Methods for monitoring cervical mucus.
There are three methods described for monitoring cervical mucus. Get to know them and put them into practice in order to better track your fertile days:
- El billings ovulation method: With this method, you are invited to check and trace both the texture and the appearance of the cervical mucus. The method is not based on the presence of ovulation but tries 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.
- El creighton method: This method is similar to the Billings ovulation method except that it requires secretions to be graded according to a multi-characteristic scale. It is a standardized women's menstrual cycle registration system with objective measurements of biomarkers.
- El 2 day method: This method consists of asking yourself two questions for two days in a row: Did I have 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 for Reproductive Health website.
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Some special situations that cause cervical mucus to vary
Cervical mucus follows its process based on the hormonal cascade of women. But in case women have some kind of alteration in their hormonal cycles, it can be affected. These cases could be:
- Irregular or interrupted cycles:
When cycles are irregular or interrupted by hormonal contraceptives, when polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Turner's syndrome, chronic cervicitis, or even after a recent pregnancy are diagnosed, the quantity and quality of cervical mucus can be altered. affected.
- Dehydration:
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:
Since cervical mucus and vaginal secretions are difficult to distinguish, changes in vaginal secretions as a result of infections make it more difficult to monitor cervical mucus.
- Certain medications:
Some medications, such as those intended to trigger ovulation, can change cervical mucus. Similarly, levonorgestrel IUDs will thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to penetrate and thus prevent pregnancy.
- Multiple types of secretions:
As we said, the presence of arousal fluids or vaginal discharge 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 quite right...
Changes in the pattern of cervical mucus can also guide us to a hormonal or infectious problem. In case of being 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.
Signs of abnormal discharge include changes in:
- Consistency: unusually thin or thick and more textured
- Color: gray, green, yellow or brown
- Volume: significant and unexpected increase in mucus
- Odour: metallic, fishy or just different, stronger.
If you suspect that your vaginal secretion is not normal, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.
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