Many women use the characteristics of cervical mucus to monitor their menstrual cycles because the amount and thickness of the mucus is an important indicator of a woman's ovulation. Sometimes, this is referred to as the Billings ovulation method, or the ovulation method. Some women who choose natural contraception in planning a pregnancy can check cervical mucus to help prevent pregnancy. On the other hand, cervical mucus can also be used by some other women to increase their chances of pregnancy. Studying and monitoring the characteristics of cervical mucus on a regular basis can help prevent or increase the chances of pregnancy, according to your goals.
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Part 1 of 2: Checking Cervical Mucus
Step 1. Recognize the characteristics of cervical mucus
Before examining it, first study the characteristics of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. This way, you can monitor your menstrual cycle and ovulation more effectively.
- Cervical mucus may not come out for 3-4 days after your period is over.
- After the first few days, a bit of cloudy and sticky cervical mucus may come out for 3-5 days.
- Furthermore, cervical mucus will increase and become wet. This relates to the times leading up to and during ovulation. The mucus may also feel thin, slippery, and very elastic. This is your most fertile time.
- After ovulation, cervical mucus may not come out for up to 2 weeks before your period returns. Cervical mucus is thick, but infrequently it may also come out.
- Please note that the duration of each phase above is different for each woman. So keeping track of the characteristics of cervical mucus yourself can help you figure out how long each phase lasts during the menstrual cycle.
- Normal cervical mucus, sperm, or sexual lubricant may be difficult to distinguish in the first menstrual cycle. So, to better recognize the characteristics of normal cervical mucus, you may need to avoid sexual intercourse during the cycle.
Step 2. Record the characteristics of your cervical mucus
Write down the special characteristics of the cervical mucus every day. These notes will help you identify the phases in your menstrual cycle, when you are most fertile, or when you should avoid sexual intercourse. You should be able to recognize the pattern after the first few menstrual cycles.
- Begin monitoring the characteristics of cervical mucus one day after your period ends.
- Check it every day, at the same time to help you understand the pattern of changes over time.
- Be sure to note the color, such as yellow, white, clear, or cloudy.
- Note the consistency, is it thick, sticky, or elastic?
- Write down how you feel when you touch the slime. The mucus may feel dry, wet, or slippery. You may also want to touch your vulva and note any sensations where it is dry, moist, or wet.
Step 3. Check cervical mucus before and after urination
The best way to check cervical mucus is to wipe a tissue before and after urinating and then examine it. This method can help you monitor cervical mucus and menstrual cycle effectively.
- Use white toilet paper so you can get a good look at the color of cervical mucus.
- Wipe the tissue from front to back before and after urinating.
- Be sure to write down the appearance of cervical mucus on toilet paper in your notes.
Step 4. Analysis of cervical mucus on underwear
You can also check cervical mucus by observing the secretions that stick to your underwear. This method can help you determine the phase in your menstrual cycle. You can also use this method if there is no mucus stuck to the toilet paper.
Note the characteristics of cervical mucus adhering to underwear
Step 5. Examine the vulva and sensation
Gently touch the genital area with your fingers, and watch for any sensations, such as dry, wet, or moist. This information can help identify changes in your cervical mucus or menstrual cycle.
- The vulva is the external part of the female genital organs which includes the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and surrounding tissue or skin.
- There is no need to feel hesitant or uncomfortable touching the vulva. You didn't do anything wrong.
- Gently touch different parts of the vulva to determine the texture. Also be sure to feel the inside of the labia.
- It's a good idea to feel your vulva regularly so you can see if it's normal.
Step 6. Evaluate your cervical mucus record
After one or more menstrual cycles, read the characteristic notes of your cervical mucus. These records will help you evaluate your menstrual cycle and ovulation effectively, and help prevent or increase your chances of pregnancy.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Cervical Mucus Method
Step 1. Stay consistent and motivated
Learning this method takes time. In addition, understanding the meaning of cervical mucus also needs to be done by observing several menstrual cycles. Consistency and motivation during observation will help you use it properly to prevent and increase the chances of pregnancy.
- Consult any questions you have with your doctor.
- You may need to observe several cycles before successfully recognizing the pattern of cervical mucus secretion and the phase in the menstrual cycle. Live this process with passion and consistency.
- If you have doubts about the characteristics of cervical mucus and use this method to plan a pregnancy, it is best to use another method of contraception such as condoms.
Step 2. Understand the factors that can change cervical mucus
Certain factors can change the characteristics of cervical mucus. Understanding these factors can help you more easily recognize cervical mucus as well as changes in your menstrual cycle.
- Certain medications, sanitary napkins, tampons, sexual intercourse, or pelvic exams that use lubricants can change the appearance of cervical mucus. If your cervical mucus appears to be changing as a result of any of these factors, there's no need to worry.
- Avoid using vaginal cleaning fluids because they can remove cervical mucus. As a result, you will find it difficult to notice the difference.
Step 3. Consider measuring your basal body temperature
Take measurements of basal body temperature and observation of cervical mucus simultaneously. This method of measuring body temperature every morning can help provide additional clues about your fertility level.
The basis of this method is that your basal body temperature or resting body temperature will increase slightly (about 0.5 degrees Celsius) during ovulation
Step 4. Plan or avoid sexual intercourse during your fertile period
Depending on the purpose of your cervical mucus monitoring, whether to prevent or increase your chances of pregnancy, make a plan or avoid having sex during your fertile period. This way, you can reduce or increase your chances of getting pregnant.
- Remember that you are most fertile on days when cervical mucus is thick and has a thin, slippery texture.
- Understand that this method is not a 100% safe method of contraception, nor is it a guarantee that you will get pregnant.
- If you use the characteristic cervical mucus as a method of contraception, you should also use other methods such as condoms during the fertile period.
Step 5. Visit a doctor
If you have questions about cervical mucus, or if your cervical mucus changes, see a doctor. A doctor's check is useful to make sure you don't have a serious illness and to help you use this method more effectively.
- Consult a doctor if there is blood that accompanies cervical mucus, but not menstrual blood.
- See a doctor if your cervical mucus looks oddly green, or smells unusual.
