The female body works like a true machine, with each part playing a crucial role to ensure it functions successfully. One of the most important elements of the female reproductive system, both for offering protection and especially as an aid for women who want to conceive, is cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus isn’t often discussed, unless a woman becomes a trying to conceive and discovers its importance for achieving a positive pregnancy result more quickly. So, let’s explain how everything works and why it matters at this moment.

What is Cervical Mucus?

Cervical mucus is a natural liquid secretion produced in the cervix that acts to prevent bacteria located in the vaginal area from reaching the uterus1. This secretion is produced internally but secreted through the vagina. Its production is stimulated by hormone levels.

Not all women are able to detect the presence of their cervical mucus, especially if they are unaware of its function, or when they do notice it, they may even mistake it for discharge. But it is produced constantly, with greater intensity during the fertile window.

IMPORTANT: Cervical mucus is not the same as discharge! It has no odor, no color, and does not cause itching

What is the Function of Cervical Mucus?

The primary function of cervical mucus is to protect the uterus from the invasion of bacteria in the vaginal area, which can cause serious infections. But it also serves as an extra boost for sperm to reach the uterus during the fertile window, as its texture and consistency increase at this stage.

That’s why it’s very easy to identify the fertile window by observing cervical mucus, because its characteristics change, becoming elastic and thick, easily noticed by touch between the fingers.

Phases of Cervical Mucus

As already mentioned, cervical mucus is produced constantly throughout the female cycle. However, due to changes in hormone levels it changes its characteristics to suit the function required for each phase2.

In the first phase of the cycle, right at the start, cervical mucus appears thicker, which makes it more difficult to notice, especially as moisture on underwear, since its consistency is more evident internally.

At this stage, the cervix is closed and the cervical mucus acts as a barrier to sperm, preventing them from reaching the uterus. Its texture keeps them from making it very far.

With hormonal changes, its texture changes, and cervical mucus becomes thinner, more liquid, and takes on an elastic appearance, similar to egg white. For this reason, among those trying to conceive, it’s called egg white mucus.

At this stage, the cervix is open and the female body is ready to be fertilized, as it is the fertile period. This elastic texture of cervical mucus at this moment helps sperm reach the uterus.

Hostile Cervical Mucus

Among the changes women may experience throughout their cycle, changes in cervical mucus may also occur. For a number of reasons, the mucus that should support fertility can become an obstacle to pregnancy. When this happens, the mucus is referred to by specialists as hostile mucus3.

Hostile mucus is when the mucus is acidic and denser in texture, which not only prevents sperm from reaching the uterine cavity, but also impacts their survival.
To confirm you have hostile mucus, you need to undergo a test called a post-coital test, where it is checked whether there are live sperm inside the vagina. But be aware that some specialists do not believe this acidity is necessarily an obstacle to pregnancy, since many women have managed to conceive naturally even after a diagnosis of hostile mucus.

How to Confirm the Presence of Cervical Mucus?

Since the texture of cervical mucus can help women who want to conceive, knowing how to identify it shows when it’s the ideal time to try harder during intimacy. This method of checking the mucus is known as the Billings method.

Noticing the elasticity of cervical mucus is a great way to know that ovulation is about to happen, not just for women who want to get pregnant, but also for those who want to avoid it.
To confirm the presence of cervical mucus, get comfortable after washing your hands, and insert one of your fingers into the vagina. Usually, when mucus production is increased near ovulation, you don’t need to insert your finger very deep. However, the closer you get to your cervix, the better.

Remove your finger and rub it against another finger so that the secretion touches both fingers. Then, slowly separate your fingers to observe the texture of the secretion.

How to Interpret Cervical Mucus?

After confirming the presence of cervical mucus, you need to read the secretion to understand which phase of the cycle you’re in.

  • If the secretion appears sticky, you’re not yet ovulating;
  • If the secretion is creamy, ovulation is approaching;
  • If the secretion is liquid, very wet, and has an elastic appearance, ovulation may be happening;
  • If the secretion is very wet and looks like egg white, the mucus confirms you are ovulating or about to ovulate.

When Shouldn’t I Check Cervical Mucus?

Even if cervical mucus checking is already part of your routine for monitoring your cycle, it’s essential to know when NOT to check so as not to get confused or obtain an incorrect result.

Do not check cervical mucus after sexual intercourse, as semen or natural vaginal lubrication due to arousal may interfere with the reading.

If a woman does not feel comfortable checking manually by inserting a finger, it can also be read from the secretion on underwear or even on toilet paper after wiping.

IMPORTANT: The absence of cervical mucus with a noticeable consistency may indicate hormonal imbalance.

Is It Possible to Ovulate Without Seeing Mucus?

The absence of cervical mucus may indicate something is not normal. This could be due to a hormone imbalance or even some issue causing infertility, even if only temporarily.

However, there are also cases of women who produce little cervical mucus and therefore cannot always detect or observe it to track their cycle. This is considered common and can improve by drinking plenty of water.

If you still notice no improvement and want to give yourself an extra boost in getting pregnant, there are products that mimic cervical mucus and in addition to improving vaginal lubrication, also improve sperm motility to help them reach the uterus.

These are considered fertility-friendly gels, such as FamiGel, which can make all the difference in assisting conception and increasing women’s pleasure. But if you notice anything unusual about your body aside from the absence of cervical mucus, talk to your gynecologist to have tests done to check your hormone levels.

Photo: Almondineverything