Non-fluctuating post ovulatory temperatures?

[monkeyscience]

Okay, I officially started charting my BBT about 2.5 weeks ago. I'm not TTA or TTC (I'm abstinent), so charting my cervical mucus has been a sort of if-I-notice thing. I have a history of irregular periods, and I haven't had any bleeding since February (which may have been anovulatory). I'm mostly charting to get a handle on what's going on in my body. So:

The first two weeks of charting were very erratic... lots of up-and-down, with temperatures ranging from 96.4-97.0 F. (Maybe the pattern wasn't that erratic, I don't know... I'm new to this.) When I finally ovulated (I assume) my temp was 97.3 F. The next day, it dropped to 97.2 - where my coverline was. TCOYF says that can happen, though they showed a more dramatic drop. The weird thing has been the 5 days since then, though... my temperature has held rock-steady at 97.5 F. Same temp, every day, despite temping at slightly different times (ranging from 6:47 to 8:14 AM). I thought maybe my thermometer was broken, but I took my temp later in the day and got 98.1, so I know it's working. (It's digital, so it's not that it needs shaking down.)

Any thoughts on this? Is it totally NOT weird that it isn't fluctuating, even though it did pre-ovulation? Has anyone else had this happen? :

[texaspeach]

are you using a basal thermometer or a general use digital thermometer?

in the charting to avoid may thread, runner29 gave a good description of accuracy vs precision, check it out

[monkeyscience]

Originally Posted by texaspeach

are you using a basal thermometer or a general use digital thermometer?

in the charting to avoid may thread, runner29 gave a good description of accuracy vs precision, check it out

It is a general-use thermometer. I read all the fine print on it, and it gives an accuracy of +/- .2 degrees. I know TCOYF says you really need w/i .1 degree, but it was the best I could do. I know that could be the source of the same readings, but it surprises me since the previous readings were more erratic.

I'm a bio major... I live and breathe accuracy vs. precision, but I'll definitely check the thread, anyway.

[monkeyscience]

Texaspeach - I read what runner29 said, and will be testing my thermometer for precision.

Don't know why something so scientifically sound didn't occur to me. I'll have to console myself that at least I verified that the thermometer was capable of other readings.

I have to get up at 4:45 am tomorrow, and I'm still doing laundry and packing... bet I don't 97.5 tomorrow morning!

[texaspeach]

good luck