Final answer:
The basal body temperature method of birth control is a form of fertility awareness and involves tracking temperature rises post-ovulation. It is not most effective during menstruation, and it requires daily diligence in monitoring and understanding the menstrual cycle to identify the fertile window to prevent pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching about the basal body temperature method of birth control, the nurse should explain that this method involves tracking the slight rise in a woman's basal body temperature that occurs after ovulation. The basal body temperature method is a type of fertility awareness strategy, which means that unprotected intercourse should be avoided during the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.
A key point to include in the teaching is that the basal body temperature method is not most effective during menstruation. Since the temperature rise indicating ovulation only happens after the fact, a woman is still potentially fertile in the days leading up to and including the temperature rise. Intercourse during this window could still result in pregnancy, especially considering that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to a week.
In summary, it is important to note that this method requires daily monitoring and diligent recording of temperatures, as well as an understanding of the menstrual cycle to effectively identify the fertile window during which to avoid unprotected intercourse.