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Cervical mucus and fertility
Read our expert blog to find out what cervical mucus is and what it means when it comes to fertility and trying to conceive.
What is cervical mucus?
Different types of cervical mucus
How long after egg white cervical mucus do you ovulate?
Why cervical mucus matters for fertility
Tracking your cervical mucus
Factors that can affect cervical mucus
Tips for supporting fertile cervical mucus naturally
FAQs about cervical mucus and fertility
Understanding cervical mucus can feel like one more complicated piece of an already complex fertility puzzle. The good news is that cervical mucus is a natural, helpful sign your body gives you about where you are in your cycle and when you’re fertile. While everyone’s experience is different, but learning to observe and interpret this natural fertility indicator can support fertility knowledge and help you to feel empowered with your body.
This guide explains what cervical mucus is, how it changes through the cycle, and how it can be used as a tool when trying to conceive.
What is cervical mucus?
Cervical mucus is the fluid produced by glands in the cervix, which sits at the entrance to the uterus. Its main role is to help sperm survive and travel towards the egg at the time of conception.
The amount and texture of cervical mucus change throughout the menstrual cycle in response to hormones:
- Oestrogen increases as ovulation approaches, making cervical mucus wetter and more slippery.
- Progesterone rises after ovulation, causing cervical mucus to become thicker and drier.
These hormonal shifts are what make cervical mucus such a useful fertility sign.
How cervical mucus changes through the cycle
You may notice your cervical mucus changes day by day. These changes can give clues about ovulation, fertility, and overall hormonal health.
Below is a general guide to what cervical mucus may look like during a typical cycle. It is important to be aware that the days of the cycle are approximate as every woman, and often every cycle, varies.
| Cycle phase | Approximate days | Common cervical mucus |
|---|---|---|
| During period/immediately after period | Days 1–5 | Little to no mucus, dry |
| Early cycle | Days 6–9 | Sticky or tacky, may feel thick |
| Approaching ovulation | Days 10–12 | Creamy, lotion-like, white or cloudy |
| Ovulation | Days 13–15 | Egg white secretion, clear, stretchy, slippery |
| After ovulation | Days 16 onwards | Thick, dry, or minimal mucus |
Noticing these patterns over several cycles can help you understand what is normal for your body and when you are likely to be more fertile.
Different types of cervical mucus
As described in the table above, cervical mucus occurs in four main types:
- Dry days
- Sticky or tacky
- Creamy
- Egg white secretion
Some people may notice paste-like mucus, while others experience wetter or more watery discharge. All of these variations can be normal, and the key is getting to know what is normal for you.
Egg white secretion or profuse watery secretions are the most fertile secretion and are an indicator that you are about to or are ovulating. This knowledge is like gold dust!
How long after egg white cervical mucus do you ovulate?
Egg white cervical mucus usually appears in the days leading up to ovulation. For many people, it shows up one to three days before ovulation and during ovulation, though some may notice it for longer.
Ovulation typically occurs on the last day of egg white cervical mucus or shortly after it disappears. This means your most fertile days are the days when this mucus is present, especially the final day you notice it.
It is important to be aware that the life of the egg is only 24 hours, but the life of the sperm is much longer at around 5 days. Therefore, any sex that occurs in the 5 days prior to ovulation can result in a pregnancy.
You can use our ovulation calculator to help you understand your menstrual cycle and when you are most fertile.
Why cervical mucus matters for fertility
Cervical mucus plays a crucial role in conception:
- It helps identify the fertile window, which is the few days leading up to and including ovulation.
- Fertile cervical mucus allows sperm to survive for up to five days, increasing the chance of fertilisation.
- Egg white secretion ovulation patterns are one of the strongest natural fertility signs.
- Tracking cervical mucus is a hormone-free way to understand your cycle and ovulation timing.
For many people, cervical mucus tracking becomes a helpful addition to other fertility awareness methods such as monitoring your temperature.
Tracking your cervical mucus
Tracking cervical mucus involves checking and recording what you notice each day. This can be done in several ways:
- Observation during daily activities, such as when wiping after using the toilet
- Checking with clean fingers at the vaginal opening
- Recording sensations, such as dryness or wetness, not just what you see
You can track your observations using a fertility app, a paper calendar, or a diary. When charting cervical mucus to get pregnant, focus on identifying patterns across multiple cycles rather than judging a single day.
Consistency is more important than perfection.
Factors that can affect cervical mucus
Several things can influence the amount and quality of cervical mucus, including:
- Hormonal contraception or recent use of it
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections
- Breastfeeding or perimenopause
You should speak to a doctor if you notice unusual discharge, strong odours, itching, pain, or persistent vaginal dryness, as these may signal an infection or hormonal issue.
Tips for supporting fertile cervical mucus naturally
While you cannot force your body to produce egg white cervical mucus and indeed as we get older we may notice less compared to in our 20’s, there are ways to support overall cervical health:
- Stay well hydrated throughout your cycle
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking
- Manage stress where possible
- Get enough sleep to support hormone balance
These habits support general reproductive health and may positively influence cervical mucus over time.
Final thoughts
Noticing changes in cervical mucus is completely normal and can be empowering rather than overwhelming. With time and gentle observation, many people find it helps them feel more in tune with their cycle.
FAQs about cervical mucus and fertility
Unhealthy cervical mucus may be yellow, green, grey, or have a strong unpleasant smell. It may also be accompanied by itching, burning, or discomfort.
After ovulation, cervical mucus often becomes thicker or creamy. Some people notice increased discharge in early pregnancy, but this is not a reliable way to confirm pregnancy.
Staying hydrated, supporting hormone balance, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help, but cervical mucus patterns are largely hormone-driven.
You can check by observing discharge on toilet paper, noticing sensations of wetness or dryness, or gently checking at the vaginal opening with clean fingers.
Age, hormonal shifts, stress, illness, medications, contraception, and infections can all cause changes in cervical mucus.
