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Fertile cervical mucus is produced by the cervix during ovulation and is more accommodating for sperm. It is clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to egg whites. Recognizing changes in cervical mucus can help track ovulation for pregnancy or birth control. The cervix also moves and opens during ovulation. Any unusual discharge should be reported to a doctor.
Fertile cervical mucus generally refers to the mucus produced by the female cervix during or directly before ovulation. During this time, the mucus may become more accommodating for any sperm that may enter the vaginal canal to increase the chances of conception. For many women, there is a marked change in the texture and color of their cervical discharge during this time.
The look and feel of fertile cervical mucus can vary slightly for each woman, but it generally becomes heavier around the time of ovulation and is more slippery, stretchy, and clear. It is often compared to the consistency of egg whites and is designed that way to help sperm enter the birth canal. The vagina is naturally acidic, which can kill sperm cells, while mucus is alkaline to protect them and make pregnancy more likely.
At other times of the month, the cervical discharge changes to a less fertile state. During the weeks leading up to the menstrual period, it may cease altogether or be produced in much smaller quantities. The color may also change from the clear appearance of fertile cervical mucus to a white or off-white color. It may also become less slippery over time and may be thicker.
By learning to recognize what fertile cervical mucus looks like, women may be able to track ovulation to help get pregnant or prevent pregnancy. This requires several months of paying attention to the changes that occur in the consistency of the mucus during each month so that the discharge accompanying ovulation becomes clearly recognizable. It should be noted that most healthcare professionals do not consider this option suitable for birth control when used on its own, although some studies have shown it to be highly effective when used correctly in women with normal monthly cycles.
Other changes occur during the month in the cervix. For example, during ovulation, when the fertile cervical mucus is at its highest, the cervix also moves higher into the uterus and opens slightly to let in sperm. After ovulation is over, it drops further down into the vagina and closes again until the menstrual period begins.
While these changes are typical, every woman is an individual and may experience slightly different changes in her body during her menstrual cycle. Some may have more discharge than others, and the color and texture of your fertile cervical mucus may not be exactly as described in a textbook. That said, discharge that is yellow, green, foamy, lumpy, or accompanied by an odor should be reported to a doctor as it could indicate a vaginal infection or sexually transmitted disease.
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