Basal body temperature
Basal Body Temperature
Basal body temperature (BBT) is the lowest body temperature attained during rest (usually during sleep). It is generally measured immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbeɪsəl ˈbɒdi ˈtɛmpərətʃər/
Etymology
The term "basal body temperature" is derived from the Latin word "basis" which means "base" and the Latin word "temperatura" which means "temperature". The term "body" is derived from the Old English word "bodig".
Definition
Basal body temperature is used to measure a person's body temperature at rest. It is usually taken immediately upon waking, before any physical activity, and after at least three to five hours of sleep.
Usage
Basal body temperature is often used in Natural family planning and Fertility awareness methods to determine a woman's most fertile days. A slight rise in BBT can indicate ovulation.
Related Terms
- Ovulation: The release of eggs from the ovaries. In women, this event occurs when the ovarian follicles rupture and release the secondary oocyte ovarian cells.
- Menstrual cycle: The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), starting with the preparation of an egg for fertilization.
- Fertility awareness: A method of birth control that involves tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to determine the days of the month she is likely to be fertile.
- Natural family planning: A method of birth control that does not involve pills, devices, or surgical procedures. Instead, safe and unsafe periods of fertility are determined based on a woman's menstrual cycle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basal body temperature
- Wikipedia's article - Basal body temperature
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski