Tracking cervical mucus is a way to determine ovulation and increase chances of pregnancy. Infertile mucus is sticky and difficult for sperm to pass through, while fertile mucus is clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites. Women should learn to recognize the different types of mucus during their menstrual cycle.
One way to determine when ovulation will occur is to track your cervical mucus. The color, texture, and quantity are all important to note because as ovulation approaches, the mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and copious. Observing cervical mucus during ovulation is one of several methods women use to determine when they should have intercourse with their partner in order to achieve pregnancy. So learning what to look for is important before expecting to get pregnant.
What many women are unaware of is that cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. The changes aren’t just random, as each type of mucus has a purpose, especially during ovulation. Unfortunately, many women consider any discharge a bad thing, so they often ignore it or try to get rid of it. Those who try to get pregnant, however, eventually come to appreciate the cervical mucus their bodies produce, as pregnancy is typically not possible without it.
Infertile mucus often appears sticky, thick, white, and occurs just before and after menstruation. There may be very little of this type of mucus and it is not considered conducive to pregnancy because it is difficult for sperm to pass through it. Many women don’t even notice cervical mucus during this part of the cycle as it is quite sparse.
As a woman approaches ovulation, she may notice an increase in cervical mucus. It will likely become thinner and easier to stretch, although it is usually still white and not as abundant as cervical mucus during ovulation. It is often described as creamy and is said to look like a lotion. Women who observe this type of mucus should start anticipating ovulation in the next few days and may even start having intercourse in an attempt to make sure the sperm is waiting for the egg just before its release.
Cervical mucus during ovulation is clear, slippery, elastic and quite thin. It is often said to resemble raw egg whites and should be able to stretch between your fingers without breaking easily. This is considered the easiest for the sperm to cross, which makes fertilization of the released egg more likely than ever. In fact, there are some lubricants that can be bought from the store that mimic cervical mucus during ovulation, which can help women who naturally have trouble producing fertile mucus. Fertile mucus should dry out almost immediately after ovulation, gradually reverting to the dry, sparse mucus found during menstruation.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
