The female body secretes various types of mucus throughout a woman’s life. In fact, the menstrual cycle can have its phases identified by these different mucuses. The types of discharge that women expel from their intimate area during their lifetime can vary quite a bit1! Some types of diseases can even be detected through these mucuses, but don’t worry—they are not a health concern for women.

What is mucus?

Mucus is simply a secretion produced by the glands of the intimate area (Bartholin glands) and the cervix, which protects the vagina from bacteria and diseases that may come from external agents, such as bacteria, fungi, and even possible sexually transmitted infections.

The types of discharge can vary depending on the phase of the cycle a woman is in—for example, before, during, and after the fertile period. Mucus is usually made up of body water as well as proteins and hormones produced by the body: progesterone and estrogen.

Types of cervical mucus and their consistencies

Mucus varies a lot from phase to phase in the cycle. The cycle starts on the first day of a woman’s period. After the endometrium is shed—meaning after menstruation—a woman begins to produce a creamy mucus, driven by progesterone. This mucus is white and resembles a moisturizing cream. It usually appears for a few days on the toilet paper when a woman wipes after urinating, or even in her underwear in small or large amounts.

This type of mucus often raises many questions, because some women don’t notice it until they try to conceive or have heavy production for several days, leading them to suspect a problem in the intimate area.

White mucus similar to moisturizing cream

Moisturizing cream-like mucus indicates an increase in progesterone in a woman’s body. It poses no risk; on the contrary, it’s a sign of health. But this is only true if it does not come with pain or itching.

It usually appears in relatively small amounts. However, if it shows up after the fertile period and in larger volumes, it may indicate that ovulation has occurred and that pregnancy is possible if she had sexual intercourse without protection during the fertile period. This is because the corpus luteum helps stimulate the hormones responsible for the production of cream-type mucus.

Thick transparent mucus

Also known as phlegm-like mucus, thick mucus is triggered at the onset of the fertile period by the high production of estrogen released by the ovaries. It’s called this because it looks just like thick mucus from the end of a cold. It’s more consistent and is still not an appropriate mucus for sperm, but it marks the beginning of the fertile window, when follicles develop until ovulation for conception to be possible. Some women experience this type of mucus throughout the entire fertile period. This can make it harder to conceive, since this mucus is too thick for sperm and doesn’t allow it to flow as it ideally should inside the body.

Therefore, the use of lubricating gels is recommended to help with conception. These gels are specific because, unlike many regular lubricants, they do not interfere with sperm movement inside the body. They actually help make pregnancy possible because they have a consistency and composition very similar to the stretchy mucus of the fertile period.

Stretchy mucus

One type of cervical mucus women can identify is the stretchy mucus. This is the one suitable for those who want to get pregnant. When stretched between two fingers, it extends about 1 to 2 cm without breaking. It is also known as egg white mucus.

The presence of this mucus indicates that the woman is in her fertile period and if she has intercourse, she may become pregnant. However, sometimes it only appears in small amounts for one or two days during the ovulatory period.

In these cases, it is also recommended to use appropriate conception gel. The indicated gel is very similar to the mucus naturally produced by the body, so it does not harm and does not make conception more difficult. FamiGel has these characteristics.

Watery mucus

Watery mucus provides a feeling of moisture for the woman. Unlike the white, cream-like mucus, which can leave a feeling of dryness, watery mucus greatly lubricates the intimate area.

This is one of the types of cervical mucus that appears during the cycle, and it is possible that ovulation occurred even if this mucus appeared instead of egg white mucus. Watery mucus should not have an odor or cause any itching or discomfort. If it does, report it to your doctor, as it could be a sign of mild vaginal or cervical inflammation.

Whitish mucus (with clumps)

This mucus with clumps can be confused with some types of discharge, such as that seen with candidiasis. Whitish mucus is not the same as cream-like mucus but is rather thick white mucus with white granules.

This mucus is quite normal, as long as it’s not accompanied by itching or burning. Many women experience it right after ovulation due to a sudden and significant increase in progesterone, stimulated and produced by the corpus luteum.

Difference between mucus and types of discharge

There is a significant difference between types of mucus and types of discharge. Mucus is generally a natural liquid produced by the female body in a healthy way. It doesn’t matter if it’s white mucus, stretchy, with granules, etc.

This mucus is the result of hormonal changes, naturally, and without any risk to the woman. Discharge, on the other hand, may stem from some intimate issue such as:

Candidiasis

The discharge caused by this problem may resemble clumpy mucus produced by the body after ovulation. However, the difference is that candidiasis mucus is itchy, burns, and has a strong bleach-like odor2.

Candidiasis is the disorganized proliferation of a naturally occurring bacterium in a woman’s vaginal flora, and it can happen at any time, but especially in cases of low immunity, pregnancy, and so on.

Vaginal infection

A vaginal infection may be detected by cream-type mucus, but with a more brownish appearance. If this mucus causes itching, burning, or a strong odor, it’s advisable to see a doctor to find out what is going on.

Cream-type mucus throughout the period

A cycle without ovulation is marked by several symptoms, one of which is constant cream-type mucus. Without the appropriate hormonal fluctuations during the cycle (FSH, LH, and estrogen), the body will continue producing cream-type mucus throughout the period. This can often lead to very long cycles—60, 70 days, or even more.

This happens because progesterone isn’t alternating with other hormones and remains high. In these cases, ovulation does not occur since there is no ovulatory stimulus3. For the body to ovulate again, a woman should see a doctor to help induce menstruation and to see if an anovulatory cycle will occur again.

Types of cervical mucus during pregnancy

This is a common question for 9 out of 10 pregnant women: what types of cervical mucus will I have during pregnancy? During pregnancy, it is common to have the cream-type mucus. In fact, it comes in abundance, and that’s a great sign!

The more white, cream-like mucus, the better for the pregnancy. It’s a sign that the body is well supported hormonally and the chances of miscarriage due to low hormone levels are reduced.

Another type of cervical mucus that can appear during pregnancy is the phlegm-like mucus. This shows up in small amounts but can be noticed when wiping with toilet paper after urinating.

This mucus is caused by increased estrogen and may be observed at any stage of pregnancy. This does not mean it’s the mucus plug. In fact, the mucus plug will be present in a much larger amount and, sometimes, accompanied by bleeding. Remember, if you have any doubts about cervical mucus during pregnancy, consult the OB-GYN who is following your pregnancy.

See also: How to Know If I’m Ovulating Without Seeing Mucus?