Cervical Mucus:
What is it? Where does it come from? What’s its purpose?
Cervical mucus, also called cervical fluid, is a fluid, or rather, multiple types of fluid, that is produced by the cervix in order to prevent or enable sperm survival.
The cervix contains crypts that, under the influence of hormones, produce different types of cervical mucus throughout the cycle.
Some types prevent sperm survival - and therefore pregnancy - by creating a mucus barrier in the cervix, causing sperm to die in the acidic vaginal environment. Other types do just the opposite, keeping sperm alive for up to 5 days.
Many women notice a progression from dry (no cervical mucus) to sticky, then creamy, and finally clear and stretchy (see image below).
Who cares what’s going on with my cervical mucus?
It’s all about fertility! Cervical mucus typically shifts to clear and stretchy (looks like egg whites) right before ovulation. This means that avoiding sex during this time can allow you to prevent pregnancy.
But what about those semi-fertile days? What the heck does ‘semi-fertile’ (in the picture above) even mean?
It can be tricky to know when exactly your cervical mucus becomes fertile, i.e. capable of keeping sperm alive for 5 days. In my live, online Fertility Awareness program, Beldam Fertility Awareness, I explain exactly how to do this! There are no shades of gray; you’re either fertile or not fertile on any given day. Preventing pregnancy with Fertility Awareness does NOT have to be difficult or confusing.
— Laura
P.S.
Enjoy these haikus about cervical mucus!
Work with me in a one-on-one Fertility Awareness coaching session!
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