What to Know About Cervical Mucus

Ovulation, Fertility, and Implantation

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

Cervical mucus is a natural vaginal fluid that the cervix (structure at the bottom of the uterus) produces. It plays a role in the female reproductive process. The texture and color of cervical mucus varies throughout the menstrual cycle.

Thin, slippery cervical mucus that resembles a raw egg white is one sign of ovulation during the most fertile time of the month. Some people chart this information when trying to conceive. Others track this to try to avoid pregnancy.

This article reviews cervical mucus characteristics, how the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy affect these characteristics, and other factors that cause changes.

Related: Female Anatomy

Identifying Cervical Mucus

The cervix makes cervical mucus, but the fluid leaves the body as vaginal discharge. This is in addition to the discharge the vaginal glands produce to clean and lubricate the vagina.

There are several ways you can check the color and texture of cervical mucus:

• Putting clean fingers into your vagina

• Inspecting the discharge on your underwear

• Wiping the opening of the vagina with tissue

Color

Cervical mucus should be clear, white, or pale yellow. Depending on the menstrual cycle phase, it can be transparent (see-through) or opaque (creamy or cloudy).

Texture

A good way to check the texture is to rub and pull the cervical mucus between your thumb and forefinger. The texture changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It may be:

• Dry or absent

• Sticky (similar to a paste)

• Creamy like lotion

• Slippery or stretchy (similar to a raw egg white)

• Wet

Cervical Mucus, Your Period, and Ovulation

Hormone fluctuations cause the color and texture of cervical mucus to change throughout the menstrual cycle. The texture plays a role in fertility (the chance of conceiving).

During menstruation (period bleeding), cervical mucus is minimal. After menstruation, it’s a little sticky or dry. This decreases the chance of sperm surviving or moving. As the menstrual cycle progresses, cervical mucus amounts increase, and the texture becomes creamy or milky white.

During ovulation (when the ovaries release an egg), cervical mucus turns clear and gets stretchy and slippery, resembling a raw egg white. Ovulation occurs about halfway through the menstrual cycle. Some people call this fertile mucus because it helps identify ovulation and makes it easier for sperm to swim toward the egg to fertilize it. After ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thicker, less stretchy, and cloudy white or light yellow.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovulation?

Symptoms of ovulation include:

• Clear and slippery cervical mucus

• Increased libido (sex drive)

• Breast tenderness

• Mood swings

• Bloating, swelling, water retention

• Mild pelvic (between the hips) pain (Mittelschmerz)

• Headaches, nausea, or malaise (feeling unwell)

• Increased basal body temperature (BBT) (rises about 0.5 to 1 degree F)

The average life span of the egg is 12 to 24 hours. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for up to five days. This means pregnancy chances are highest when a female has unprotected sex within five days before or one day after ovulation. Having sex daily or every other day during this period is sufficient if you're trying to become pregnant.

Cervical Mucus as a Lubricant

In addition to the role cervical mucus plays in fertility and sperm mobility, it also acts as a lubricant to make sexual intercourse more comfortable. There is also another healthy type of vaginal fluid the vaginal glands produce that helps with lubrication.

Related: How to Get Pregnant: Tips to Increase Your Fertility

Cervical Mucus, Pregnancy, and Implantation

If sperm fertilizes the egg, conception occurs. The next step is implantation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the thickened uterine lining. Implantation typically occurs six to 12 days after fertilization. Some people notice mild cramping or a light pink or red vaginal discharge during this time.

During the initial stages of pregnancy, cervical mucus typically gets thicker, stickier, and less abundant. It may be clear initially but gets whiter or yellower as pregnancy progresses. The thicker mucus creates a plug that seals the cervix to protect the developing fetus from potential infection.

During late pregnancy, cervical mucus may be a little pink. You may notice the cervical plug exit the vagina as the body prepares for labor. This can happen hours, days, or weeks before labor begins. Some call this a mucus show or losing the plug. However, losing the mucus plug alone does not necessarily mean that labor will occur immediately.

Related: What Happens Each Week During Pregnancy?

What Else Changes Cervical Mucus?

Outside of the typical variation of cervical mucus throughout the month, the following can also affect this fluid’s appearance, color, and texture.

• Age

• Bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of vaginal flora ("good” and “bad” bacteria)

• Being underweight, excessive exercise

• Breastfeeding (due to hormones)

• Damage or surgery on the cervix

• Lubricants

• Douching

• Hormonal birth control

• Hormone changes

• Vaginal sexual intercourse

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Some medications

• Stress

• Underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Yeast infection

Heavy Cervical Mucus

An increase in cervical mucus may occur during ovulation when you are most fertile. This can also happen in early pregnancy or with other hormonal changes. If it is watery with a foul odor or odd color, this could indicate an infection.

When to Check With a Healthcare Provider

While some variation in cervical mucus is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, the following are situations in which you should consider checking in with a healthcare provider:

• Atypical variations: Changes in color, texture, or odor of cervical mucus that are not typical for you

• Fertility challenges: If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time and have not been successful

• Abnormal menstrual cycle: Includes irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, blood when it’s not time for your period, heavy bleeding, or severe cramping

• Abnormal discharge: Includes amounts, color changes (greenish or gray), frothiness, a clumpy texture, or a foul odor

• Vaginal discomfort: Includes itching, a rash in the area around the vagina, or painful sex

• Urinary discomfort: Burning or urgency with urination (peeing) that can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). But, it can also be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Symptoms

Vaginal discharge and cervical mucus should be clear, white, or pale yellow. It may indicate a bacterial infection if it’s a gray or green color or has a foul odor. A chunky, white texture can indicate a yeast infection.

Related: What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

Summary

Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge that the cervix produces. It is white or light yellow and milky or dry throughout most menstrual cycles. But it's clear and slippery around ovulation when you are most fertile. When pregnancy occurs, the mucus gets thicker and a little sticky. Gray, yellow, watery, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge is not a normal variation and warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. 

Read the original article on Verywell Health.