Cervical Mucus: Your Body's Fertility Signal

What is Cervical Mucus?

Cervical mucus (CM) is fluid produced by your cervix that changes throughout your menstrual cycle in response to hormones. These changes serve an important biological function:

• During infertile times: CM creates a barrier that blocks sperm from entering the uterus
• During fertile times: CM becomes sperm-friendly, nourishing and guiding sperm toward the egg

Learning to read these changes gives you a free, always-available fertility signal that can predict ovulation before it happens—unlike BBT, which only confirms ovulation after the fact.

Types of Cervical Mucus

CM is typically classified into several types based on appearance and texture. Here's what each type looks like and what it means for fertility:

CM Through Your Cycle

Here's a typical pattern of cervical mucus changes throughout a 28-day cycle:

Note: Everyone's pattern is different. You might have more or fewer days of EWCM, or your cycle might be longer or shorter. Track for a few cycles to learn your unique pattern.

How to Check Your Cervical Mucus

There are several ways to observe your CM. Use whichever method (or combination) works best for you:

Method 1: Toilet Paper Check

1. Before urinating, wipe from front to back with white toilet paper
2. Note what you see and feel—is there mucus? What color/texture?
3. Fold the paper and see if the mucus stretches

Method 2: Finger Check

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Insert one or two fingers into your vagina, reaching toward your cervix
3. Collect mucus on your fingertips
4. Examine by pressing fingers together and slowly pulling apart—does it stretch?

Method 3: Underwear Check

1. Observe any discharge on your underwear throughout the day
2. Note color, amount, and whether it feels wet or dry
3. Less precise than other methods but useful for pattern awareness

Method 4: Sensation Awareness

1. Pay attention to how you feel "down there" throughout the day
2. Dry feeling = infertile; Wet/slippery feeling = fertile
3. Many women notice a distinctly slippery sensation on their most fertile days

Best Times to Check

• After your longest sleep stretch (before urinating)
• Before showering
• After a bowel movement (bearing down can push mucus lower)
• Consistently at the same time(s) each day

Using CM for TTC

The Simple Rule

When you see fertile-quality mucus (watery or EWCM), have sex. That's it. The presence of EWCM means you're in or approaching your fertile window.

Optimal Timing Strategy

1. Start having sex when you first notice watery or creamy mucus (transitioning toward fertile)
2. Have sex every day or every other day while you have EWCM
3. Have sex the day EWCM peaks/disappears (often the most fertile day)
4. Have sex once more the day after EWCM disappears (catch ovulation)

Combining CM with Other Methods

For the most accurate fertility picture, combine CM tracking with:

• OPKs: When EWCM appears + OPK turns positive = definitely fertile!
• BBT: EWCM appears before temp rise; temp rise confirms ovulation occurred
• Fertility apps: Log your CM observations for pattern recognition over time

Common Questions

I never see EWCM. Is something wrong?

Not necessarily. Some women have less obvious EWCM or experience it internally (closer to the cervix). Try the finger check method to reach closer to the cervix. Also, dehydration can reduce CM quality—drink more water. If you consistently see no fertile CM for several cycles, mention it to your doctor.

Can I be fertile without EWCM?

Yes. Some women ovulate normally but don't produce obvious EWCM. Watery CM is also fertile. And sperm-friendly lubricants can supplement if needed.

I have EWCM for many days. Is that normal?

Some women have EWCM for just 1-2 days; others have it for 4-5+ days. A longer EWCM window gives you more fertile days, which is actually helpful for TTC. Your most fertile day is typically the last day of EWCM.

I have multiple patches of EWCM in one cycle. What does that mean?

Your body may be "gearing up" to ovulate but not quite succeeding, then trying again. This is more common with PCOS, stress, or irregular cycles. The last patch of EWCM is usually the one associated with actual ovulation.

Does CM indicate pregnancy?

After ovulation, CM typically becomes sticky or dry. However, some women notice an increase in creamy or lotiony CM in early pregnancy. This isn't a reliable pregnancy sign—you need a test to know for sure.

Why is my CM different on different days within the same "phase"?

CM quality can fluctuate due to hydration, time of day, arousal, recent sex, exercise, and more. Look for the overall trend rather than obsessing over one observation.

How to Improve CM Quality

If you're not seeing much fertile-quality mucus, try these evidence-based strategies:

Hydration

Drink plenty of water—at least 8 glasses daily. CM is mostly water, so dehydration directly affects quality and quantity.

Avoid Antihistamines

Medications like Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin can dry up mucus membranes—including cervical mucus. If possible, avoid them during your fertile window or ask your doctor about alternatives.

Evening Primrose Oil

Some women take Evening Primrose Oil (1500-3000mg daily) from period start until ovulation to improve CM. Discontinue after ovulation as it may cause uterine contractions.

Grapefruit Juice

Anecdotally, drinking grapefruit juice during the follicular phase may help thin CM. No strong evidence, but some women swear by it.

Mucinex (Guaifenesin)

The expectorant in Mucinex thins all mucus—including cervical mucus. Take the plain guaifenesin-only version (not the multi-symptom kind) during your fertile window. Typical dose is 200-400mg 2-3x daily with plenty of water.

Use Fertility-Friendly Lubricant

If you need lubricant, use one specifically designed not to harm sperm: