Cervical mucus feels like a pretty personal topic to talk about — but actually, it’s a huge part of the menstrual cycle, and understanding it can make it easier to understand when you’re fertile, and when there might be something wrong. So what is cervical mucus, and what does it tell you about your fertility?

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As the name suggests, cervical mucus comes from the glands around the cervix. The cervix is a small canal — just under an inch long — that connects your vagina and your uterus. The purpose of cervical mucus is to help sperm travel to meet and fertilize an egg, then to protect the fertilized embryo. And while it’s important in creating a pregnancy, it’s also useful to figure out when not to have sex if you’re trying to avoid a pregnancy. Because your hormone levels influence the consistency and texture of cervical mucus, it can be a reliable indicator of ovulation. 

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There are four phases to the menstrual cycle. We’ll give an overview of all four phases, and how your cervical mucus plays a part in each one.

The menstrual phase

The menstrual phase is when your reproductive system hits reset mode (aka your period). It usually lasts between 2 to 7 days and happens because your estrogen levels drop, telling your body that you’re not pregnant. Your body sheds your uterine lining and is getting ready  for your next cycle.

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During your period, you won’t notice much cervical mucus. In the immediate 1-4 days following your period, you’ll experience some “dry days,” where you’ll appear to have very little (if any!) cervical mucus and might have some light brown discharge, which is usually some leftover blood.

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Is it possible to get pregnant during the menstrual phase?: It’s highly unlikely. 

The follicular phase

The follicular phase lasts about 13 to 16 days. This is the phase straight after menstruation. Your uterine lining will start to thicken to create an ideal environment for an embryo to implant. In this phase, your hormone levels surge, starting with estrogen and then progesterone. 

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During the follicular phase, you’ll likely experience milky, white discharge, with a thick, creamy consistency and a white, cloudy coloring. As you aren’t ovulating and therefore not in your ‘fertile’ stage, the mucus is thick to try and stop the sperm reaching the uterus. However, the sperm can live in the vagina for up to 5 days, and so in the days leading up to your period, it is still possible you can get pregnant if you ovulate. 

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Is it possible to get pregnant during the follicular phase?: It’s unlikely.

Ovulation

Ovulation is a short phase - it typically lasts a couple of days. This is prime time to get pregnant, so even if you aren’t trying to conceive, your body will start getting ready for the potential; an egg will leave your ovaries, and in turn, your sex drive is going to peak. Your progesterone will rise, and you might notice your cervical mucus has changed to a slippery, clear and stretchy consistency - a bit like raw egg whites.

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A clear sign that you are ovulating is if you can stretch the discharge between your thumb and index finger — keep reading to find out more! 

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Is it possible to get pregnant during ovulation?: Yes.

The luteal phase

The luteal phase is approximately two weeks long, as your body prepares to support a pregnancy, if an egg and sperm met during ovulation. If you’re not pregnant, your estrogen and progesterone will start to gradually drop, ready to start the menstrual phase all over again.

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During the luteal phase, your cervical mucus may be dry, sticky, or at times, nonexistent. At this point, the role of the mucus is to prevent any infections or bacteria entering the uterus to protect the potentially implanting embryo. 

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Is it possible to get pregnant during the luteal phase?: Yes, but only in the first 12-24 hours after ovulation.

Mucus in pregnancy 

If you aren’t pregnant, your period will arrive…but if you are pregnant, your cervical mucus will change. During pregnancy, it’s often a thin, stickier, milky white substance with little to no odor. Its purpose is to prevent infection and protect the pregnancy. Over time, the volume will increase, but as long as  it’s colorless and odorless, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

‍How to check your cervical mucus

First, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.

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Then, get into a comfortable position, like squatting, sitting on a toilet, or standing with one leg on the side of a  bathtub or another sturdy surface. 

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Insert your index finger or your middle finger into your vagina. Get as close to your cervix as possible — it feels like the tip of your nose with a small dimple in the middle — to get a sample of your mucus. 

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Once you have retrieved a sample, roll it between your thumb and finger. To get an idea of its consistency, and whether or not you’re in your fertile period, pull your thumb and finger apart and look at the mucus. 

‍How to know if there’s a problem

Every body is a little different, but there are a few consistently concerning symptoms you should look out for: 

• Green, brown, or yellow cervical mucus
• Thick consistency that looks like cottage cheese
• A foul odor that may smell fishy or metallic
• An itching or burning feeling

If you notice any unusual changes, or something that’s abnormal for you, call your doctor. They’re there to help.

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