. In reality, the menstrual cycle varies from one month to the next and from woman to another, under the influence of hormones. External factors like strong emotions and intense training sessions can also affect your cycle.
In short – no, the temperature curve is not a reliable form of contraception because it only provides information about the duration and regularity of your cycles after ovulation has occurred (when it’s too late!). How exactly does this work? From the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period) to the first day of your next period, you must take your temperature as soon as you wake up (before getting out of bed) on an empty stomach with the same thermometer. You must then record the information on graph period to the nearest 1/10th. At the end of the cycle, connect the dots and draw the curve. To use this method, you must be dedicated daily to this routine. Your temperature is usually lower in the first part of the cycle (follicular phase). After ovulation has taken place, your temperature usually goes up during the second part of the cycle, represented by an upper plateau. This temperature will be maintained throughout the luteal phase (it’s an indicator of the increase in progesterone levels) until it decreases at the end of the cycle when you have your period.
This method doesn’t consider the fact that the fertile period lasts for about 5 days and that ovulation is only identified retrospectively. It’s safer to use a more effective method of contraception to avoid becoming pregnant!
