Methods for monitoring cervical mucus.
There are three methods described for monitoring cervical mucus. Dare to learn about them and put them into practice so you can better track your fertile days:
- He Billings ovulation method: With this method you are invited to check and trace both the texture and appearance of cervical mucus. The method is not based on the presence of ovulation but rather attempts to identify patterns of potential fertility and infertility within the cycle. This information can be used to achieve pregnancy during regular or even irregular cycles, including breastfeeding and perimenopause. The method was developed by gynecologists John and Evelyn Billings and its use is widespread worldwide as a method of natural fertility regulation.
- He Creighton method: This method is similar to the Billings ovulation method except that it requires secretions to be classified according to a multiple characteristic scale. It is a standardized system for recording a woman's menstrual cycle with objective measurements of biomarkers.Â
- He 2 day method: This method consists of asking yourself two questions for two days in a row: Have I had cervical mucus today? And yesterday? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the chances of pregnancy are higher. You can find more information about this method on the Georgetown University Institute of Reproductive Health website.
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Some special situations that cause changes in cervical mucus
Cervical mucus continues its process depending on the woman's hormonal cascade. But if women have some type of alteration in their hormonal cycles, it can be affected. These cases could be:Â
- Irregular or interrupted cycles:
When cycles are irregular or interrupted by hormonal contraceptives, when polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Turner syndrome, chronic cervicitis is diagnosed, or even after a recent pregnancy, the quantity and quality of cervical mucus can be affected. affected.
- Dehydration:Â
The amount of water consumed can affect the amount of water in the mucus, which can increase or decrease the ability of sperm to penetrate.
- Persistent reproductive tract infections:Â
Because cervical mucus and vaginal secretions are difficult to distinguish, changes in vaginal secretions as a result of infections make cervical mucus more difficult to track.
- Certain medications:Â
Some medications, such as those intended to trigger ovulation, can change cervical mucus. Similarly, IUDs with levonorgestrel will thicken cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to penetrate and therefore prevent pregnancy.
- Multiple types of secretions:Â
As we said, the presence of arousal fluids or vaginal secretion can be confused with cervical mucus if you are not yet familiar with the differences between one and the other. It is advisable to study them for a few cycles, observe yourself and practice on the different textures.
If the cervical mucus does not appear or if things are not going well at all...
Changes in the pattern of cervical mucus can also indicate a hormonal or infectious problem. If it is hormonal, it is usually accompanied by changes in the duration of the cycle and the intensity of the flow. In case of infection, the mucus will be accompanied by an odor and other symptoms such as itching or pain when urinating.Â
Signs of abnormal discharge include changes in:
- Consistency: Unusually thin or thick and more texturedÂ
- Color: gray, green, yellow or brown
- Volume: significant and unexpected increase in mucus
- Smell: metallic, fishy or just different, stronger.
If you suspect that your vaginal discharge is not normal, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.Â
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