Cervical Mucus
If you are trying to become pregnant, it is likely that you are doing everything you can to increase your fertility. You may be charting your menstrual cycle, monitoring your ovulation, or even recording your basal body temperature to increase your chances of conception. Many women who are trying to become pregnant examine their cervical mucus in order to help determine when they are most fertile. Cervical mucus plays an important role in fertility, and can help or hinder the process of fertilization.
What is Cervical Mucus?
Cervical mucus is a secretion produced by your cervix. Your cervix is the small opening behind your vagina that allows access to your uterus. Throughout your menstrual cycle, you may notice that your cervical mucus changes in color, texture, and consistency. This is because of rising and falling hormone levels. Your cervical mucus can actually tell you a lot about your menstrual cycle, depending upon its texture and appearance.
Cervical Mucus and Fertility
Cervical mucus plays an important role in the fertilization process. Cervical mucus is designed to increase the chances of fertilization at particular times during your cycle. During ovulation, your cervical mucus becomes slippery and slick. This helps sperm to swim more easily through your cervix and into your uterus after intercourse. This helps to improve your chances of becoming pregnant when you are at your most fertile.
Monitoring Cervical Mucus
If you are having difficulties getting pregnant, it might be a good idea to begin monitoring your cervical mucus. This could help to increase your chances of fertilization. Cervical mucus is a direct marker of ovulation. If you can find out when you are ovulating, you will be able to time intercourse around these dates.
Cervical Mucus and Ovulation
Cervical mucus is often used as a marker to predict ovulation. It is during ovulation that you are at your most fertile. When ovulation begins, you may notice that your cervical mucus changes. It becomes slippery and sticky, and is clear in color. Your cervical mucus will also be very stretchy, and you should be able to stretch the mucus between your thumb and forefinger. Many women monitor their cervical mucus daily in order to predict when they are going to ovulate.
Tips on Monitoring Cervical Mucus
When you are monitoring your cervical mucus, be sure to record information down on a calendar. This will help you track your cycle and predict when you are going to ovulate. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are monitoring:
- look for changes in quantity, texture, and color of your cervical mucus
- check your cervical mucus at the same time each day
- remember that douching and intercourse change the appearance of your cervical mucus temporarily
Cervical Position
Cervical position can also be a good way of keeping track of your fertility. Like your cervical mucus, the position of your cervix changes as throughout your menstrual cycle. Prior to ovulation, your cervix will sit lower down, and when feel much tighter and drier. With ovulation, your cervix will become much softer in order to allow more sperm to pass into the uterus. by monitoring the position and firmness of your cervix, you may be able to predict when you are going to ovulate.
Getting Pregnant
