Oral basal body thermometer or Tempdrop, how to choose?
Tracking basal body temperature (BBT) is a fundamental component of the symptothermal method of fertility awareness. BBT rises slightly after ovulation, providing a crucial indicator for tracking this phase of the menstrual cycle.
Historically, oral basal body thermometers were the only tools available for those using the fertility awareness method (FAM) for either birth control or conception. However, recently there have been an influx of new thermometer options, making the choice more nuanced. This guide will help you navigate these options, specifically comparing the standard oral basal thermometer and Tempdrop, and choose the right thermometer for your needs!
tempdrop: the popular wearable
In the evolving market of wearable thermometers, Tempdrop stands out, especially for those trying to avoid pregnancy.
How Tempdrop works
Tempdrop is worn on the upper arm, secured by an armband, and is designed to be worn all night. The sensor captures your most accurate nightly temperature without the need to wake up at a specific time. This is because the sensor is taking measurements throughout the night, filtering outside noise, to give you the most accurate reading.
Pros of tempdrop
Convenience: Unlike traditional oral BBT thermometers, Tempdrop eliminates the need to wake up at the same time every morning. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with irregular sleep patterns, such as night shift workers or breastfeeding mothers.
Accuracy: Tempdrop provides consistent and accurate temperatures, which can be a game-changer for those struggling to get reliable readings with a regular thermometer.
Ease of Use: Once set up, Tempdrop seamlessly integrates with fertility tracking apps like Read Your Body, which automatically pulls temperatures from the Tempdrop app into your chart.
Cons
Connectivity: To sync the device and view your results, an internet connection is required. While not a dealbreaker, it's something to consider.
Regular Syncing: You must sync Tempdrop to your device every 7-8 days to ensure your data is up to date.
oral basal body thermometer: the traditional choice
An oral BBT thermometer is a more traditional option that measures temperature to two decimal points. You can take your temperature orally or vaginally, but consistency is key—stick to the same method throughout your cycle.
Pros of oral thermometers
Affordability: Oral BBT thermometers are budget-friendly, usually costing under $30 and readily available at local drugstores or online.
Simplicity: With no need to wear a device overnight, you simply keep the thermometer by your bedside and use it upon waking. The temperatures are straightforward with no retroactive adjustments.
cons
Consistency Required: You need to wake up at the same time every morning after at least three hours of sleep to get accurate readings. This can be challenging for those with inconsistent sleep schedules.
Potential for Variability: If your sleep patterns are irregular, your temperature readings may be less reliable, making it harder to accurately track your cycle.
final thoughts
Choosing the right BBT thermometer depends on your lifestyle and specific needs. If you value flexibility and consistent accuracy despite irregular sleep patterns, Tempdrop might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if affordability and simplicity are your priorities, an oral BBT thermometer could be perfect for you. Regardless of your choice, both tools are effective in helping you utilize the fertility awareness method for birth control or conception.
One thing to note is that Tempdrop and oral BBT temperatures are not interchangeable. You can take both at the same time, but you can’t exchange one for the other in the middle of the cycle.
Happy tracking!