{"id":17857,"date":"2020-07-10T14:45:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T12:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=17857"},"modified":"2021-02-16T17:30:17","modified_gmt":"2021-02-16T16:30:17","slug":"cervical-fluid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/cervical-fluid\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Need to Know About Cervical Mucus"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Trying to get pregnant can be a wonderful journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can also be <\/span>super <\/span><\/i>stressful and maybe a little confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may have spent most of your sex life avoiding pregnancy \u2014 like a responsible adult. But now that you actually <\/span>want <\/span><\/i>to get pregnant?<\/span><\/p>\n

Not as easy as you thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

(Or maybe that\u2019s just me?)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily for many women, there is a way that our body helps us figure out when we are most fertile and likely to conceive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cervical mucus. (A.K.A cervical fluid.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Chances are you probably have heard this term before and cringed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I know I used to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure what it is about \u2018mucus\u2019 that just makes us scrunch our nose and shake our head saying \u2018uh, no thanks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

(It probably has to do with the images of running noses that it conjures up\u2026)<\/span><\/p>\n

But observing your cervical mucus is a great tool that lets you know when your body is ready and where you are at in your cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 5 things you should know about cervical mucus.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Cervical Mucus (Also Known As Cervical Fluid) Is The Discharge From Your Cervix<\/span><\/h2>\n

You may have noticed that this fluid changes from time to time. Sometimes it is more fluid or gel-like in quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The texture of it also changes with it\u2019s varying stages. Sometimes it\u2019s slippery, dry, wet, or sticky.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each of these plays an important role in your reproductive health. It can help you know what stage of your cycle you are currently in. Which means your body is letting you know when it\u2019s ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

For what?<\/span><\/p>\n

Accepting sperm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your cervical fluid is one of the most reliable ways to predict when you are close to ovulating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is how you can use your cervical fluid to tell when you should be having sex to make a baby. Or when you should abstain from sex. If you are going to have sex, be sure to use extra precautions so you can avoid pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You probably notice cervical fluid the most after your period. That\u2019s when your body is gearing up for ovulation.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are four different kinds of cervical mucus and each happens at different times in your cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types Of Cervical Mucus<\/span><\/h2>\n

Type 1<\/b>: This is your lowest fertility. You won\u2019t be able to see any fluid and you may experience dry, rough, and itchy sensations. Or you may feel nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Type 2<\/b>: Type 2 is classified as low fertility. You still won\u2019t be able to see any mucus but you <\/span>will <\/span><\/i>start to feel damp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Type 3<\/b>: Intermediate fertility. This is when you will likely notice thick, creamy, whitish\/yellowish, non-elastic and sticky cervical mucus. You will continue to feel a damp sensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Type 4<\/b>: <\/span>This <\/span><\/i>is the type of fluid you want to keep an eye out for. This is your high fertility mucus. It will appear transparent, stretchy, liquid, watery or reddish. This is when you will feel wet and slippery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timing Of Cervical Mucus<\/span><\/h2>\n

During your period<\/b>: This is the time during your cycle when you likely won\u2019t even notice your mucus because, ya know, it\u2019s covered in blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

After your period<\/b>: Most likely you will have at least a few \u2018dry\u2019 days following your period. This means that you won\u2019t see any discharge at all. Type 1 and type 2 happen here leading up to ovulation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you ovulate: <\/b>This stage is when you will start to notice the changes between your cervical mucus. Take note because this is when your body is transitioning to get ready to release an egg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your fluid will likely differ between yellow, white, or cloudy. The texture will be gluey or stretch. This is your type 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just before you ovulate: <\/b>Here is when you will see a kind of fluid that reminds you of egg whites (before they\u2019re cooked). This cervical mucus will be clear and stretchy. If you take it between your finger and thumb, it will likely stick together for about an inch or two. It is also watery and slippery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This mucus is your type 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

While you ovulate: <\/b>The same fluid you just observed will remain during your ovulation window. This is the ideal mucus to protect the sperm on its journey to your egg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to conceive, this is the best time to have sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, use protection or abstain all together to be safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

After you ovulate: <\/b>Once your ovulation is over, you won\u2019t notice your discharge as much. The mucus you may notice at this stage will be thicker, cloudy or gluey again (like before your ovulation). You may also just have dry days.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then the cycle begins all over again with the start of your period.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.) How To Check Cervical Mucus?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re trying to get pregnant \u2014 one easy way to know when you are most fertile, is to check your cervical fluid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few different ways to do this but they basically boil down to two: outside or inside inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, as weird as <\/span>that <\/span><\/i>might sound, it\u2019s really not very difficult to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way is to simply <\/span>check your vagina<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To do this:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. First, wash your hands!<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Sit down in a squatting position (or on the toilet) \u2014 this makes it a little easier to reach<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Press a finger or two into the vagina\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Remove your finger and observe the color and texture of the fluid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Weirdly enough it\u2019s kind of like doing your own \u2018cotton swab\u2019. It\u2019s just your finger and vagina instead of a q-tip and your mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Another method is to <\/span>use toilet paper<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Before going to the bathroom is when you can use this method most effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Sit down on the toilet but <\/span>don\u2019t<\/span><\/i> go yet<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Take clean white toilet paper<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Wipe the opening of your vagina<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Observe the mucus by noting its color and consistency<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If you\u2019d rather not do it either of those ways, the other option is simple:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Observe your underwear<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had days where you\u2019ve noticed discharge on your panties. It\u2019s completely normal. (As long as it\u2019s the right color. If you see something out of the range of normal for you, check with your doctor.)<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. You won\u2019t observe anything on days you\u2019re dry<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. You\u2019ll start to notice the cloudy, yellow \u2014 probably dried on your underwear<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. When you see actual wet spots \u2014 you\u2019re probably ovulating (Or if you\u2019re a mom, you might have peed a little when you sneezed last. Totally okay!)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Either of these methods works to help you keep track of your cervical mucus.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Just keep in mind that checking your underwear may not be as reliable as the others.<\/span><\/p>\n

        3.) What Does Cervical Mucus Look Like During Ovulation<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Generally speaking, you have it throughout your cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

        It changes in consistency closer around your ovulation.<\/span><\/p>\n

        As mentioned above, your most fertile mucus is slippery and stretchy in consistency while egg white in color.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        This discharge shows up one to two days before you ovulate. When you notice this cervical fluid, you are at your most fertile.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Sperm can last 3-5 days in this kind of mucus meaning it can survive longer to implant into an egg.<\/span><\/p>\n

        If you want a baby, this is the time to be doing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

        If not, avoid intercourse or use extra protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

        When your cervical mucus starts to get gummy, your ovulation has likely passed.<\/span><\/p>\n

        4.) How Do You Increase Cervical Fluid?<\/span><\/h2>\n

        The most important thing is to <\/span>stay hydrated<\/b>. Considering this is pretty much advice for everything, that means you\u2019ll probably see more benefits from it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Downside?<\/span><\/p>\n

        The amount of time you have to pee.<\/span><\/p>\n

        But maybe that\u2019s just to prepare you for being pregnant. (Trust me, you\u2019ll pee a lot.)<\/span><\/p>\n

        There are also<\/span> dietary supplements<\/b> you can take. So while you\u2019re popping your prenatal vitamins, go ahead and add this one to the mix.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        These supplements are meant to help increase mucus production and tone the lining of the uterus. This can help your chances in trying to conceive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Another way to increase your quantity and quality of cervical mucus is to try a <\/span>sperm-friendly lubricant<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        This kind of lubricant is similar to egg white cervical fluid in the way it features pH and it\u2019s consistency. The idea behind this kind of lubrication is to help the sperm survive. The longer sperm can survive, the more likely it is to reach your egg.<\/span><\/p>\n

        As for a natural approach, there are certain dietary changes that may help increase cervical fluid.<\/span><\/p>\n