Women who do not use contraceptives, but rely on a natural method of contraception, often look at the characteristics of the cervical mucus to assess where they are in their menstrual cycle. Since the amount and consistency of cervical mucus present at any given time significantly indicates when a woman is ovulating, it is also monitored by women trying to get pregnant. A moist, slimy, clear, and elastic cervical mucus is a sign that ovulation is occurring (usually within 24 hours for most women). Here are some tips for checking your cervical mucus.
Steps
Step 1. Start tracking its characteristics since your period ends
Keep it checked around the same time every day and record the results, so you can see the changes over time.
Step 2. Clean the entire genital area, front and back, with toilet paper
Step 3. Write down the characteristics of the cervical mucus on the toilet paper
- Make a note of the color (white or yellow) and whether it is clear or slightly cloudy.
- Record the consistency. It can be thick, thin, sticky, or elastic.
- Note whether the vulva is wet, moist, or dry.
Step 4. Empty your bladder and repeat the process
Step 5. Learn about cervical mucus based on your observations
- Observe the periods during which it is clear and white. This is an indication that ovulation is near.
- Take note of when the mucus is elastic and slimy like egg white. This is another indication that ovulation will occur within a day or so.
- Check when the vulva is wetter than normal. This is also a factor that indicates that ovulation is approaching.
Advice
- Be patient. Most women find that it takes a couple of cycles to become familiar with the unique characteristics of their cervical secretions.
- Check your cervical mucus after you have drained, if possible. This way you can usually analyze more mucus.
- Consider also monitoring the basal body temperature together with the cervical mucus analysis. This method, which consists of taking your temperature every morning before you get up, can help provide additional clues to your fertility cycle, especially when combined with cervical mucus control.
- Try to have sex on the day of ovulation and up to 4 days later if you are trying to get pregnant. On the other hand, if you want to avoid pregnancy, refrain from sexual intercourse these days.
Warnings
- Do not use douches or spermicides, and avoid intercourse on days when you are looking at cervical mucus for signs of fertility. These substances can alter the characteristics of cervical secretions and can lead to false conclusions about your fertility status.
- Know what the risks are associated with monitoring cervical mucus alone as a method of birth control. This method does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, about 22% of women who use this means of contraception become pregnant over the course of a year. Breastfeeding, recent childbirth, and recent use of birth control pills can also affect the accuracy of cervical mucus monitoring as a method of ovulation observation.
- Contact your doctor if you notice a significant and unexpected change in the appearance, texture, or smell of cervical mucus. These changes can be a sign of infection.
