Methods for monitoring cervical mucus
Cervical mucus is one of the great forgotten (and unknown) of female intimate health. You can see the exact definition of cervical mucus in this other article.
Until now it has been discovered that it has 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 time of ovulation will remain "floating" in the cervical mucus to survive longer (between 3 and 6 days) and manage to fertilize an egg.
But of course, how can we know what the cervical mucus is like? What simple ways exist to be able to monitor this cervical mucus and better understand a woman's fertile moments?
In this article we will see the ways that exist to be able to analyze cervical mucus at home to improve fertility.
Today 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:
The Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)
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 more difficult times 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 find out more about the Billings Ovulation Method in this book
The Creighton Method of Assessing Cervical Mucus
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.
Its creators affirm that fertility is one more part of health, and not a pathology (in its absence). Thus, they recognize that the Creighton method is a method of family planning: it can be used both to seek a pregnancy when the ideal time is; enough to avoid it in family situations in which you are not looking to have children.
You can find out 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: 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 in the Georgetown University Institute for Reproductive Health website.
Special situations in relation to cervical mucus
Cervical mucus follows its process based on the hormonal cascade of women, 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, that the cervical mucus, its texture and its 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's syndrome, chronic cervicitis, or even after a recent pregnancy are diagnosed, the quantity and quality of cervical mucus can be altered. 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
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.
Use of certain medications
Some medications, such as those intended to trigger ovulation, can change cervical mucus.
Similarly, levonorgestrel IUDs 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.
Cervical mucus as an indicator of health
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 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
- Odour: metallic, fishy or just different, stronger.
If you suspect that your vaginal secretion is not normal, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.
It may interest you:
- Macroguide of microbiota and fertility (Part 1️⃣)
- 🌱Because fertility can be improved naturally. Tips to conceive naturally.
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