Poated by Adenuga Sunday Joseph 

The Use of the Yellow Stamps or = Symbols

The plain yellow stamp is used to record discharge:

Before ovulation: to record the Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP) of discharge
After ovulation: to record any discharge, including seminal fluid from day 4 past Peak until menstruation.

Think in patterns!

It is incorrect to judge fertility or infertility by an isolated specimen of discharge. It depends on where
the woman is in the hormonal pattern of her cycle.

The BIP

For some women the BIP is dry. Some women never experience dry days but always notice some slight
discharge at the vulva. A BIP of discharge is recognised by its unchanging pattern. This unchanging
pattern reflects the unchanging nature of hormones when there is no cervical activity. Any change
alerts the woman to the change in the BIP and to apply Early Day Rule 3.

Regular Cycles – less than 35 days

Observation of three cycles of unchanging discharge in the BIP is recommended in order to determine
accurately the point of change to potential fertility.
In the first cycle any discharge apart from bleeding is recorded with white stamps or the 0 symbol. A
review of this cycle may indicate the BIP for this woman is one of discharge as she has no dry days. In
subsequent cycles this unchanging pattern is recorded with the plain yellow stamp or = symbol. Three
cycles of discharge without intercourse over the time of the BIP will confirm the BIP and the first point
of change.

Cycles of less than 35 days will have one BIP, either dry or unchanging discharge.

Delayed Ovulation – Cycle longer than 35 days

The BIP of discharge can be confirmed by observing an unchanging pattern for two weeks, without
intercourse and in the absence of bleeding. During these two weeks of charting the white stamp or 0
symbol is used to record any discharge apart from bleeding. A review of the chart will reveal the
unchanging pattern and the unchanging discharge is then recorded with plain yellow stamps and the
Early Day Rules applied.
When ovulation is delayed there may be a combined BIP: Dry and / or Discharge
Whenever there is a change in the BIP, the Third Early Day Rule is applied – “wait and
see”. If Peak is not recognised and there is a return of the BIP these stamps or symbols are
used in the required count of 1 2 3.