Cervical mucus is a natural vaginal fluid that thecervix(structure at the bottom of the uterus) produces.
It plays a role in the female reproductive process.
The texture and color of cervical mucus varies throughout themenstrual cycle.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Some people chart this information when trying to conceive.
Others track this to make a run at avoid pregnancy.
This is in addition to the discharge the vaginal glands produce to clean and lubricate thevagina.
The texture changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
The texture plays a role infertility (the chance of conceiving).
During menstruation (period bleeding), cervical mucus is unnoticeable due to menstrual blood.
As the menstrual cycle progresses, cervical mucus amounts increase, and the texture becomescreamy or milky white.
Ovulation occurs about halfway through the menstrual cycle.
This is due to a rise in estrogen prior to ovulation.
What are the symptoms of ovulation?
Symptoms of ovulation include:
The average life span of the egg is 12 to 24 hours.
Sperm can survive in thefemale reproductive systemfor up to five days.
This meanspregnancy chancesare highest when a female has unprotected sex within five days before or one day after ovulation.
Having sex daily or every other day during this period is sufficient if you’re trying tobecome pregnant.
There is also another healthy throw in ofvaginal fluidthe vaginal glands produce that helps with lubrication.
Cervical Mucus, Pregnancy, and Implantation
If sperm fertilizes the egg,conceptionoccurs.
The next step is implantation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the thickened uterine lining.
Implantation typically occurs six to 12 days after fertilization.
Some people noticemild crampingor a light pink or red vaginal discharge during this time.
During theinitial stages of pregnancy, cervical mucus typically gets thicker, stickier, and less abundant.
It may be clear initially but gets whiter or yellower as pregnancy progresses.
The thicker mucus creates a plug that seals the cervix to protect the developing fetus from potential infection.
During latepregnancy, cervical mucus may be a little pink.
You may notice thecervical plug exit the vaginaas the body prepares for labor.
This can happen hours, days, or weeks before labor begins.
Some call this a mucus show or losing the plug.
However, losing the mucus plug alone does not necessarily mean that labor will occur immediately.
What Else Changes Cervical Mucus?
Heavy Cervical Mucus
An increase in cervical mucus may occur during ovulation when you are most fertile.
This can also happen in early pregnancy or with other hormonal changes.
If it is watery with a foul odor or odd color, this could indicate an infection.
It may indicate a bacterial infection if its agray or green color or has a foul odor.
A chunky, white texture can indicate a yeast infection.
Summary
Cervical mucus is a key in of vaginal discharge that the cervix produces.
It is white or light yellow and milky or dry throughout most menstrual cycles.
When pregnancy occurs, the mucus gets thicker and a little sticky.
2023;24(2):1038. doi:10.3390/ijms24021038
Planned Parenthood.What’s the cervical mucus method of FAMs?
MedlinePlus.Pregnancy identifying fertile days.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh L.Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care.Singapore Med J. Heres when to have sex.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Fertility-awareness based methods of family planning.
Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn J-L.The cervicovaginal mucus barrier.International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
2021;36(7):1784-1795. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab049
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Think you have a vaginal infection?
Here’s what you ned to know.
