Basal Body Temperature and Its Role in Ovulation and Fertility

Q: Basal Body Temperature and Its Role in Ovulation and Fertility

Hello： 1. <br>Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. <br>2. <br>The unit for measuring basal body temperature is the ov scale; if the temperature recorded in one day rises more than 0.5 degrees from the previous day and exce

Basal body temperature

Hello, I measure my basal body temperature every day.
From the first to the fifth day of my menstrual cycle, it was 36.5°C; from the sixth to the eleventh day, it was 36.4°C; on the twelfth day, it was 36.3°C; I forgot to measure on the thirteenth day; on the fourteenth day, it was 36.7°C; from the fifteenth to the twenty-second day, it was 36.9°C; and on the twenty-third day, it was 36.8°C.

1.
Can I determine if I ovulated based on this temperature pattern? (I noticed egg white-like cervical mucus on the eleventh and twelfth days of my cycle.)
2.
I had intercourse 2-3 times between the eighth and fourteenth days.
Does this increase my chances of conception?
3.
I have not used contraception since February of this year and have not become pregnant.
In April, I visited a clinic and took ovulation medication.
In May, the doctor said everything was normal, but noted that my partner's sperm liquefaction time of 35 minutes is too long.
I attempted artificial insemination once, but it was unsuccessful.
After that, in June and July, I only took ovulation medication.
Since starting treatment in April, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, only returning to a normal 26-28 day cycle in September.

Please answer the following questions:
1.
Is my irregular menstrual cycle after April related to the treatment I received?
2.
Is it possible that I am infertile? What are my chances of natural conception?
3.
Was the treatment I received between April and June necessary given my symptoms? In hindsight, it seems a bit excessive.
4.
Since my partner's sperm liquefaction time is 35 minutes, which makes conception difficult, I heard that increasing the frequency of intercourse could help improve this.
What other treatments might be necessary? Thank you, doctor.

GG, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/26

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: 1.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.
2.
The unit for measuring basal body temperature is the ov scale; if the temperature recorded in one day rises more than 0.5 degrees from the previous day and exceeds the threshold (24 degrees Celsius, 36.7 degrees Celsius), it indicates ovulation.
3.
The main focus of a semen analysis is on the total volume of semen, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm motility, with less emphasis on liquefaction time.
Hsinchu City Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reply Date: 2005/10/26

More Info

Understanding Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and Its Role in Ovulation and Fertility
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is a vital tool for tracking ovulation and understanding fertility. It refers to the body's temperature at rest, typically measured first thing in the morning before any activity. BBT can provide insights into hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, particularly the rise in temperature that occurs after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels.

From your description, it seems you have been diligently tracking your BBT, which is commendable. The pattern you observed, with temperatures fluctuating between 36.3°C and 36.9°C, suggests that you may have experienced ovulation. Generally, a rise of at least 0.2°C to 0.5°C above your baseline temperature for at least three consecutive days indicates that ovulation has likely occurred. The presence of egg white cervical mucus around the 11th and 12th days of your cycle further supports this, as this type of mucus is typically associated with peak fertility.

1. Irregular Cycles and Treatment Impact: Your irregular cycles following treatment could be related to hormonal fluctuations caused by the medications you were prescribed. Fertility treatments, including ovulation induction medications, can sometimes lead to temporary disruptions in your menstrual cycle as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes. It’s essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about these changes, as they can help determine if further adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

2. Fertility Concerns: The fact that you have been trying to conceive since February without success can understandably raise concerns about fertility. However, many factors can influence the time it takes to conceive, including age, overall health, and the fertility of both partners. Given that your menstrual cycles have normalized to a 26-28 day pattern, this is a positive sign. It indicates that your body is likely functioning more regularly, which can enhance your chances of conception.
3. Need for Continued Treatment: Whether you need to continue with fertility treatments depends on several factors, including how long you have been trying to conceive, the results of any fertility tests, and the advice of your healthcare provider. If you feel that the treatments have been excessive or if you have concerns about their necessity, it is crucial to discuss these feelings with your doctor. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

4. Semen Quality and Fertility: Regarding your partner's semen analysis, a liquefaction time of 35 minutes can be longer than average, which may affect fertility. While frequent intercourse can help improve the chances of conception, it is also essential to address any underlying issues with semen quality. Your partner may benefit from a consultation with a urologist or a fertility specialist who can provide recommendations based on his specific situation. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, can also positively impact sperm health.

In conclusion, tracking your BBT is an excellent way to understand your ovulation patterns and enhance your chances of conception. While irregular cycles can be concerning, they can often be managed with the right support and treatment. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to navigating this journey. They can help you assess your fertility status, discuss the implications of your partner's semen analysis, and determine the best course of action moving forward. Remember, patience and persistence are essential in the journey toward conception.

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