women s health issues
Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Contraception
Symptothermal method
The symptothermal method combines measurement of body temperature at rest (basal body temperature) with the mucus and calendar methods. Thus, of the fertility awareness methods, the symptothermal method is the most reliable. A woman's basal body temperature increases slightly, by about 0.9° F (0.5° C), after the egg is released. To keep track of changes in temperature, a woman should take her temperature each morning before she gets out of bed. Basal body temperature thermometers are most accurate. If they are unavailable, a mercury thermometer can be used. Electronic thermometers are the least accurate. The woman notes when cervical mucus increases in amount and becomes thinner, elastic, clearer, and more watery (as for the mucus method) and when temperature increases. She should abstain from intercourse from the first day requiring abstinence according to the calendar method until at least 72 hours after the day her basal body temperature increases and cervical mucus changes. 