Omron Healthcare MC-301 manual Rectal Method, Vaginal Method, Recording Basal Temperature

RECTAL METHOD

Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-soluble gel. Lie on your side with knees slightly bent. With one hand, gently slide the tip of the thermometer no more than 1/2 inch into the rectum. Once used rectally, the thermometer should not be used orally for sanitary reasons.

VAGINAL METHOD

Please seek guidance from your health care professional.

V. RECORDING BASAL TEMPERATURE

Please refer to the sample recording and blank temperature tracking charts enclosed. Prepare your chart following the example. Day 1 for each cycle is the first day of menstruation (your “Period”). Above the pre-printed days of the cycle enter corresponding calender dates. During your menstrual flow, it is not necessary to record temperature (unless you have short cycles). Instead, mark an X in each space provide to indicate the number of days your period lasts. Begin recording your basal temperature the first morning following the end of menstruation. For each daily temperature, trace down the column below the cycle day until it intersects with your recorded temperature. Place a dot at the intersection. The number on the chart represents tenths of a degree. A notation should be made for any rise in temperature due to illness, emotional stress, or sleeplessness. Intercourse can be indicated by placing a circle around the dot of the appropriate day. Chart your readings for at least three months in order to be sure that you have determined your approximate time of ovulation during any regular menstrual cycle. Careful temperature recording will help establish your particular pattern. Monitoring other symptoms, such as cervical mucus changes, can assist in determining the fertile days prior to ovulation. When temperature changes are used in conjunction with other fertility symptoms, such as the cervical mucus, this is known as the Sympto-Thermal Method. Determination of ovulation can be used to time sexual intercourse during fertile days to aid in the likelihood of achieving pregnancy. Completed charts should be presented to your physician or family planning counselor, who will assist you in accurately interpreting your results.

VI. CARING FOR YOUR BASAL THERMOMETER

Wash the tip of the thermometer with warm (not hot) soapy water before and after each use. Or, wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol before and after each use. To ensure optimum hygiene use a “Digital Probe Cover” every time a temperature is taken.

CHANGING THE BATTERY

The “ ” icon will display on the screen when the battery needs replacing. Remove the battery compartment lid. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove screw and washer. Remove battery. Use replacement button type 1.5v, SR41 or LR41 battery. Insert new battery with “+” polarity facing up. Use Philips screwdriver. Replace the screw and the “O” ring washer back to the original position. Replace the battery compartment lid.

SCREW

BATTERY

WARNING: KEEP BATTERY OUT OF CHILD’S REACH. SWALLOWING BATTERY COULD BE

HARMFUL. BATTERY SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED OR PLACED INTO EXTREME HEAT AS IT MAY EXPLODE.

VII. THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

In order to understand the Basal Temperature Method it is helpful to review the basics of human female reproductive activity.

A. THE ROLE HORMONES PLAY IN OVULATION

At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone (FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone), that acts upon the ovaries to prepare for ovulation. As one or more follicles in an ovary prepare for ovulation, they secrete another hormone called estrogen, that prepares the uterus for pregnancy by causing the inner lining of the uterus to thicken. Estrogen also causes some glands in the cervix to secrete a mucus discharge that is necessary for fertility. This mucus changes the environment in the vagina to make it more favorable to sperm life and provides a medium in which the sperm move upward into the uterus. The mucus typically starts as a sticky substance. During the time of fertility, it becomes more liquid and plentiful usually attaining a consistency very similar to raw egg whites. Sometimes the mucus becomes so watery that it will no longer stretch like raw egg whites, but continues to produce sensations of lubrication or wetness at the outer lips of the vagina.