LEARN
Period and fertility tracking
Basic concepts of the reproductive system. Fertility Tracking Rules How to check fertility signs Follow-up as a natural contraceptive method Efficacy of natural contraception Follow up to get pregnant Reproductive Health Tracking cervical fluid images
This extract fromthe circulationwas written by Groove founder Jennifer Aldoretta
cervical mucus Vaginal discharge. ovulatory discharge. cervical mucus protein discharge. That mess your cervix made. The sticky substance you find on your underwear. Those weird things that stick to toilet paper when you clean it.Cervical fluid or cervical mucus goes by many names, but being able to visualize how it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, what changes and why, and what exactly that means is a powerful educational tool.
Before you dive into this information, I recommend reading this blog post6 Common Areas of Cervical Fluid Confusionthat you probably didn't know you were confused! You also canWatch a video on how to (properly) manage your cervical fluid here.
First, what is cervical fluid (cervical mucus)?
Cervical fluid, or cervical mucus, is fluid produced by cells in the cervix (the passage between the uterus and the vagina). Play aimportant role in pregnancy or prevention of pregnancy.
Cervical fluid is different from vaginal fluid (or vaginal discharge), which is the natural moisture of the vagina. Cervical fluid often feels like vaginal discharge and can stain your underwear, especially before ovulation.
Many women worry that thick, pasty, white (or yellow) discharge means they have an infection, but that's not the case at all! Cervical fluid, also called cervical mucus, is a healthy secretion produced by your body.
Below are images and videos of changes in cervical fluid that occurred in a person during a single menstrual cycle. Every body is unique, just like every person's cervical fluid pattern! The images and videos featured on this site cannot represent all types of cervical fluid, but hopefully this will make it easier for you to learn about your unique pattern and what that means about your unique body.
Cervical fluid (cervical mucus) before ovulation
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovaries and usually occurs a few weeks after the first day of your period. The production of cervical fluid is the result of the hormonal changes that occur during this time. Your fluid goes through a lot of changes between the first day of your period and the day you ovulate, and your cervix can start doing this any time after your period ends (and even before your period ends if you have periods). prolonged).
This section shows changes in cervical fluid that are common in the first few weeks after your period starts. However, your individual pattern will most likely be different from the one shown below.
Immediately after menstruation: no cervical discharge
The first few days after your period ends may be "dry," meaning that your cervix does not produce cervical fluid (cervical mucus) (as shown in the image below). During these "dry" days, sperm cannot survive in your reproductive tract due to the naturally low pH (and high acidity) of your vaginal environment. Even when there is no cervical fluid, there is still a slight moisture in the vagina: this vaginal fluid is a natural secretion that helps keep the vaginal bacterial ecosystem healthy and balanced.
WORD OF CAUTION:even if youthinkIf your cervical juice is not fertile and suitable for sperm on any given day, it is imperative that you learn and follow the Symptothermal Method rules for doing so.practice natural (highly effective) birth control methods by monitoring cervical fluid.
Day 1 of cervical fluid production: Sticky + slightly slippery
After your period ends, your cervix starts producing cervical fluid and this means that your body is ovulating. The purpose of cervical fluid is to keep sperm alive and help them reach the egg; when cervical fluid is present, sperm can survive in your reproductive tract for up to 5 days waiting for an egg to be released.
Cervical fluid usually starts out thick, sticky, sticky, or pasty, and can even be creamy, milky, or creamy.Watch a video on how to control your cervical fluid here.It can also be mixed with a small amount of slippery liquid as shown in the images and video below.
When cervical fluid (cervical mucus) feelseven a bit soft or slippery(like raw egg whites) if you rub it between your fingers, this liquid is considered very fertile and sperm friendly.
WORD OF CAUTION:even if youthinkIf your cervical juice is not fertile and suitable for sperm on any given day, it is imperative that you learn and follow the Symptothermal Method rules for doing so.practice natural (highly effective) birth control methods by monitoring cervical fluid.
Cervical fluid production day 2: slippery + a little sticky and sticky
The first day of the cervical discharge contained mostly sticky sticky fluid and a very small amount of slippery fluid. Today, however, cervical fluid has become mostly slippery, containing only a small amount of sticky, sticky fluid. As ovulation approaches in the next few days, cervical fluid becomes wetter and slippery.
Read about 6 common things that confuse people about cervical fluid.If the cervical fluid feels slightly slippery or slippery (like raw egg whites) when you rub it between your fingers, then that fluid is considered fertile and suitable for sperm.Watch a video on how to control your cervical fluid here.
Learn how to practice natural birth control by tracking cervical fluid (cervical mucus).
30 days in better times
Start reversing even the most severe menstrual problems with the most holistic and comprehensive period fix program available.
More information >>
Cervical fluid production day 3: cloudy, bouncy, slippery, stretchy
Cervical fluid becomes wetter and slippery. Today the fluid is cloudy, smooth and slippery and very elastic. The increasing water content of this fluid can keep sperm alive for many days in the female reproductive tract and helps sperm travel through the reproductive tract to reach the egg.
If the cervical fluid feels slightly slippery or slippery (like raw egg whites) when you rub it between your fingers, then that fluid is considered fertile and suitable for sperm.
If you're confused about your own cervical fluid, here they are.6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
Learn how to practice natural birth control by tracking cervical fluid (cervical mucus).
Cervical fluid production day 4: cloudy, wet, slippery, stretchy
Today, the water content of the slippery, fertile cervical fluid has visibly increased. The fluid is less bouncy, wetter, smoother, and more slippery, making it very hospitable to sperm. That slippery, slippery cervical mucus means ovulation is approaching.
If the cervical fluid feels slightly slippery or slippery (like raw egg whites) when you rub it between your fingers, then that fluid is considered fertile and suitable for sperm.
If you're confused about your own cervical fluid, here they are.6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
Learn how to practice natural birth control by tracking cervical fluid (cervical mucus).
Peak day Zervixschleim (Ovulationsausfluss)
Cervical fluid production day 5: clear, wet, slippery, stretchy
Cervical fluid around the time of ovulation (ovulatory discharge) takes on very specific properties. The water content of this cervical mucus is very high, making it clear, very slippery and slippery.extremelysperm friendly. As you can see in the images and video below, this fluid has a very slight pink tint to it due to ovulation points that are common just before ovulation. (Watch a video on how to properly check cervical fluid.)
As you will see in the images and videos of days 6 and 7 of cervical fluid production below, after today the cervical fluid begins to dry up. This makes today the last day of slippery cervical mucus for this menstrual cycle: The last day of slippery cervical mucus is called a peak day because it is the "peak" (or height) or fertile fluid of the menstrual cycle.
Most medical experts agree that "peak day" is the most fertile day of the entire menstrual cycle and the day ovulation (or the release of an egg) is most likely to occur. For this reason, this is often referred to as ovulatory discharge or peak day cervical fluid.
If you're confused about your own cervical fluid, here they are.6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
Learn how to practice natural birth control by tracking cervical fluid (cervical mucus).
Healthier Periods in 30 Days
Eliminate mind numbing cramps, digestive issues, anxiety, mood swings, hormonal acne, irregular periods and more...
More information >>
Cervical fluid (cervical mucus) after ovulation
Day 6 Cervical Fluid Production: White, sticky, sticky (NOT slippery)
Today, the cervical fluid is sticky, sticky and pasty again. Because yesterday was the last day of slippery wet cervical fluid before it began to dry up, it is considered the peak day and most fertile day of the menstrual cycle.
After ovulation, hormonal changes cause slippery cervical fluid (which doesn't harm sperm) to "dry." The cervix often still produces cervical fluid after ovulation, but its consistency will be sticky, sticky, creamy, pasty, milky, lotion-like, and even stretchy. However, it will NOT feel smooth, slippery or greasy when rubbed between your fingers and it will NOT be sperm friendly. Are here6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
WORD OF CAUTION:even if youthinkHer cervical fluid is not fertile or suitable for sperm on any given day, making her unsafe for unprotected intercourse. In the 48 hours after ovulation, the ovulated egg(s) may still be alive and well, waiting to be fertilized. It's also possible for slippery cervical fluid to "dry up" even before ovulation has occurred, and it's not safe to have unprotected sex unless you haveconfirmed ovulation. To do this, you need to learn and follow the rules of the symptothermal method.practice natural (highly effective) birth control methods by monitoring cervical fluid.
Day 7 Cervical Fluid Production: White, sticky, sticky, stretchy (NOT slippery)
After ovulation, hormonal changes cause cervical fluid to dry up, but your body can still produce cervical mucus until your next period starts.
There is a common misconception that all distensible cervical fluid is fertile fluid. However, postovulatory cervical mucus, which occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, can be sticky, sticky, creamy, pasty, milky, lotion-like, and yes, even stretchy (as in the image and video below). . However, the cervical fluid produced after ovulation is NOT slippery or greasy and is NOT suitable for sperm. Are here6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
WORD OF CAUTION:even if youthinkHer cervical fluid is not fertile or suitable for sperm on any given day, making her unsafe for unprotected intercourse. In the 48 hours after ovulation, the ovulated egg(s) may still be alive and well, waiting to be fertilized. It's also possible for slippery cervical fluid to "dry up" even before ovulation has occurred, and it's not safe to have unprotected sex unless you haveconfirmed ovulation. To do this, you need to learn and follow the rules of the symptothermal method.practice natural (highly effective) birth control methods by monitoring cervical fluid.
Still confused about your cervical fluid?
Checking or tracing the discharge or mucus from the cervix can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Most of us are familiar with cervical fluid because we see it on our underwear or on a piece of toilet paper... but that's just the tip of the iceberg! If you're not sure how to properly check your cervical fluid (other than seeing it in your underwear),Watch a video on how to properly check your cervical fluid here.
To learn more about the qualities and characteristics of the cervical muscles to look out for (and which ones to ignore), read this post6 very common things that people confuse about cervical fluid.
Learn how to practice natural birth control by tracking cervical mucus.
Register for our online Cervical Fluid course.
Track Your Cervical Fluid = Track Your Health
Cervical fluid, also called cervical mucus, can tell you a lot about the state of your hormonal health and the health of your period. For example, having excess cervical fluid for weeks on end usually indicates abnormally high levels of the sex hormone estrogen (and possibly low levels of the sex hormone progesterone).
On the other hand, very little cervical fluid, or cervical fluid that never gets wet and is slippery, can mean the opposite. Healthy hormones and healthy periods are absolutely VITAL for overall good health.
Learn more about using cervical fluids to track your reproductive health.
<< Monitoring as natural birth control
Groove now offers comprehensive wellness resources for mind, body, and spirit.
Learn to practice breathwork, access free Shadow Work guidance, and even receive trauma healing assistance.
start your journey
FAQs
What does cervical fluid look like when ovulating? ›
As ovulation nears, your discharge will become wet, stretchy and slippery. The most common analogy used for super fertile cervical mucus is looking and feeling like raw egg whites. If you see that texture, you will know you're at your most fertile time. After ovulation, your cervical mucus goes back to thick and dry.
What does cervical mucus look like during ovulation if you are pregnant? ›You may also experience a few days without any mucus. Pregnancy: Immediately after conception, your mucus can become thick and gummy. As your pregnancy progresses, the amount of mucus might increase and become white or yellow. In late pregnancy, the mucus can become thick and contain pink streaks.
How many days before ovulation is cervical mucus creamy? ›Generally, you'll have: No noticeable cervical secretions for three to four days after your period ends. Scanty, cloudy and sticky secretions for the next three to five days. Abundant, clear and wet secretions for the next three to four days — the period before and during ovulation.
What does cervical mucus look like after ovulation if you are not pregnant? ›After ovulation, cervical mucus is no longer clear and stretchy like a few days ago when your body was gearing up to release an egg. What you may see now is a cloudy and rather thick discharge. If you do not get pregnant that cycle, hormone levels drop and your period begins again.
Can you see ovulation egg in discharge? ›In most cases, your discharge will become egg white in appearance about 2 to 3 days before ovulation. You might be able to detect ovulation by simply observing the consistency of your cervical mucus. If you can't tell by looking at it, you can touch the discharge to test its consistency.
Does ovulation look like water? ›Is watery discharge a sign of ovulation? You may notice more discharge when you're ovulating. This discharge tends to be clear and stretchy, like egg whites. It may be less watery than discharge you have during other parts of your menstrual cycle.
How do I know if I am fertile enough to get pregnant? ›If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Why am I so wet around ovulation? ›There is a lot of cervical fluid during the days right before ovulation (5). Your vagina will likely start to feel much wetter. There is more cervical fluid during this time and this is typically very slippery (5). This is caused by estrogen peaking one to two days before ovulation (5).
Does fertile cervical mucus mean you ovulated? ›1 While fertile quality cervical mucus can warn you that ovulation is coming, so you can time sex for pregnancy, it doesn't confirm that ovulation actually took place. You can have fertile quality cervical mucus, but not ovulate. This is more likely the case if you also have irregular menstrual cycles.
How does fertility mucus look like? ›Fertile discharge is thin, clear or white, and slippery, much the same as an egg white. This type of discharge signals that ovulation is approaching. Fertile cervical fluid helps sperm move up the cervix to fertilize an egg.
What discharge indicates pregnancy? ›
While many women experience vaginal discharge, it's not often associated with pregnancy. But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout their pregnancy. Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge.
What does cervical mucus look like the day after ovulation? ›During ovulation, rising estrogen causes an increase in cervical mucus. At the peak of your fertility, your cervical mucus may be stretchy and “egg white”-like in texture. During your fertile window, you are producing the largest amount of mucus you will experience during your cycle.
Does white creamy discharge after ovulation mean pregnancy? ›The good news if you are trying to conceive is that egg white discharge a few weeks after ovulation may be a sign of early pregnancy. Leukorrhea is the name given to the discharge that appears in early pregnancy and this discharge is usually milky white in color, but may also be clear.
How long does fertile cervical mucus last? ›These unsafe, slippery days last about 4 days, leading up to (and including) when you ovulate. After ovulation, you may suddenly have less mucus, and it'll get cloudy and sticky again until it goes away and you have more dry days. This lasts for about 11–14 days. These cloudy, sticky, and dry days are all safe days.
What color is ovulation discharge? ›Creamy, cloudy discharge signals that ovulation is on its way. This means an egg is preparing for ovulation. You're pretty fertile at this time. Slippery, wet discharge like egg whites means you're ovulating, and this is your most fertile window.
How can you tell the difference between ovulation discharge and sperm? ›You will find, however, that fertile cervical fluid (egg white) is more clear and stretchy and shiny. It will stretch a couple of inches without breaking. Semen may be more whitish and is more likely to break when pulled.
How do you feel when most fertile? ›Your basal body temperature falls slightly, then rises again. Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a more slippery consistency similar to that of egg whites. Your cervix softens and opens up. You may feel a slight twinge of pain or mild cramps in your lower abdomen.
What are the signs and symptoms of not ovulating? ›- Not having periods.
- Not having cervical mucus.
- Excessive bleeding with periods.
- Light bleeding with periods.
- Irregular basal body temperature (BBT)
It is possible to get pregnant and never get the so-called "ideal" egg white cervical mucus. Some people may notice more watery cervical mucus that never quite becomes like raw egg whites. If this is your situation, then the best time to have sex to get pregnant would be the days you have this watery cervical mucus.
What does arousal fluid look like? ›The characteristics of arousal fluid are clear, wet, moist, and slippery. Unlike cervical mucus, however, arousal fluid dissipates quickly (usually within 1 hour).
How many days do you ovulate? ›
You ovulate about 12 to 14 days before the start of a new menstrual cycle. Your fertile window is the five days leading up to ovulation, plus the day of ovulation and the day after ovulation — so about seven days in total.
Can you be dry and still ovulate? ›For example, some women experience vaginal dryness for a variety of reasons. They may never see more than creamy cervical mucus. This may lead them to think they aren't fertile when they are. However, it is possible to ovulate and not ever see egg-white cervical mucus.
Can sperm survive without cervical mucus? ›Sperm only live for a short time after release
This is due to the protective effects of cervical mucus and cervical crypts. But if sperm have a chance to dry out, they basically die.
Many people report experiencing changes in cervical mucus early in their pregnancy. Usually, your discharge becomes drier and thinner after ovulation, when estrogen decreases. But if sperm successfully fertilize an egg, you might notice that your discharge remains thick, clear, and stretchy.
What happens after ovulation if pregnant? ›If the egg was fertilized by a sperm cell when you ovulated, the fertilized egg will transform into a zygote. Eventually, the zygote will travel down the fallopian tubes, making its way to becoming a morula or a blastocyst. This is the beginning stage for an embryo.
When does pregnancy discharge start? ›Typical vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea, will begin to change as early as one to two weeks after conception, even before you've missed your period. As your pregnancy progresses, this discharge usually becomes more noticeable, and it's heaviest at the end of your pregnancy.
Does egg white discharge come before or during ovulation? ›Usually, you get fertile egg white discharge for one or two days before you ovulate. These are your most fertile days, and if you want to conceive, have sex when you see it. It's also possible to have EWCM for up to five days before ovulation.
How to tell the difference between cervical mucus and arousal fluid? ›Arousal fluid has more of a slippery texture and is present only when you're sexually aroused or having sex. Cervical fluid is more like mucus, feels sticky to the touch, and appears most often during ovulation to assist sperm in successfully reaching the egg.
What is Orgasim fluid? ›This is totally normal — it's called female ejaculation. About 10 percent of women sometimes spurt a clear fluid from the urethra during intense sexual excitement or during orgasm. This fluid is very similar to the fluid produced by the prostate gland in men — it isn't urine.
When a woman creams What does it mean? ›In the middle of your cycle, during ovulation, your discharge may feel slippery or thinner. Then during the second part of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, you may notice creamy, white discharge. Healthy vaginal discharge during this time is typically white, creamy, milky, or cloudy and is sometimes thick.