Methods for monitoring cervical mucus
Cervical mucus is one of the great forgotten (and unknown) aspects of female intimate health. You can see the exact definition of cervical mucus in this other article.
So far it has been discovered that it plays a key role in the search for pregnancy.
In fact, this cervical mucus will be of a different color and texture depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle, and depending on the time of the cycle, it allows and facilitates the sperm to lodge in the woman's body and facilitate pregnancy.
Depending on the texture of the cervical mucus, the sperm that enter the vagina before the moment of ovulation will remain “floating” in the cervical mucus to survive longer (between 3 and 6 days) and be able to fertilize an egg.
But of course, how can we know what cervical mucus is like? What simple ways are there to monitor this cervical mucus and better understand a woman's fertile moments?
In this article we will see the ways that exist to analyze cervical mucus at home to improve fertility.
At the moment 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:
The Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)
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 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 more complicated moments to analyze such as breastfeeding and perimenopause (natural transition to menopause).
The method was developed by gynecologists John and Evelyn Billings and its use is widespread worldwide as a method of natural fertility regulation. You can discover more about the Billings Ovulation Method in this book
The Creighton method of evaluating cervical mucus
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.
Its creators affirm that fertility is another part of health, and not a pathology (in its absence). Thus, they recognize that the Creighton method is a family planning method: it can be used both to seek pregnancy when the ideal time is; to avoid it in family situations in which children are not sought.
You can discover more about fertility biomarkers and the entire Creighton method in this book
The two day method
This method is very simple, but very revealing. It consists of “simply” 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 in the Georgetown University Institute for Reproductive Health website.
Special situations in relation to cervical mucus
Cervical mucus continues its process depending on the woman's hormonal cascade, and changes in a more or less predictable way.
In any case, there may be cases in which women have some type of alteration in their hormonal cycles, and therefore, the cervical mucus, its texture and appearance may be different. These cases could be:
Cervical mucus in 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.
Cases of dehydration and cervical mucus
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
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.
Use of certain medications
Some medications, such as those intended to trigger ovulation, can change cervical mucus.
Similarly, IUDs with levonorgestrel thicken cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to penetrate and therefore prevent pregnancy.
Multiple types of secretions
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.
Cervical mucus as an indicator of health
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 is usually 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
- Smell: metallic, fishy or just different, stronger.
If you suspect that your vaginal discharge is not normal, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.
It may interest you:
- Microbiota and fertility macroguide (Part 1️⃣)
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