Question

I use a mucus-only method (Creighton) and have mucus all the time. I've been using yellow stamps, but was wondering if there is something I could eliminate from my diet (dairy?) to reduce the amount of mucus? Or would it be helpful to switch methods?

Answer

I can promise you that switching methods will not reduce the mucus.

I am only kidding, as I know that is not what you meant, but seriously, any NFP method is a system of observing your body, and in the presence of continuous mucus they all would depend on finding a pattern and identifying the point of change when fertility begins, and again when it ends. The key is working closely with your practitioner, in identifying the pattern of sameness which will be your yellow stamps in the pre-peak, and in confidently identifying your peak so post peak infertility (again the yellow stamps) can be confidently identified as well. If you have not seen your practitioner recently, you may want to make an appointment for a review, as the yellow stamp instructions for the Creighton Method have been revised, and this is good news for you!

If you mean should you take your temperature, you certainly could try that and see if it is helpful to you. It will not be helpful in identifying the pre-ovulatory infertile days, which is usually the most challenging, as the temperature rises with ovulation.

In regards to eliminating the cause of the discharge, there are some things you could investigate. The characteristics of the discharge can provide clues as to what might be causing it, and it is best to discuss with your practitioner, but below are some suggestions.

Perhaps diet changes, as you suggest, will impact the pattern---the only way to know would be to do some detective work and experimentation with your diet.

Are you taking any medications? Antibiotics, for instance, can increase discharge. Vitamin C supplements can sometimes be helpful in reducing the discharge.

Hygiene products can also be the cause. I would recommend eliminating all perfumed products-----avoid highly scented bath soaps and laundry detergents, no fabric softener sheets in the dryer, no douches, no bubble baths, and use only unscented tampons and pads, and plain white,unscented toilet paper. In addition, it is very important to wear only 100% cotton underwear (not just cotton crotch). Avoid pantyhose if you can, and wear cotton crotch panty hose when you do wear it.

If eliminating scented products and wearing cotton underwear does not eliminate the discharge, you could consult with a physician who has been trained to understand the charting and can help you identify the source of the discharge. It could be a symptom of a chronic infection, or an inflammation of the cervix. Cervicitis is probably the most common cause of continuous discharge, and can be treated by a physician with hyfercautery, eliminating the discharge.

It will take persistence on your part to identify the source of the discharge, and eliminating it. In the meantime, or if the suggestions I have made provide no relief and you choose not to consult with an NFP doctor, it is important to work closely with your teacher in determining the appropriate use of yellow stamps to accurately identify infertility and fertility, and having confidence in the method.

A continuous mucus pattern in some cases is very easy to manage with charting, and in other cases can be quite challenging. Patience and persistence is the key, along with working closely with your NFP Practitioner.

Hang in there!!!

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