Variations of the Cycle and Reproductive Health

Teaching the Billings Ovulation Method Part 2
Evelyn L. Billings and John J. Billings

3. Normal Fertile Cycle: Continuous Discharge

Some women never experience dry days but always notice some slight discharge at the vulva. This is usually normal but may be due to infection when symptoms of discomfort and signs of odour or discoloration usually occur.

When a woman knows her normal cycle discharge of mucus she will quickly detect abnormality and should seek medical help as soon as possible. The couple should be treated simultaneously while they avoid genital activity in order to eradicate the infection.

Note: The BIP remains the same cycle after cycle, varying in the number of days. Three cycles should be recorded before the Early Day Rules are applied.

In cycles of average length (under 35 days) there is only one BIP-- either dry days or continuous unchanging discharge.

In cases where ovulation is delayed e.g. breast-feeding, pre-menopause, etc. a discharge often develops from the breakdown of cells from the vaginal wall. This is a normal response to slightly increased levels of oestrogen.

Chart 3. Illustrating continuous discharge  in a normal fertile cycle. The change from sticky, cloudy (yellow stamp, day 10) to damp cloudy (white baby stamp, day 11) should be observed for three cycles of average length before the Early Day Rules are applied. This change will not always be on the same day in every cycle. Do not count days. Just observe and record. Vulval sensation is important in recording the change.

Cycle Day

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Stamp

Symbol

Sensation/ Appearance of discharge

wet

wet

wet

wet

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

damp cloudy

wet cloudy stringy

slippery clear stringy

slippery clear Peak swollen vulva

Phases/Patterns

Infertile Unchanging pattern Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP)

Possibly fertile Changing pattern progressively becoming slippery

Cycle Day

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Stamp

Symbol

Sensation/ Appearance of discharge

sticky thick

sticky little

dry smear

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

sticky cloudy

damp cloudy

damp cloudy

damp cloudy

damp cloudy

damp cloudy

dry little

dry little

damp cloudy

wet

Phases/Patterns

Still possibly fertile

Infertile egg is dead

Definite change, mucus is no longer wet or slippery. From ovulation to menstruation is 11 to 16 days (luteal phase).

Reference: Evelyn L. Billings and John J. Billings, Teaching the Billings Ovulation Method Part 2. Variations of the Cycle and Reproductive Health, Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia, pp. 6-7,  Melbourne, 1997.

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4. Normal Fertile Cycle: Short, Early Ovulation

Early Ovulation

Normal luteal phase 11-16 days.

Occurrences

Short cycles occur occasionally for no known reason.

They commonly occur at:

• Menache

• Pre-menopause

• During breast-feeding

• Post-Pill

Management

• Do not count days to avoid pregnancy.

• Avoid intercourse during heavy bleeding ... mucus may be concealed.

• Make observations as bleeding diminishes. NB: Sensation.

• In the absence of the BIP apply the Peak Rule when the Peak is observed.

• If pregnancy is desired, intercourse should occur when the mucus is slippery at the vulva. There may still be some bleeding.

Chart 4. Early ovulation in a short fertile cycle.

Reference: Evelyn L. Billings and John J. Billings, Teaching the Billings Ovulation Method Part 2. Variations of the Cycle and Reproductive Health, Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia, pp. 8-9,  Melbourne, 1997

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