Introduction
Cervical mucus is a liquid secretion produced by glands in the cervix. On the one hand, this secretion is intended to prevent germs from entering the uterus and, on the other hand, to facilitate the progress of the sperm and prolong the life of the sperm. During the infertile days, the cervical mucus is thick or even non-existent and a plug blocks the way into the uterus. As the fertile days approach, the mucus first becomes milky and creamy and then becomes liquid. This makes it easier for the sperm to enter the uterus.
How does the cervical mucus change during ovulation?
The composition of the cervical mucus is hormone-dependent. At the beginning of the cycle, menstruation occurs, after which the lining of the uterus is built up under the influence of oestrogen to prepare for implantation of the egg. As the oestrogen level rises, more cervical mucus is formed, which becomes increasingly fluid and transparent in its consistency.
Its consistency is similar to that of raw egg white. The tough plug of mucus, which is located on the cervix during infertile days, dissolves and thus facilitates the path of the sperm into the uterus. During this time, women experience increased discharge. After ovulation, the mucus becomes stickier/creamier, whitish and is produced in a reduced quantity.
Why does the cervical mucus change during ovulation?
The cervical mucus has two main functions. During the infertile days, it is particularly tough or even non-existent, thus making it difficult for bacteria and sperm to pass through the cervix into the uterus, in order to protect the woman from ascending infections. Sperm are thus exposed to the acidic environment of the vagina and die. Under the influence of rising oestrogen levels, more secretion is produced. It also becomes thin
How reliably can I determine ovulation with this method?
The sole assessment of the cervical mucus is a very uncertain method for determining ovulation. The change from viscous to liquid/spinnable develops slowly. In addition, this change can only be assessed by women who are intensively engaged with their bodies and have a regular cycle.
Ovulation takes place on the day with the best quality cervical mucus, or if three days with consistently good cervical mucus are followed by a day with poorer quality. Therefore, the day of ovulation can only be defined retrospectively. Women with a very regular cycle can then predict the highly fertile days in the following month.
It is better to assess the change in cervical mucus in conjunction with other parameters in order to determine the time of ovulation. In ovulation computers, in addition to body temperature and moderate pain (pulling in the abdomen and breasts), the nature of the cervical mucus can be entered. After a learning period in the first months of use, the computer can determine the time of ovulation based on the data entered.
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