Omron MC-301 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

I. WHAT IS A BASAL TEMPERATURE?

A basal temperature is the normal body temperature of a healthy person at rest. For optimum accuracy, your basal temperature should be taken
at the same time every morning upon waking. Changes in basal temperature are related to changes in the female reproductive cycle. By taking
your basal temperature daily and charting it, you can notice slight changes and patterns. Charting of your basal temperature, in addition
to other information, can help you understand your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Temperatures typically rise (about 1.0ºF (0.6ºC)
within a day or so after ovulation, and are the result of heat-inducing hormone, progesterone. Recording and interpreting basal
temperature changes is called the

“Basal Temperature Method” (BTM).

The Basal Temperature Method can be used to help in family planning. Charting of temperature and prediction of ovulation can be used
to time sexual intercourse during fertile days to aid in increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Basal Thermometer

MODEL MC-301

Thank you for purchasing the Omron MC-301 Basal Thermometer.

Fill-in for future reference

DATE PURCHASED: ________________________

Staple your purchase receipt here.

The thermometer you purchased offers a safe, accurate and quick temperature reading. Select oral, vaginal or rectal as your measurement site
based on professional recommendation. No need to worry about broken glass or mercury hazards. Your temperature is affected by smoking,
eating or drinking.

Read this instruction manual completely before using your Omron MC-301 Basal Thermometer.

We recommend you practice taking your temperature with the thermometer. This way you will be confident in your technique when using the
thermometer. Contact your doctor if you have any questions regarding specific temperatures.

This product is intended for home use only.

II. CHARTING YOUR BASAL TEMPERATURE

By charting your basal temperature daily, you can see a pattern and notice the changes that occur in every ovulation cycle. You can record
your daily basal temperature on the enclosed charts. Keeping a charted record for at least three months will usually provide the information
you need to determine your approximate day of ovulation during a regular menstrual cycle. Keep both the Omron

®

Basal Thermometer and

Temperature Tracking Chart at your bedside for your convenience.

III. HOW TO TAKE ACCURATE BASAL TEMPERATURES

To obtain an accurate basal temperature, you must take your temperature when you first awake in the morning. For best results, this waking
temperature should be taken at the same time each morning. Since any activity may tend to raise your temperature, do not get out of bed until
you have taken your basal temperature. Postpone going to the bathroom, eating, smoking or drinking until after taking your basal temperature.
Cold drinks lower mouth temperature; hot drinks, smoking and exercise cause higher readings. Using an electric blanket or heating pad
can affect your basal temperature. If you use one, it should be kept at the same setting each night throughout the time you are taking your
basal temperature.

SHOULD I USE THE ORAL, VAGINAL OR RECTAL METHOD?

Since temperatures taken at different sites can vary, it is important to select one method and then take your temperature the same way everyday.
You must use either the oral, vaginal or rectal method. Using more than one method will provide inaccurate results,

IV. TAKING YOUR BASAL TEMPERATURE

Select oral, vaginal or rectal as your measurement based on professional recommendation.

ORAL METHOD

❑ Place a probe cover carefully over the tip, (figure 1).
❑ Push the on/off button to turn unit on. Hold the button down to recall the last measured temperature. The thermometer will beep and the

display will read: ''188.8 °F'' This is a function check indicating the unit is working properly. Next, the thermometer will read L°F.

❑ The °F symbol will flash continuously when the unit is ready to measure temperature. Please note that the “ ” indicates a low battery. See

instructions for replacing the battery before measuring temperature. Do not expect an accurate temperature reading if this low battery
indicator is present. An “ERR” message in the window indicates your unit is not functioning properly.

❑ Do not drink hot or cold fluids, exercise, smoke, or perform other activities that will raise or lower temperature

readings when compared to your normal, average temperature. The mouth should remain closed up to 5 minutes before
attempting a reading.

❑ Place the sensor tip well under the tongue as indicated by the “✔“ (figure 2).
❑ The peak temperature should be reached in approximately 60 seconds. Opening the mouth or improper placement of

the probe tip could result in a longer time for a reading.

❑ When the peak temperature is reached, the °F symbol will stop flashing, and the thermometer will beep repeatedly.

Please note: It is not necessary to hear the beep to ensure the peak temperature has been reached. When the °F symbol stops
flashing and the display reads a consistent temperature, the peak temperature has been reached.

❑ Read and record the temperature and time for reference. The reading will automatically be stored in the memory.
❑ Push the on/off button to turn the unit off. If you do not turn the unit off, it will shut off automatically in approximately 10 minutes.

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Figure 1

Figure 2

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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.

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.

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BATTERY

SCREW

B. WHAT IS OVULATION?

At ovulation, the ovarian follicle releases an egg which is picked up by one of the fallopian tubes and transported toward the uterus.
In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized in the fallopian tube by sperm within 24 hours after ovulation. After 24 hours
the egg disintegrates and cannot be fertilized.

C. AFTER OVULATION?

After ovulation, the ovarian follicle that released the egg secretes another hormone called progesterone. This hormone suppresses further
ovulation. The progesterone continues to build the vaginal lining and maintains it after ovulation. It also causes the basal temperature to rise
and the cervical mucus to thicken so much that it appears to dry up. Ovarian progesterone secretion continues for approximately 14 days.
When it stops, the inner lining of the uterus can no longer be maintained, so it is discharged in a process called menstruation
(your period), and the menstrual cycle starts again.

D. HOW TO DETERMINE THE DATE OF OVULATION?

By carefully taking basal temperatures upon waking and recording them on a chart, the characteristic rise in temperature can
be observed.

A temperature dip towards the end of the mucous pattern sometimes indicates the day of ovulation, also, the first day the
temperature rises could indicate ovulation. The purpose of the chart is to help you plan future intercourses and assist you in observing your
unique fertility pattern. The OMRON

®

Basal Digital Thermometer makes it easy to read and record the slight temperature variations which

occur when ovulation has taken place. The OMRON

®

Basal Digital Thermometer may be used as an oral, rectal or vaginal thermometer.

E. TEMPERATURE RANGES (ORAL) BEFORE AND AFTER OVULATION

Your basal temperature before ovulation is usually in the range of 96.5°F to 98°F, (35.8°C to 36.7°C). The most frequent range is between

97.4°F to 97.7°F (36.3°C to 36.5°C). After ovulation the basal temperature rises about 1.0°F (0.6°C) and stays in that higher range until the
beginning of the next menstrual period. The highest probability of conception is during the days immediately prior to ovulation
as well as on the day of ovulation itself.

°F 95.0 95.5 96.0 96.5 97.0 97.5 98.0 98.5 98.6 99.0 99.5 100

°C 35.0 35.3 35.6 35.8 36.1 36.4 36.7 36.9 37.0 37.2 37.5 37.8

Refer to the chart below for Fahrenheit/Celsius conversions.

F. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Remember that the thermometer is designed only to help determine when ovulation has occurred. Notation of any changes, in addition to your
temperature pattern, will assist your physician or counselor in providing you with proper guidance. It is commonly suggested that couples who
have had difficulty in achieving pregnancy should not have intercourse more than once a day nor on consecutive days, in order to maintain
satisfactory quantities of sperm. The most fertile time continues up through the first day of drying up of the mucus or the first day of temperature
elevation, whichever comes later. The temperature record should be maintained on a daily basis. If pregnancy is achieved, the basal temperature
will remain elevated for several months. A temperature pattern that remains elevated for 21 days (a week or more than the usual elevated pattern)
is a good indicator that pregnancy has been achieved. If you do not become pregnant after six months, see your doctor

. If you believe you are

pregnant, see your doctor immediately.

VIII. ACCURACY
Measurement Range: 90.0°F to 109.9°F / 32.2°C to 43.2°C
Measurement Accuracy: 0.2°F / 0.1°C between 96.0°F to 106.0°F / 35.6°C to 41.1°C, accurate to ± 0.4°F (0.2°C)

at less than 96°F and greater than 106°F.

Waterproof Function: Manufactured to meet European Standard Pr EN12470-3.
IX. TO RECALL THE LAST TEMPERATURE

1. Press and hold the power button while turning on the unit. The last measured temperature will be shown in the display with the letter “M”

shown under the degree sign in approximately 3 seconds.

2. Release the power button. The thermometer will be in “ready-to-measure” mode and the recalled temperature will be erased.

Note: If the device is switched off before completion of temperature taking, L°F will appear in memory the next time the unit is used

X. CAUTION

The effectiveness of the methods outlined for seeking and avoiding pregnancy depend on factors such as a woman’s individual reactions,
the accuracy with which daily temperatures and other symptoms are recorded, and the absence of outside factors which may affect body
temperature.

Consequently, no representation of any kind can be made by the distributor as to the reliability of the results obtained in any

individual case, and the patient is urged to consult with and be guided by the advice of her physician or counselor in the use of the OMRON

®

Basal Thermometer.

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FOR CONTRACEPTIVE USE