The Magic of Cervical Mucus

The magic of cervical mucus is part of a series of fertility blogs. Be sure to read them all to gain the most insight and have the best chance of success.

Cervical mucus (CM) is a fluid or gel-like discharge from the cervix (the neck of the uterus), the production of which is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. You are aware of this by feeling “wet” in your underwear. Its’ purpose is to accept, filter, prepare, and release sperm for successful transport of the egg for fertilization. Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, hormones will predict the amount and thickness of this fantastic material and let you know when ovulation is optimal. Without CM, the sperm will not be able to reach the ova.

In this part of fertility enlightenment, we will learn about the magic of cervical mucus and discover how to optimize it to increase the odds of conception. 

A little biology lesson first:

The four phases of the menstrual cycle

1. Follicular– starts on the first day you begin to bleed and ends with ovulation around day 13, when your pituitary gland secretes a hormone (FSH) that stimulates egg cells in the ovary. It takes this long for the full maturity of the egg. All the while, your uterus is creating a nutrient-rich environment by thickening the lining for the assumption that implantation will take place. CM will increase in quantity and moistness and have a cream-like color. Towards the end of this phase, conception can occur. Sticky to creamy phase=non fertile to semi fertile.
2. Ovulation– usually, on day 14, the pituitary gland secretes more hormones (LH) to send the matured egg out into the Fallopian tube. The cilia will sweep the egg to the end of the tube and wait 24 hours for sperm to impregnate her. CM is most plentiful and has the texture of raw egg whites (thin and stretchy) while your basal body temperature will rise slightly. Highest likelihood of conception. Clear, very wet & slippery phase=fertile.
3. Luteal– days 15-28 (or until menses begins): if sperm did not make it in time, the egg cell disintegrates. The hormones that kept the uterine lining thick, just in case of success, get used up, and the next phase begins. **The luteal stage is equally essential for the success of pregnancy to occur. The hormone progesterone is released to prepare the bed (uterine lining) for the expectation of embryo implantation. If this phase is too short, the embryo will not embed successfully due to low hormones. CM begins to decline and become thicker. Potential for fertilization can occur at the beginning of this phase.
4. Menstruation– begins on day one and usually ends on day 5, when the uterus sheds its lining of soft tissue and blood vessels & only occurs when conception did not take place. CM is at its driest phase, but over the next several days will begin again: yellowish-whitish, cloudy, and somewhat sticky to the touch. Least likely time that conception will take place. Dry or sticky phase=non fertile.

Sperm survival and cervical mucus

The short explanation is this; the sperm need help to transport past the vaginal fluids of which are all revved up to keep invaders out. This fascinating mucus needs to have low acid to keep the sperm alive along the way. While the body is smart and knows how and when to release the appropriate CM, you too can facilitate the sperms fate. Creating a favorable environment for the sperm to make it past the vagina is critical.

PH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale runs from 0-14, and the vaginal pH is generally self-regulating, ranging from 3.8-4.5- a little acidic. If the levels go too high or too low, this can cause infections that impede the chances of sperm survival. To keep the pH at a consistently healthy level, try these:

• Take probiotics to restore the balance of healthy bacteria to your system.
• Don’t douche.
• Eat unsweetened, natural yogurt.
• Don’t overuse antibiotics.
• Use condoms when not trying to get pregnant.

These conditions can jeopardize you CM:

1. Yeast or candidiasis
2. Bacterial vaginitis
3. Sexually transmitted diseases
4. Anti-sperm antibodies or a high diet in acidic foods
5. Dehydration
6. Increased inflammation or infection of the cervix
7. High progesterone
8. Low estrogen
9. Fertility medications (yes, they REDUCE CM)
10. Cervical polyp or fibroid
11. LEEP or cryosurgery to treat cervical dysphasia or HPV

Talk to your health care provider about testing for any of the above conditions. It could be as simple as taking an antifungal or antibacterial supplement to get your mucus on track and increase the probability of conception. Once the pH is restored and balanced, achieving a fertile environment should be a cinch.

Other ways to keep the magic alive in your CM

• Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! CM 90% water. Drink eight full glasses of clean, double-filtered water every day.
• Nutritional supplements- essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, L-arganine & vitamin c.
• Herbs- Shatavari, dandelion, licorice root, marshmallow root & red clover.
• Sperm friendly lube before intercourse. Emerita is great!
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
• Drink grapefruit juice.
• Keep chemicals out of the vagina- including anything with fragrance and dyes (check your toilet paper).
• Expectorant cough syrup- thins mucus in the body and may create the perfect consistency of CM. 
• Eat raw garlic, dark green vegetables, carrots, and flaxseed.
• Avoid anything that dries up mucus in the body, like pseudoephedrine or allergy medications.
• Alternative therapies: chiropractic, aromatherapy, acupressure, acupuncture & reflexology are a few choices to assist in a healthier body.

If you’ve been struggling with vaginal issues and can’t seem to get the CM just right, talk to an expert about a more detailed investigation. Some things may be out of your control, and delving past the obvious will get you on the right track. With proper guidance, you can get your vaginal environment optimal for a successful outcome. Learning the magic of cervical mucus can be a game-changer.

Happy Parenting-to-be!