Understanding Cervical Mucus in Fertility Cycles

Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix which plays a pivotal role in fertility. This fluid fluctuates in response to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body throughout the menstrual cycle. Cervical fluid consistency changes throughout your cycle so can offer clues about timing your conception as well as your overall reproductive health.

Cervical Mucus Functions: More Than Just Sperm Acceptance

Although we generally think of cervical fluid as a medium for sperm acceptance, it has a much broader role in terms of fertility. When estrogen levels peak around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thin, stretchy. More conducive to sperm penetration, it also provides an alkaline environment that nourishes and protects sperm from the acidic pH of the vagina. This nurturing environment increases sperm survival and mobility, thereby enhancing the chances of conception.

Storing Sperm for Later Release

Remarkably, cervical mucus also acts as a reservoir or container for sperm. Sperm can be stored in the cervical crypts throughout the fertile window period. These folds or cervical crypts release sperm gradually over time. This storage can last for several days, ensuring that sperm are available and released gradually, increasing the likelihood of fertilization when an egg is released during ovulation.

Types of Cervical Fluid Collection and Tracking

When estrogen levels rise in the late follicular phase, your body produces estrogenic mucus. This mucus is considered non peak fluid as it represents your lowest chance of conception when estrogen is just beginning to rise to ripen the follicle, or egg cell. As you move closer to ovulation and the estrogen levels increase, more fluid will appear.

Egg white cervical mucus, or Spinnbarkeit mucus refers to the stretchy, cervical mucus that is easier for sperm to penetrate. Spinnbarkeit mucus is stretchable between your fingers. The presence of this cervical fluid can be an indicator of your best chance of conception. Egg white, or peak cervical fluid is transparent, stretchy. Sometimes this fluid has a reddish cast to it, and that is perfectly normal. This reflects the vagina cleaning out the last bit of the uterine lining from the previous cycle.

After ovulation progesterone levels rise and the mucus transforms from creamy, to sticky to dry. This fluid restricts the sperm movement.

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).

Seminal fluid is released from the man at the time of intercourse and contains sperm and other fluids. Approximately 20-30 minutes after intercourse, the seminal fluid becomes very watery. Seminal fluid lasts longer in the vagina than arousal fluid; however, most of the seminal fluid should have left the vagina within 12-14 hours after intercourse.

Factors that can influence cervical mucus production

Breastfeeding, sexual lubricants, hormonal birth control, Sexually transmitted infections, other vaginal infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis, surgery on your cervix, stress, the food you eat, cold and allergy medications because antihistamines and decongestants narrow blood vessels in order to lower moisture levels. Cloumid, can also dry up your cervical mucus.

Fertility Awareness Method and Cervical Mucus

Tracking cervical mucus throughout the month can be a key component to monitoring your hormones and your fertile window. Using our fertility tracking guide, you and your partner can learn the best time for you and your partner to conceive.

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Fertility, Health, Women's HealthBeck Hoehnpregnancy, fertility, women's health