Getting a Handle on Cervical Mucus
Your reproductive system is designed for a very specific purpose: to help you reproduce. Every aspect of the reproductive system has a purpose, right down to the secretions that your body makes during sex. Your body uses a number of different tools to help you conceive. One of the most important parts of that process is your cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is integral because it helps the sperm to live long enough and to travel to its destination in the fallopian tubes where it can, hopefully, fertilize an egg.
Your cervix produces cervical mucus. The production of cervical mucus is caused by the hormone, estrogen. Your cervical mucus varies throughout your cycle in three specific categories:
- consistency,
- color, and
- volume.
During the first few days after your period, your cervical mucus will be almost non-existant. After a few days, you’ll start to produce small amounts of whitish cervical mucus that is sticky. In the few days prior to ovulation, you’ll see an increase in volume of cervical mucus, and it will also become the consistency of hand lotion: moist and sticky. The cervical mucus at this stage is usually a white to cream color.
Egg white cervical mucus is the next, and most important, phase (at least in terms of conception). When you are ovulating, your cervical mucus volume is at its highest. It will be similar in texture and appearance to an uncooked egg white. During this time, you’re chances of becoming pregnant are optimal.
One of the ways you can increase your chances of getting pregnant is by tracking your cervical mucus. You can collect cervical mucus throughout your cycle, and record its color and consistency. This can help you to time intercourse to increase your chances of conception.
To collect your cervical mucus, insert your finger into your vagina. Move your finger around in a circular motion, as close to your cervix as you can get. This allows you to collect cervical mucus and examine both its color and its consistency. When you have egg-white cervical mucus, you are ovulating and should have intercourse if you are trying to conceive.
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