Understanding your Cervical Fluid
Understanding our cervical fluid helps us to be more connected to our body.
This knowledge is central if you are looking to conceive or utilise natural contraceptive methods. Understanding your cervical fluid can help you to know if you have ovulated or not. Which in turn may help us begin to understand why we may feel a certain way as our hormones change throughout the cycle.
The different types
Oestrogen hormone increases the production of cervical fluid and progesterone hormone reduces it.
In the first half of the cycle (the follicular phase):
Typically after the period stops there will be a few days that are referred to as ‘dry days’ before you start to see your cervical fluid.
Oestrogen levels are rising and with this you see the first type of cervical fluid, which looks like creamy white hand lotion. Known as ‘non-peak mucus’ this is fertile fluid.
The fluid then becomes more clear (resembling raw egg whites) and stretchy (forming a thread between your fingers if you were to touch it). This is the MOST fertile fluid and is a result of oestrogen levels rising higher. The consistency assists movement of sperm and can keep sperm alive for up to 5 days – which is why it is produced in the days leading up to ovulation. You may notice increased sexual desire in the days when you are producing this fluid.
In the second half of the cycle (the luteal phase):
Post ovulation the cervical fluid quickly dries up and this is due to progesterone levels rising.
The cervical fluid thickens and becomes pasty and crumbly, and may also have a slight yellow tinge. You may notice a reduction in sexual desire around the time when this fluid is present.
If you notice the egg white mucus again in this part of the cycle, this is due to the progesterone level dipping and the oestrogen level rising again. This is not a fertile time however.
Tracking the fluid
If there is a wet patch in your underwear that looks clear, large and symmetrical and stays damp – this is indicative of the fertile egg white fluid that has a high water content.
You may feel a wetness and also notice this fluid just falling out of you, and it may feel more slippery when you wipe yourself after going to the toilet. This is indicative of the egg white fluid.
After ovulation the thicker non fertile cervical fluid will tend to leave streaky patches that dry quickly.
Paying attention to what is in on your toilet paper and the slipperiness as you wipe yourself is a way of monitoring. You may notice your hands glides past your vulva more quickly and easily with the more fertile fluid. Be aware of this throughout the day and cycle, and add in wiping before in addition to after going to the toilet.