She Strengthens

Unraveling the Mystery of Cervical Mucus

Are you curious about the gooey substance in your underwear? You’re not alone! Cervical mucus is a natural part of your menstrual cycle, and understanding it can help you identify your most fertile days, plan or prevent pregnancy, and even get in tune with your body.

What is Cervical Mucus?

Cervical mucus, also known as cervical fluid, is a gel-like fluid produced by your cervix. Its main job is to keep unwanted substances out and help transport sperm to the uterus during ovulation. Throughout your menstrual cycle, hormonal changes alter the color, consistency, and amount of cervical mucus.

The Stages of Cervical Mucus

Like your menstrual cycle, cervical mucus is unique to you. However, you can generally expect the following changes throughout the month:

• During your period: No noticeable mucus due to period blood.
• After your period: Dryness or white discharge that feels sticky.
• Pre-ovulation: Creamy, lotion-like consistency with a white, yellow, or cloudy color.
• Ovulation: Clear, watery, and stretchy mucus with an egg-white consistency.
• After ovulation: Discharge slows down, becoming thick, gluey, or cloudy.

Pregnancy Prevention and Planning

Sperm can survive in your body for up to 5 days. Even if you’re not experiencing fertile cervical mucus, you can still get pregnant during semi-fertile days leading up to ovulation. The fertile zone is roughly 2-3 days before the first signs of slippery mucus and lasts about 3 days after peak egg-white mucus.

Cervical Mucus and Ovulation

When you ovulate, your body releases an egg, and estrogen levels rise, thinning out cervical mucus. This makes it more sperm-friendly, increasing your chances of conception. Right before and during ovulation, mucus resembles egg whites, taking on a more watery, slippery, and stretchy consistency.

Tracking Cervical Mucus

Tracking cervical mucus is a form of natural birth control known as the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). You can track your mucus manually, using toilet paper, or checking your underwear. Keeping track of your findings on a calendar, period/fertility tracking app, or Basal Body Temperature (BTT) chart can help you identify patterns and optimize your fertility.

What Can Affect Cervical Mucus?

Several factors can alter your cervical mucus, including:

• Sex
• Birth control
• Medications
• STIs and infections
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Douching
• Dehydration
• Menopause

Improving Cervical Mucus

If you’re trying to get pregnant, supplements like vitamin E and L-arginine may help, but talk to your doctor first. Eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, staying hydrated, and using fertility-friendly lubricants can also support cervical mucus production.

Abnormal Cervical Mucus

Abnormal discharge can be a sign of an STI or infection. Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms like abnormal yellow, green, or gray discharge, thick white discharge, foul odor, itchiness, or vaginal burning.

The Bottom Line

Cervical mucus is a natural part of your body’s cycle, and tracking it can help you understand your menstrual cycle and identify your most fertile days. By understanding cervical mucus, you can take control of your reproductive health and make informed decisions about pregnancy planning or prevention.