Cervical mucus and your fertility

If you participate in any of the many forums or discussion forums on the internet, you have no doubt come across the following terms: cervical mucus, egg white cervical mucus, and fertile quality cervical mucus. Cervical mucus certainly gets a lot of attention when trying to imagine circles, and for good reason.

Cervical mucus plays a fundamental role in the conception process, nourishing and protecting the sperm during the long and arduous journey through the female reproductive tract to meet the egg. This way, as you become more familiar with your cervical mucus, you will be better able to plan your sex in order to conceive.

Simply put, cervical mucus is a fluid secreted by the cervix, the production of which is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the amount and quality of cervical mucus produced will fluctuate, and by observing these changes, you can predict the most fertile days of your cycle.

As ovulation approaches, estrogen levels begin to rise, causing the cervix to secrete more so-called "fertile quality" cervical mucus. This fertile quality cervical mucus, also known as egg white cervical mucus, is clear and elastic, similar in consistency to egg white, and is an ideal protective environment for sperm in terms of texture and pH.

Having enough egg white cervical mucus during your fertile window will actually improve your chances of conceiving. And by noticing when your body is producing egg white cervical mucus, you will be able to identify your most fertile days.

The most accurate way to determine changes in cervical mucus is to collect and examine a mucus sample daily. To do this, wash and dry your hands well, then insert your middle or index finger into the vagina, as close as possible to the cervix.

You may also notice cervical mucus when you dry yourself with toilet paper. You can use any method (cervical or rubdown test); Just remember to use the same method every day.

Remove your finger and observe the consistency of the mucus sample by rolling the mucus between thumb and forefinger, squeezing the fingers together and then slowly spreading them apart.

The following information describes the typical change in the amount and quality of cervical mucus that you can expect during your menstrual cycle:

• After your menstrual period: Cervical mucus production is minimal immediately after menstruation and some women report "dryness" during this time. But over the next few days more mucus will appear and it will probably be yellow, cloudy or white in color and somewhat sticky to the touch.
• Your ovulation date is approaching: As you enter your fertile window, your cervical mucus will increase in quantity and moisture. Its color may be cream.
• During ovulation: In the days immediately preceding ovulation, cervical mucus production will be at its peak, and the consistency and color of the mucus will be similar to egg white. Once you discover the presence of this fertile quality cervical mucus, you will know that you are having the most fertile days.
• After ovulation: After ovulation, the amount of cervical mucus begins to decrease and become thicker.

Unfortunately, after tracking changes in your cervical mucus, you may find that you really don't produce much fertile quality cervical mucus during ovulation. Or you may even realize that the cervical mucus you produce is "hostile", meaning it's thick and sticky rather than thin and stretchy at the time of ovulation.

Any of these conditions can interfere with your reproductive efforts by preventing sperm from traveling efficiently and safely through the fallopian tube to the egg for fertilization.

Insufficient production of fertile quality cervical mucus or the presence of hostile cervical mucus can result from a variety of factors, including diet, stress, hormonal problems, or even prescription medications.

If you notice that you are not producing significant amounts of cervical mucus during your fertile month, or that it is not "fertile" in nature, you can find the following suggestions to help improve the quantity and quality of your cervical mucus. . .

First of all, it is very important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Second, taking Fertile Cervical Mucus, a dietary supplement designed to increase cervical mucus production and uterine lining tone, may improve your fertility efforts.

Finally, while you're working on improving cervical mucus production, consider using a sperm-friendly lubricant. This product has a pH and consistency similar to egg white cervical mucus and can be used during sex to help as many sperm as possible survive the journey through the reproductive tract.