Cervical fluid, otherwise known as discharge, is a see-through to a white and creamy substance that is secreted by your cervix and comes out through your vagina. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for producing cervical fluid. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of cervical fluid that is produced will fluctuate. You might have noticed this fluid in your underwear or when you wipe going to the loo. It is completely normal and can indicate what phase of your cycle you are in.
How cervical fluid can change throughout your cycle:
- After your period
You might experience a rather dry vaginal sensation just after your period, in most cases, no cervical fluid will be present. After a few days, you can develop a cervical fluid that is dry – like dry toothpaste. Shortly after a creamy cervical fluid with a lotion consistency will follow, it’s also known to give you a rather cold vaginal sensation.
- Your fertile days before ovulation
The most fertile cervical fluid is produced coming up to your ovulation. It is wet, extremely slippery and may even stretch between your fingers for a couple of centimetres. Our body prepares for a possible pregnancy every month, this type of cervical fluid provides a good fertile environment for sperm to survive – it nourishes them and helps them swim.
By using protection such as a condom on red fertile days, you can stop this from happening.
You will notice this as a somewhat symmetrical round pattern on your underwear; this is because it mainly consists of water. This is often known as egg white cervical fluid as it resembles its consistency.
- Post ovulation
After ovulation, you are no longer fertile and can experience dry, sticky or no cervical fluid again up until your period.
Although cervical fluid is a good fertility indicator, it varies from one person to the next. It can also be difficult to interpret, is influenced by sexual secretion (natural lubricant) and is a subjective measurement.
Natural Cycles takes the main indicator of temperature into account, which is an objective measure. The unique algorithm behind the app also takes many other factors like sperm survival, and your unique temperature fluctuations and cycle irregularities into account. It then calculates whether you are fertile or not. This method is backed by clinical studies and has been proven to be very effective.
You can also take note of your cervical fluid in the ‘Notes’ section in the Natural Cycles app, so you can get to know your own body better because knowing #yourcyclematters.
Weschler, T. (2015). Taking charge of your fertility: the definitive guide to natural birth control, pregnancy