The so-called cervical mucus plays an important role with regard to fertility. It changes in the course of the menstrual cycle. Observing its composition can even help to detect ovulation. What exactly cervical mucus is, what it does and how it changes around ovulation is explained below.
The most important facts about cervical mucus at a glance
- The cervical mucus, which is produced by glands in the neck of the uterus, changes its consistency during the cycle.
- Depending on the phase of the cycle, the cervical mucus either prevents or supports the penetration of sperm.
- With a little practice, the consistency of the mucus can help you recognise ovulation.
- Around ovulation, the cervical mucus is particularly fluid, almost clear and spinnable.
- If there is any suspicion that the vaginal discharge is caused by a disease, a gynaecologist should be consulted promptly.
What is cervical mucus?
Cervical mucus is a secretion produced in the cervix by special glands. Normally, cervical mucus forms a plug that closes the cervix.
This plug acts as a natural barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It also ensures that no pathogens can enter the uterus.
When ovulation is imminent, the cervical mucus changes. Instead of keeping the sperm out, it now makes sure that they can get into your uterus. This is important to make fertilisation of the egg possible.
Changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle
The amount and consistency of cervical mucus varies from person to person. It can also vary from menstrual cycle to menstrual cycle. Regardless of this, the cervical mucus changes in the course of the cycle.
If you check your cervical mucus regularly, it can help you to determine your ovulation and fertile days:
- During your period, your body produces little or no cervical mucus because of low progesterone and oestrogen levels.
- After your period, little mucus is produced at first, which is why the vaginal outlet feels dry.
- Before ovulation, the increase in oestrogen levels leads to the production of more cervical mucus.
- In this phase of the cycle, it is thick and sticky or even lumpy at first, before gradually taking on a creamy consistency.
- Directly before and during ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes increasingly fluid, clear and spinnable. This is a fairly clear sign of your fertile days.
- After ovulation, the cervical mucus returns to a creamy consistency and a yellowish or white colour.
- When you are about to have your next period, the amount of mucus decreases again and it becomes thick and sticky to lumpy.
Can I improve the quality of my cervical mucus?
The consistency of cervical mucus depends primarily on genetics. However, there are things you can do if you have very little or no cervical mucus during your fertile days.
The most important thing is to drink enough. Mucus consists mainly of water. For this reason, insufficient fluid intake can impair its formation. So drink at least two litres of water or unsweetened herbal tea every day. If possible, avoid alcohol and coffee, as both dehydrate your body.
In addition, eating omega-3 fats can help promote the production of cervical mucus and ovulation. In addition to regular consumption of fatty fish, taking fish oil capsules may be useful for this purpose.
Not all vaginal discharge is cervical mucus
Of course, vaginal discharge is not always cervical mucus. Vaginal discharge can come out for very different reasons. Often it is perfectly normal. But sometimes it can also be a symptom of illness.
Spotting outside of your period
Sometimes there is light spotting outside of your period. This usually has a harmless cause. For example, they may be so-called ovulation bleeding. If you are unsure or have other symptoms, talk to your gynaecologist.
Excitatory mucus
When we are aroused, we are known to get wet. Arousal mucus has a similar consistency to cervical mucus. However, cervical mucus and arousal mucus are two different things.
Vaginal discharge due to a disease
If your vaginal discharge is an unusual colour or has an unpleasant smell, it may be caused by a disease such as bacterial vaginosis. If this is the case, you should contact your gynaecologist so that she can examine you and treat you if necessary.
Weekiss period underwear: protection against vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge can be a real nuisance in everyday life. If you want reliable protection against it and a pleasantly dry feeling when you're out and about, period underwear is just the thing.
Period underwear from Weekiss is not only suitable for comfortable protection during menstruation. It is also a good choice if you experience vaginal discharge or bleeding during your menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
As you can see, keeping an eye on your cervical mucus can be a good way to help you conceive. This, along with other ovulation symptoms, will help you determine your fertile days.
After successful fertilisation of the egg, changes in the consistency of the cervical mucus can even be an early sign of pregnancy.
