There are other fluids, from both the man and woman, which are important to know about when monitoring cervical mucus.
Arousal fluid is produced in response to sexual stimulation, by glands in and around the vagina in order to lubricate the vagina for the possibility of intercourse. The characteristics of arousal fluid are clear, wet, moist, and slippery. Unlike cervical mucus, however, arousal fluid dissipates quickly usually within 1 hour.
As soon as ovulation is over, vaginal discharge changes once again. Even before you notice a visual change, cervical fluid will already have become more fibrous and difficult for sperm to pass through 1. In the day or two after ovulation the beginning of the luteal phase , the amount of fluid decreases quickly. Fluid again may become sticky or tacky, or just dry and absent 1,4. Every body is unique—these changes may show up differently for you, or you may experience or interpret them in a different way.
So why does your cervical fluid change so much? Each change serves its own function. Sperm that enters the vagina before ovulation can be suspended in this fluid, allowing it to survive longer in the otherwise acidic vaginal environment 1. Sperm can start to swim through creamy discharge from about day 9 of a day cycle 1. When ovulation does occur, the stretchy egg-white fluid becomes the easiest fluid type for sperm to swim through 6. Slower swimmers get left behind, as do sperm with other motility or structural abnormalities 2,8.
After ovulation when the window of potential pregnancy has closed, cervical fluid becomes a barrier, preventing sperm from entering the upper reproductive tract. The progesterone produced by your ovary in your luteal phase acts similarly to the progestin in a progesterone-only birth control.
It turns cervical fluid sparse and dense with solids, with little water, making it difficult for sperm to get past the cervix 9. Changes in your cervical fluid pattern can signal a hormonal issue. This will usually be accompanied by changes in the length of your cycle and period.
Discharge can also become abnormal if you have an infection. Signs of abnormal discharge include changes in:. Color : gray, green, yellow, or brown. Volume : significant and unexpected in volume. Smell : fishy, metallic, or just different. Some women notice that their cervical mucus becomes wet or almost egg white-like again right before menstruation.
Obviously, this isn't a sign of impending ovulation. Women sometimes wonder if getting a lot of cervical mucus just before their period is a possible early pregnancy sign. The fact of the matter is, it's almost impossible to tell the difference between "early pregnancy" cervical mucus and regular "just before your period comes" cervical mucus.
You may confuse semen with cervical mucus. A day or two after sexual intercourse, you may confuse semen with wet cervical mucus. With experience, you can learn how to differentiate the two, but for the purposes of getting pregnant, assume that you may be approaching ovulation and mark your calendar or chart accordingly. Do not attempt to wash away your natural vaginal fluids! Cervical mucus is normal and healthy. Some women wash away "ovulation secretions" thinking they are unhygienic or unhealthy, but douching can decrease your fertility.
Make sure you're drinking enough water. Your body will reserve the water it has for the most vital body functions. Cautiously consider supplements. Some say that vitamin E supplements can improve cervical mucus quality. It's also been said that grapefruit juice and green tea may improve cervical mucus quality, but there are currently no clinical studies backing up either of these claims.
Before you start any supplements , talk to your doctor. Always tell your fertility doctor about any herbal or "natural" remedies, because some can interact with fertility drugs. Tracking your cervical mucus changes is a free and easy way to detect ovulation and get to know your fertility cycle better. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy.
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