Digital Basal Thermometer and Saliva Ovulation Microscope
Digital basal thermometers are used to chart ovulation or for bbt (basal body temperature) charting. BBT is the lowest temperature the body reaches while at rest - which usually means while sleeping. A bbt reading is usually taken immediately after awakening, and before getting out of bed. Ovulation causes an increase in bbt, so this fact is used when ttc - trying to conceive. A record is kept of the bbt temperature every morning - this is known as fertility charting, or recording on an ovulation chart. Sometimes these charts are called a bbt chart or a basal body temperature chart. When an increase in temperature is noticed, this is an indication that ovulation has occurred, and thus this would be the optimum time to have intercourse in this cycle.
Amount of increase in BBT - Basal Body Temperature, measured in degrees Fahrenheit
For optimum results, the BBT should be taken every morning at the same time, before getting out of bed. Our Digital Basal Thermometer for BBT measures basal temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, as does the Glass Basal Thermometer. When ovulation has occurred, an increase in BBT of between one-half to one degree Fahrenheit will be noticed.
BBT charting, Fertility Charting or Basal Body Temperature Charting
BBT charting should begin on the first day of your period - this is day 1. As before, take your bbt or basal body temperature as soon as you wake up and before getting out of bed or doing any activity - eating, drinking, etc. Ideally, your bbt should be taken at the same time every morning. Plot each day’s bbt reading on a fertility chart / ovulation chart / bbt chart. The increase in temperature may occur gradually, suddenly or in steps.
Normal BBT - measured in degrees Fahrenheit
Prior to ovulation, normal bbt temperature would be 97 - 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Bbt charting will establish what is normal for each woman. A number of cycles may need to be recorded before a pattern can be seen, i.e. to try to pinpoint the best days to have intercourse when trying to conceive (ttc).
Saliva Ovulation Microscope
The BabyStart FertilFocus Personal Ovulation Microscope, or saliva fertility test / saliva ovulation test, is used to identify a woman’s peak fertility days in her cycle. Before ovulation happens, an increase in hormone levels occurs. This causes a change in what a woman’s saliva looks like - when viewed through a microscope. By identifying the days that this change in the saliva occurs, a ttc (trying to conceive) couple can time intercourse to maximise their chances of achieving a pregnancy.
How does the Saliva Ovulation Microscope work?
The Saliva Ovulation Microscope / saliva ovulation test / saliva fertility test allows you to view your saliva in minute detail through the lens of a microscope. The enclosed instruction leaflet provides three sample images - not fertile, transitional and fertile. As per the detailed instructions below, you place a sample of your saliva on the surface of the lens. By comparing what you see when you look at your own saliva to the sample images, you should be able to tell at what stage you are at in your cycle.
Steps to correctly use the Saliva Ovulation Microscope:
- Remove the lid of the saliva ovulation microscope
- Pull out the lens from its casing
- NB - do not unscrew the lens - it should be removed in its entirety from the saliva ovulation microscope
- Carefully place a drop of saliva onto the lens that you have just removed. (Note - the lens to place the saliva on is the lens that fits back inside the microscope casing)
- Follow the tips below for the best time to use this saliva ovulation test
- Try not to have any bubbles in the saliva
- Wait for at least five minutes to allow the saliva on the lens to dry
- Replace the lens onto the casing / body of the saliva ovulation microscope
- Look into the lens to view the saliva through the microscope; push the LED light to see the saliva more clearly; rotate the lens to get the best possible focus on the saliva
- Please see the enclosed instruction leaflet for sample images of what fertile saliva and not fertile saliva looks like
- If fertile saliva is identified, the next 24 - 48 hours is the best time to have intercourse when trying to conceive (ttc)
- Clean the lens thoroughly after every use.
Tips for successful use of the Saliva Ovulation Microscope / saliva ovulation test / saliva fertility test
- Test first thing in the morning for optimum results
- Do not smoke, eat, drink or brush your teeth before using the saliva ovulation test
- If you have smoked, eaten, drunk or brushed your teeth, wait at least 2 hours before using the saliva fertility test
- Ensure you clean the lens of the saliva ovulation microscope thoroughly after every use
- As ovulation can occur on different days on different cycles, check your saliva using the saliva ovulation test on a number of days during your cycle.
Limitations to the use of the Saliva Ovulation Microscope:
- Some women may find it difficult to see the ferning pattern of fertile saliva
- Not all women will show a clear ferning pattern when using the saliva ovulation test
- Not all women will show a ferning pattern in their saliva on all the days that they are fertile
- Some factors may affect the ferning pattern - smoking, drinking, eating, alcohol, brushing teeth, etc
- If you are not seeing valid results, please re-read the enclosed leaflet and the instructions above, then repeat the test
- If you have poor eyesight, you may find it difficult to see the ferning pattern. Always remove eye glasses before looking into the microscope.
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