VRPM Creighton Charting

The headache of charting through VRPM

VRPM. Four little letters. And while it’s not a typo, it can cause just as much of a headache and frustration when charting. For those of us in the business of talking cervical mucus observations through the lens of Creighton, VRPM stands for “variable return of Peak-type mucus”. This simply means that Peak-type mucus is seen in a sort of “coming and going” pattern throughout a chart, most commonly seen in long cycles and postpartum charting. Seeing so much Peak-type mucus on your chart may make you want to panic, light your chart on fire, and run for the hills, but don’t give up hope! It is still possible to figure out days of infertility and fertility through VRPM Creighton Charting with your practitioner using the following tips.

     Pro tip number one: If you think VRPM describes patterns you see in your charting, DO NOT attempt to “figure it out” on your own. As it has been said before, NFP is not a DIY situation, and when VRPM is involved, things can get confusing quickly. Is this basically what I saw yesterday or is this completely different? Why is there mucus everyday?? Will I ever be able to get a handle on this??? Before you begin to spiral, reach out to your practitioner, who is well trained in helping you to manage whatever mucus comes your way! They know key descriptions and questions to help you sort your chart out so you gain regain confidence. So before you try to go it alone, reach out to your practitioner. We are here to help!

     Pro tip number two: Patience is key. While we live in a society that is hell-bent on doing everything as quickly as possible, not all things can be rushed. And when we are talking about identifying patterns in mucus with charting, it literally takes days because you are comparing one day to the day before…data collection takes time! When you are feeling discouraged or like there is never going to be an end to the “in and out” pattern of Peak-type  mucus, just remember you are making progress in managing your chart one day at a time through each and every observation. A pattern will emerge, and your practitioner will help you identify that pattern so you can move forward through your chart.

     Pro tip number three: Respect the process. This means to have an understanding of why your body is showing you this variable return of Peak-type mucus. For a woman who is postpartum, the VRPM is showing her that her body is experiencing rising and falling estrogen levels as her body prepares to ovulate and return to cycles. While this can be stressful for a postpartum couple- particularly if they are looking to postpone a pregnancy- they can still grow in intimacy in other areas of their relationship through some good ol’ fashioned SPICE (I know, eye roll, these practitioners and their SPICE). While SPICE activities might not be everyone’s first choice on their favorite-things-to-do-with-their-spouse list, it’s what helps to strengthen a couple in their relationship for exactly those times when intercourse is more limited than a couple would like (I’m glaring hard at you soul-crushing charts where there is always a post Peak day 3 but n.e.v.e.r. a post Peak day 4.) I feel your pain. I have been there. But hang in there, it will not be like that forever. Give you and your spouse some extra grace, and know you are facing the situation together.  

     While VRPM can seem like such an impossible situation to chart through, it is totally manageable! By working closely with your practitioner through timely follow-ups, having patience, and respecting the process, VRPM can be managed to help bring clarity and peace to your charting. If VRPM is wreaking havoc on your charting, reach out to one of our Groesbeck FertilityCare Practitioners today to restore your confidence in your charting. You can do it!