Cervical Mucus Changes During Ovulation

Cervical Mucus Analysis in Ovulation Prediction

The presence and tactile consistency of a woman's cervical fluid undergoes a number of changes during her menstrual cycle. By observing changes in cervical fluid, a woman can predict ovulation - her most fertile time for conceiving a baby.

One of the purposes of cervical mucus - during the fertile period - is to sustain sperm in a healthy medium, to allow sperm to move freely through the cervix. Logically, there will be an increase in cervical mucus at ovulation, as well as a change in texture - the mucus becoming more pliable, "stretchable", and slippery. (Two popular products that are designed to address issues relating to lack of cervical mucus include FertileCM and Pre~Seed Sperm Friendly Lubricant.)

Using clean fingers, or if you prefer, toilet paper, you can examine your cervical fluid. Prior to ovulation, during non-fertile periods, the woman will experience a dryness (or lack of cervical mucus). Gradually, as the woman approaches ovulation, the mucus will increase, though the consistency will be "sticky" and the color will be white, yellow, or cloudy in nature.

Directly prior to ovulation, cervical fluid will increase greatly, and now the mucus will be semi-transparent, slippery, with the consistency of "raw egg white". This is your most fertile period and ovulation will take place at about this time.

Below you will find an overview of the changes that will take place in your cervical fluid throughout your cycle.

Pre-Ovulation

Following the menstrual period, there is a feeling of dryness. There will be no visible mucus. Gradually, more mucus will accumulate - yellow, cloudy, or white in color and sticky to the touch.

Approaching Ovulation

As you approach ovulation, your cervical mucus will increase. First, there will be a moistness or stickiness to the mucus, as well as a white or cream-colored appearance.

During Ovulation

At ovulation, the quantity of mucus will increase greatly and the appearance will resemble "egg whites", often semitransparent. The texture will become increasingly slippery and 'stretchable'. This is your most fertile time.

Following Ovulation

Following ovulation, the slippery quality of the cervical mucus will decrease and the mucus will become sticky and cloudier. Post-ovulatory dryness will also ensue.

Additionally, while examining changes in cervical fluids, you may also consider observing cervical position. Like changes in cervical fluids, changes in your cervix are also an indicator of ovulation and fertility.

Comments

I'm confused as to why ovulation calendars say your most fertile time to conceive is (about) 2 weeks prior to ovulation and cervical mucus charts say your most fertile time period is during ovulation?

Dave- If your wife's cycle is 26 days she most likely ovulates 12-14 days after the FIRST day of her period.

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i started my period the 25th had sex the 28th and stopped bleeding the 29th an i think i started ovulating the 1st would i be pregnant?...me an the guy i was w recently broke up.an i dnt want to freak him out if theres no way

i started my period the 25th had sex the 28th and stopped bleeding the 29th an i think i started ovulating the 1st would i be pregnant?...me an the guy i was w recently broke up.an i dnt want to freak him out if theres no way.

Hi. I had unprotected sex, I recall on April 22nd and again on the 25th. He did not ejaculate inside of me however there may have been precum. I have been on birthcontrol steady since 2008 however this past year I have been on and off and not on it at all in the month of April. My period has been irregular due to that. My last period I believe was between April 5th-April 15th. (I need to start keeping track) Anywho..On May 4th I took a pregnancy test that came out negative and again on May 6th that was also neg. I have not had any other pregnancy symptoms. I have just recently started a new job with about 40 hours a week that requires me to always been running around on my feet 6-8 hours a day as well as I have a lot of events going on in my life within the next month. I am unsure whether I could be pregnant, whether my period is delayed due to more exercise @ work or stress??? Any opinions?? Thanks!

Hi,
I had my periods on 1st of may to 4th of may.My periods are very regular.What will be my ovluation period?When should i go for intercourse for pregnancy?Which days are good to have sex for concieving a baby?
Please Help.

Soni Saluja

Hi,
I had my periods on 1st of may to 4th of may.My periods are very regular.What will be my ovluation period?When should i go for intercourse for pregnancy?Which days are good to have sex for concieving a baby?
Please Help.

Soni Saluja

How can I predict my most fertile days when my periods do not come around the same time every month. I may have a period at the begiining of the month, and then the next month it will probably come at the end, or maybe in the middle of the month. I don't know if I even ovulate around the same time every month. This is whats so confusing to me. I never know when, where or what to do. Maybe I am having signs of ovulation, most fertile days, or pregnancy and don't know it.

ok, so been trying for Baby since christmas, my periods are always 28 days on the dot, but my last period came at 23 days.
then 15 days after my last period i had a bright pink spotting followed by brown discharge, only lasted a day and a half?

if it runs at 23 days then i should have my next period this coming monday,
if its 28 then next saturday.

To cut to the chase, i have ovulation symtoms yesteray and today and i cant be mistaken on this as its like lots of egg white when i wipe but with brown stringy bits in it?

can anyone help me understand this and could i be pregnant?

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First Day of Last Period:
Cycle Length:
Luteal Phase Length:
Ovulation:
Due Date:
Fetal Age:

Note that you are most likely to get pregnant if you time your lovemaking to occur on the days right before - and on - your ovulation date. Keep in mind that the projected ovulation date above is simply a “best guess” estimate based on your cycle date information. The most accurate way to pinpoint your most fertile time is through the use of urine-based ovulation tests or with a fertility monitor. We have partnered with Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of preconception products since 2001, to offer low-cost, FDA-approved pregnancy and ovulation tests – with free same-day shipping.

 

Now that you’ve calculated your ovulation date using our ovulation calculator, we have a number of other helpful tools you can use to help increase your chances of conceiving.

 

  • Create your own personalized ovulation calendar! You can even provide an email address so that you receive email alerts of your most fertile days, when you can begin testing for pregnancy, and more.
     

  • Create your own personalized fertility chart! This is a highly accurate way to pinpoint your ovulation date that relies primarily on basal temperature charting. (Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for an accurate, inexpensive basal thermometer.)
     

  • Connect with others at our online community! If you have questions about trying-to-conceive – or if you just want to vent a bit – we have a wonderful, vibrant community of people who’d just love to hear from you.

Find your most fertile time.