Tempdrop Review

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For 10% off Tempdrop use the code TDBETTER10

In November 2020 I finally invested in a Tempdrop and I haven’t looked back since! I love my Tempdrop so much and I wouldn’t go without it now. In case you’re thinking of getting a Tempdrop I’ve written this in depth Tempdrop review to answer all the questions you might have.

Deciding To Purchase A Tempdrop

Purchasing a Tempdrop is an investment. It is something I mulled over for a while before finally making the purchase.

Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) is completely possibly using an affordable basic digital basal body thermometer (also called a digital ovulation thermometer) like this.

In fact, if you’re just starting out tracking your BBT then I recommend you do start with a basic thermometer. This way you can make sure charting your temperature daily is right for you.

You can pick up a basic digital ovulation thermometer from your local pharmacy, drugstore or online for less than $25 Australian Dollars.

The Downside of Using a Basic Digital Basal Body Thermometer

When tracking your BBT with a basic digital basal body thermometer, you ideally need to wake up at the same time every day. This is because taking your temperature at different times can cause your temperature reading to fluctuate and be more difficult to interpret.

You also need to take your temperature first thing upon waking, after having had at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

There are many other factors that can impact upon your temperature as well. Like if you’ve had alcohol the night before, if your room is colder or warmer than usual, if you’ve had interrupted sleep, if you had a late night or if you are ill.

All of these factors can make tracking your BBT manually using a basic basal body thermometer a bit more difficult, but still doable.

As I mentioned, I took my BBT using a basic basal body thermometer for a long time before switching to a Tempdrop. But eventually I was finding it more and more difficult to take my BBT manually and meet all of the requirements.

That’s where Tempdrop comes in handy and why I finally decided to make the switch. Instead of having to take your temperature manually upon waking, Tempdrop is worn on the arm while sleeping and uses two sensors to monitor your temperature continuously throughout the night, filtering out waking times and other variables to produce a true nightly sleeping temperature.

Want to learn more about the Tempdrop? Keep reading!

For 10% off Tempdrop use the code TDBETTER10

What is Tempdrop?

Tempdrop is a wearable basal body thermometer that accurately calculates your basal body temperature (BBT), while filtering out waking times and other variables. BBT is tracked and charted daily throughout the cycle. By tracking BBT you can identify once ovulation has occurred.

Click here to learn more about basal body temperature.

You wear the Tempdrop on your arm while sleeping. The Tempdrop sensor sits in the armband and it looks like this:

How Does Tempdrop Work?

Tempdrop uses two temperature sensors and an acceleration sensor to acquire information on ambient and body temperature. Tempdrop combines two algorithms to learn and precisely pinpoint your personal temperature patterns and deliver your accurate temperature data.

The learning algorithm and the patent-pending Active Temperature-Noise Cancellation (ATNC™) filtering algorithm, learns personal sleeping temperature patterns and filters out any disturbances to temperature readings like wake time, blankets or sleeping positions.

The Tempdrop Early Learning Period

Because the Tempdrop uses a learning algorithm, it does take some time after you first start using it to learn your unique patterns and filter variables.

It needs 14 days of data collection to be able to identify patterns and filter out the variables to give smoother temperature readings.

If you are already temping with a traditional BBT thermometer and you are using your temperature data to avoid pregnancy, then you should continue using your existing temping method for up to 60 days, while your Tempdrop is in its early learning phase. You should also not rely on the Tempdrop temperatures in this early 60 day period if you are avoiding pregnancy.

Tempdrop Algorithm vs Other Algorithms

I am a big advocate for saying NO to algorithms. We do not need an algorithm to predict anything to do with our cycle. We are intelligent and wise beings, we are capable of making our own data interpretations.

The Tempdrop sensor algorithm however is different. It is not an algorithm making predictions on anything to do with your fertile window and ovulation time.

It is using an algorithm to learn your sleeping temperature patterns and filter out any disturbances to your temperature, like midnight bathroom trips.

So this algorithm is acceptable and very helpful.

Retroactive Temperature Changes

Beyond the first 60 days of learning, retroactive changes to your last 2 days of temperatures can continue to occur. This is because the algorithm filters variables that may have affected the initial temperature result.

I haven’t noticed a huge issue with this and Tempdrop explains that retroactive changes will mostly occur when you have a questionable or out of the ordinary sleep (e.g. alcohol or poor sleep).

However, if you are charting to strictly avoid pregnancy then you may wish to wait an extra day to confirm your temperature rise. I do this, and it is a little annoying to have to wait that extra day, but it is what is is.

How to Wear Tempdrop

The correct positioning of the Tempdrop is important in order for the device to obtain accurate data to calculate your temperature.

Tempdrop is worn just below the armpit, under the upper arm. It should sit on the soft skin between your bicep and tricep muscles.

The Tempdrop armband needs to be secured firmly around the arm to ensure the sensor stays in place throughout the night and doesn’t move around. The armband is adjustable and you can also find different armbands from third party businesses like on Etsy.

I have not had any discomfort wearing the Tempdrop armband to sleep at night.

Below is an illustration of where the Tempdrop should sit.

How to Obtain the Tempdrop Temperature Data

The Tempdrop sensor is quite a small device, it’s only feature is a small button to press to turn it on before you go to sleep. It will flash green so you know it’s on.

There is no screen anywhere on the Tempdrop device which may leave you to wonder where do you read the daily temperature from?

Well, Tempdrop has an app which you must download in order to obtain the temperature reading from the sensor.

In the morning, you can sync the Tempdrop sensor with the app. It will pull the temperature data from the sensor and display it in the app.

The sensor can hold up to 24 hours worth of temperature data, so around 3 days of temps.

Syncing Tempdrop With Cycle Tracking Apps

If you are using an app like Read Your Body to chart your cycle, you can link the Tempdrop app and the Ready Your Body app. Once the two apps are connected, the temperature data can be pulled from Tempdrop into the Read Your Body app with the press of one button.

Whilst Read Your Body is the app I use and love, the Tempdrop auto-integration feature is also available in Ovuview and Chart Neo. I have not used either of these apps.

The Tempdrop data can also be input manually into any app which does not have auto-integration.

Tempdrop Pricing

There is only one type of Tempdrop however you can choose from two different size armbands and also select add-ons such as 12 month refund + extended warranty and Insurance.

I personally didn’t choose either of these options, but the insurance would have come in handy for me when I recently misplaced my Tempdrop and had to order a new one.

To check the current pricing of Tempdrop, please click the button below. And if you’re going to purchase, don’t forget to use my code TDBETTER10 for 10% off!

The Tempdrop App

In December 2020, Tempdrop launched version 3.0 of their app. This saw it move beyond being an app that just synced with the Tempdrop and displayed the temperature readings. It moved into the new realm of being a full cycle charting app.

The Tempdrop app comes in a free version which allows you to track your symptoms and view them on a chart. It also shows estimated period length and Ovulation, but not a fertile phase or fertility window.

The premium (paid) version of the app offers the capabilities of the free version, plus additional insights and data interpretation.

The Tempdrop Premium App

Real-time fertile window estimates and verification are offered in the Tempdrop Premium app. The fertile window is estimated based on the users unique cycle history and then verified based on new data entered.

Further, the premium app also automatically interprets the temperature data and cervical fluid data as well as providing an indication of ovulation day.

I never recommend using an app that makes assumptions or interpretations for you based on historical cycle data or using an algorithm. An app cannot predict your fertile window or your ovulation date.

That is so important, it bears repeating:

An app cannot predict your fertile window or your ovulation date.

You do not need an app to make auto-interpretations of your data. The best thing you can do is to learn a fertility awareness method yourself and be able to interpret your own data.

Past cycles are not an indication of future cycles. You may have very similar or identical cycles every month for years, until one day you don’t.

The time you ovulate can be impacted by so many things like stress and illness. These are factors that an algorithm is not going to know about until it’s too late.

For this reason, I do not recommend using the Tempdrop app for any automatic interpretations or estimates.

Tempdrop App Interpretations

Thankfully, Tempdrop are quite open about their app interpretations feature and they have this to say about it:

“The Tempdrop App uses the base guidelines common to most known and proven Symptothermal methods (STM) of fertility awareness to help you identify ovulation as well as your fertile window each cycle.

Whilst the Tempdrop App interpretations are based on the STM of fertility awareness, the interpretations provided are intended to only be used as a complement to your chosen family planning decisions.

The interpretations should not be solely relied upon for the purpose of contraception, birth control, or medical purposes.

Therefore we strongly advise seeking a qualified Fertility Awareness instructor or other self-teaching resources to learn a symptothermal method and support your fertility journey.”

https://help.tempdrop.com/article/110-is-tempdrop-approved-as-a-contraceptive-alternative

Is Tempdrop An Alternative to Contraception or Birth Control?

Tempdrop is used to measure daily basal body temperature (BBT) only. BBT is used as one indicator of fertility in a number of fertility awareness methods (FAM).

You can use FAM to observe when you are fertile and when you are not fertile within your cycle. These observations can then be used to either avoid pregnancy or achieve pregnancy.

Click here to learn more about Fertility Awareness.

The Tempdrop is a complementary instrument to enhance your ability to monitor your daily BBT.

Tempdrop states:

“The app and its wearable sensor, in themselves, are not, nor are they intended to be, a fertility monitor, a substitute for contraception, or a method of birth control.”

If you want to learn FAM to identify the fertile time in your cycles and use this knowledge in accordance with your family planning desires, then you should look to learn with an instructor.

I am currently completing the practical component of my training as a Fertility Awareness Educator. Soon I will be offering you to learn how to chart your cycle using FAM with me.

Sign up to my mailing list below to be notified when this service is available.

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Who Is Tempdrop Suitable For?

Tempdrop is suitable for anyone who wants to track their basal body temperature.

I recognise the cost of a Tempdrop is significant. I want to be clear that you definitely do not need a Tempdrop to successfully track your BBT. You can get by on a very small budget, with a basic basal body thermometer and a pen and paper chart.

Tempdrop does make temping easier though. It is perfect for shiftworkers, mothers – including breastfeeding mothers, inconsistent sleepers, interrupted sleepers and anyone who doesn’t want temping to get in the way of their lifestyle.

Can the Tempdrop Be Used to Achieve Pregnancy?

Tempdrop is a fantastic complementary tool in monitoring your fertility. However Tempdrop only measures and records basal body temperature.

A rise in BBT indicates once ovulation has occurred and therefore indicates the end of the fertile window. If you are wanting to achieve pregnancy, you will also need to monitor your cervical fluid to know when your fertile window opens.

By the time your BBT rises, you will have likely already ovulated and your egg will have been and gone if it isn’t met with sperm. The egg only lasts 24 hours before it disintegrates if it is not fertilised.

Tracking your BBT though is super helpful in understanding your cycle as a whole and confirming whether you are ovulating each cycle. It’s a common misconception that ovulation just occurs around Day 14 for everyone, which I can tell you first hand is simply not true. I usually don’t ovulate until around Day 21 or even later. I only know this thanks to tracking my BBT. If I didn’t track my BBT and I was trying to achieve pregnancy, I could be mistiming intercourse completely and getting false hope thinking my period was late every month. You should read my post Is Your Period Late or Did You Just Ovulate Late for more discussion on that topic.

So in short, Tempdrop can definitely be a useful tool in your pregnancy journey.

Using Tempdrop to chart BBT is helpful to identify the biphasic temperature pattern of the cycle. BBT will be within a lower range for the first half of the cycle, pre-ovulation and then BBT will rise after ovulation has occurred. It will stay in this higher range if pregnancy is achieved or until the next period occurs. So if you are charting your BBT and you get pregnant, you will actually see it on your chart really early on, because your BBT will not drop.

This is what a biphasic chart looks like:

Is Tempdrop Safe to Use?

This is a valid question for any device that you are wearing attached to your body, for many hours every evening.

The good thing about the Tempdrop is it only transmits a Bluetooth signal in the first 30 seconds of being turned on. The other time it transmits a Bluetooth signal is when it is removed and manually turned on to sync to the app.

According to the Tempdrop website:

• it uses Bluetooth 4.0 to transmit data, which is a very low energy signal (approximately 1000x less than a cell phone);
• it is powered by a standard coin cell type watch battery while it is being worn and recording;
• and it is made from medical grade materials and has FCC and CE certifications. There is no Nickle in the metal sensor. 

Final Thoughts on Tempdrop

I have been using my Tempdrop for 2.5 years now and it has made temping so much easier for me.

Not having to think about taking my temperature manually every morning means I do not have to worry about waking up at the same time every day. I can sleep in on the weekends and can get up in the early AM to use the bathroom or attend to my cat without having to worry about taking my temperature.

If you have a disturbed sleep but want to continue temping, then I highly recommend trying Tempdrop.

It is easy to use, comfortable, safe and accurate. Tempdrop is the perfect companion to a successful FAM charting experience.

If you have any questions, drop a comment below or get in touch with me directly via email to hello@thebetterperiod.com

For 10% off Tempdrop use the code TDBETTER10

Ellie Heasman

The Better Period

Ellie Heasman is a period blogger and founder of The Better Period. Ellie helps people on their journey to a better period through introducing them to the world of menstrual cups and period underwear, and sharing knowledge about the menstrual cycle and fertility awareness. You can join in the better period conversations on Instagram @thebetterperiod_ or find out more about Ellie here.