Taking Your Temperature

Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. For decades, it was thought that a normal body temperature was 98.6 F. Scientists today say that anything in the range of 97.6 to 98.8 F should be considered normal, and will vary from person to person. Other factors that may affect body temperature include:

Time of Day

Rate of Metabolism

Ovulation in women

Degree of Physical Activity

Temperature of your surroundings

What is considered a high body temperature?

Many doctors say that a temperature of over 99 to 100 degrees F (37.2 or 37.8 C) should be considered a fever. A temperature of 104 degrees F or higher would be considered a high fever.

What is considered a low body temperature?

Mild reductions in body temperature don't indicate a serious problem. Your temperature is usually lower in the morning than in the evening. When your body temperature dips below 95 F, it is considered dangerously low. Sometimes a low temperature may be the result of an underlying condition such as:

Hypothyroidism

Liver problems

Alcohol abuse

Illicit drug abuse

Diabetes

Addison's disease

Kidney Failure

What kind of thermometer should I use?

Due to fears of breathing in or absorbing mercury into your skin, mercury thermometers have been replaced by digital thermometers, which are less expensive, more accurate, and easier to use. Digital thermometers may be used orally, rectally, or axillary.. Don't eat or drink within 20 minutes of having your temperature taken as the results will not be accurate.

To take a temperature orally with a digital thermometer, follow these easy steps:

Press the button to turn the digital thermometer on

Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue toward the back of the mouth

Leave in place until thermometer registers temperature in the window

A rectal thermometer is usually used for young children under 5. Steps to taking a rectal temperature include:

Lubricate thermometer with Vaseline for easier insertion

Push button to turn on digital thermometer

Place person to be tested flat on stomach or back

Insert thermometer into the anus about 1 ½ inches

Keep in place until thermometer registers reading in window

Pull thermometer straight out

If temperature reads between 97 and 100 degrees, it is normal.

Taking an axillary or armpit temperature, gives the least accurate reading. The normal axillary temperature is usually a degree lower than the oral temperature To take an axillary temperature:

Hold the thermometer in a clean, dry armpit and hold person's arm closed against side

Keep the thermometer in position until reading is shown in the window

Remove thermometer and read temperature.

To clean your thermometer, use cool, soapy water, then rinse in clear water and let air dry or use paper towel. If you prefer to use rubbing alcohol, be sure you rinse out the thermometer before using again.

A basal body temperature thermometer is used by women to chart their cycles when they are trying to conceive, and is the most basic of all fertility treatments. The two most popular types are digital and glass.

The best time to take your temperature is before you get out of bed. If you are using a glass thermometer, shake it down before you go to bed. The basal thermometer can be used orally, vaginally, or rectally. Try to take your temperature in the same manner every day, at the same time. For best results, make sure you have slept a minimum of three hours before taking your temperature.

During ovulation, your temperature may drop, making it an ideal time to try to conceive. If your temperature does not drop, continue using your basal thermometer.