Cervical Mucus & Predicting Ovulation (Episode 5)
Dr. Tash, leading fertility expert explains how you can easily recognize your body's natural signs of fertility using cervical mucus. In the video we are going to discuss cervical mucus and why it's important, and how you can learn about it to help you understand your fertility.
In addition to this video, see our "how-to" step-by-step guide with images here Cervical Mucus Observations Guide.
In this episode you will learn the following:
Cervical mucus, (also known as cervical fluid, CM or CF) is a perfectly natural and normal substance that is produced by glands in the endocervix. It acts as both a barrier and a transport for sperm (depending on the phase in the cycle). It's made of about 93% water, reaching 98% mid cycle, and contains electrolytes, glucose and proteins. In this episode of the series, you will learn:- What cervical mucus is.
- The functions of cervical mucus.
- The changes you should expect to see throughout your menstrual cycle.
- Why it changes in consistency and quantity.
- How to recognize the changes so that you can learn when you are fertile and approaching ovulation.
- The type of cervical mucus that is best for sperm.
- How knowing this information can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
About this Series
Dr Tash, leading fertility & pregnancy expert explains how to get pregnant. 1 in 6 couples struggle with getting pregnant after 12 months, this series digs deep in to how you can get pregnant naturally. Sperm and egg must meet within a small 12-24 hour window within the menstrual cycle. You will learn how you can maximize your chances of conceiving and increase your chances of getting pregnant faster.
Ovulation Calculator has produced this video series with leading fertility expert, Dr Natasha Andreadis (Dr Tash).
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Video Transcript
I'm Dr. Tash. And in this video, I'll be talking about a sticky subject.
It's not your typical dinnertime conversation, but your cervical mucus is completely normal. And you should pay more attention to it. Cervical mucus is made by your cervix. It's made by the glands within your cervix. Depending where you are in your cycle, there may be up to four milliliters of cervical fluid. And that's particularly around the time of ovulation.
Cervical mucus has two functions when it comes to sperm. It can either keep sperm out or bring sperm into the uterus. Cervical mucus is the gatekeeper. It's really smart. It knows when to keep sperm out and when to allow sperm into the uterus. At occasional times, it'll be dry at the beginning of your cycle, then it might be a little bit sticky, then it might be creamy. And then what you should see if you're about to ovulate is it should be slippery.
So here's where you need to pay more attention to your underpants, because your underpants will give you an idea about the forecast. Just after your period, you'll have dry underpants. There will be nothing much there at all, and this is your dry phase. Next on your underwear, you might find a bit of stickiness. Sticky mucus that might last for about one to two days. And that's in response to estrogen, and this really means you're on the path, hopefully, to ovulation. Next, you might notice on your underwear a little bit more creaminess. Now, the creaminess is secondary to a further rise in estrogen, and hence more water content in your mucus. This means you're getting closer to ovulation.
You've probably heard of cervical mucus looking and feeling a bit like raw egg whites, it's true. You'll find that on your underwear, it will feel and look really wet. Really wet. And sometimes, women have to wear panty liners. This is a really good indication that your fertile window is definitely open.
Sperm love slippery mucus. Slippery mucus tells you that your fertile window is really wide open. It should be the cue for you and your partner to start having lots of sex if you're wanting to fall pregnant.
