Cervical vs. Rectal Mucus: A Guide for Natural Family Planning

Question
I am 21 and engaged. My fiance and I want to use NFP when we get married (in 9 months) and I have just now started learning about it so I can chart. Sometimes it seems like I have mucous coming from my rectal area when I have a bowel movement. Is this possible or is the mucous really coming from my cervix? How can I tell the difference? Thank you.

Answer
As you gain experience with your mucus symptoms and the patterns in your cycle, you will learn to recognize the difference.  If you are checking your mucus with toilet paper, you might want to switch to using your fingers in the vaginal opening and check that way instead.  You can do that after you've used the tissue.  You should wash your hands before and after using the bathroom for sanitation.  The mucus from inside the vagina will be the most accurate way to check.  Have you taken a course on NFP?  this website:  http://www.nfpandmore.org/  has a manual you can print off and use at home but it is helpful to take a course with other couples and with an experienced teacher from you can get real time answers to your questions.  Please feel free to write back if you need further help.