What is cervical mucus, its phases and main doubts clarified

Cervical mucus is, in short, a secretion produced naturally by the woman’s body. It changes its characteristics according to the hormonal action, which varies throughout the menstrual cycle, as highlighted by Maura Azzi Tassi (CRM 5298909-6), gynecologist and obstetrician at the Maieve Corralo Institute, which also makes it possible to identify the fertile period by through self-observation of the characteristics of this secretion in each phase.

What is cervical mucus?

Maura explains that the cervix communicates the uterine cavity (body) with the vaginal canal, and that it has glandular cells that continuously secrete cervical mucus (liquid substance). The main function of mucus, highlights Maura, is to protect the ascent of bacteria from the vagina into the uterine cavity, thus reducing the number of infections.

“In addition, the mucus changes its consistency throughout the menstrual period, going from very thick to watery at the ovulation stage, thus helping the sperm to penetrate the cavity. This mucus change is due to the action of the hormone estradiol”, adds the gynecologist and obstetrician.

Cervical mucus stages

• Follicular Phase: Maura explains that at the beginning of the cycle (right after menstruation) it is very thick, and is normally not seen in underwear. “During this phase, it makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterine cavity,” she says.
• Fertile/ovulatory phase: Maura explains that, as the days go by, approaching the ovulatory period (fertile phase), under hormonal action, the mucus becomes thinner and more elastic (resembling egg whites), facilitating the passage of sperm from the vagina to the uterus and subsequent pregnancy.
• Luteal phase: in this phase, which starts from ovulation and goes until menstruation begins, the cervical mucus appears whitish, becomes denser, gelatinous, less elastic, not helping the sperm to move (pregnancy is unlikely) .

Doctor answers key questions about cervical mucus

Exactly because there are variations throughout the cycle, many women have doubts about characteristics and how to interpret cervical mucus. Check the clarification for the main questions:

How to identify cervical mucus during the fertile period? “The fertile period is the days of the menstrual cycle with the greatest propensity for a woman to become pregnant, being the days close to ovulation (time when the egg is released from the tube). Many women notice an egg white-like discharge from their underwear when they are fertile, and their vagina feels wetter. This is the characteristic of the fluid, elastic and sticky cervical mucus of the ovulatory phase”, explains Maura.

What does bloody cervical mucus mean? “There are several causes, which can be physiological, benign diseases or even cancer. Causes of bleeding mucus include implantation of the embryo in the uterus (nidation), the meeting of the sperm with the egg (fertilization), ovulation bleeding (when the follicle ruptures releasing the egg), bleeding due to hormonal changes and, in rarer cases, cervical cancer, among others”, explains the gynecologist and obstetrician.

What does white, yellow and brown cervical mucus mean? Physiological cervical mucus is generally transparent in color. “Discretions with odor or other colors should always be evaluated. A white, buttery-milk discharge usually suggests candidiasis, particularly if associated with itching. When yellow/greenish and smelling of rotten fish, it may suggest bacterial infection. Brown secretions suggest clotted bleeding and may be associated with remnants of the menstrual period, infection, hormonal variation, trauma, pregnancy and even more serious diseases such as cancer. It is worth mentioning that although the cervical mucus is transparent, white/yellowish secretions at the end of the day can be physiological (not indicative of diseases)”, highlights Maura.

What does mucus before menstruation mean? “Right before their period, many women notice that their vaginal discharge turns whiter. This change occurs due to the hormone progesterone and, if it is not accompanied by other characteristics, it is considered normal”, explains Maura.

Is large amount of cervical mucus normal? “The amount of mucus can be variable, not only throughout the cycle, but also for each woman, since the sensitivity of glandular cells to hormones can be variable. Abundant mucus is common in the ovulatory period, and in most cases, it is odorless and colorless”, explains the gynecologist.

Is cervical mucus normal in pregnancy? “It is very common for cervical mucus to increase throughout pregnancy, as there is an increase in blood supply to the cells and due to hormonal action”, replies Maura.

How to read cervical mucus? “A woman can observe the type of mucus by introducing her finger into the vaginal canal or observing the secretion in her underwear. Thicker mucus is characteristic of the beginning of the menstrual cycle. As the fertile period approaches, it becomes more liquid and, during ovulation, looks like an egg white (thicker mucus)”, guides Maura.

When not to check cervical mucus? “Mucus should not be evaluated right after sexual intercourse, use of vaginal creams/lubricants or in the presence of infection, as these factors hinder its interpretation”, replies the gynecologist.

Is it possible to ovulate and not expel mucus? “Some women may be ovulating and not have the perception of cervical mucus in their underwear, without this actually posing a problem. The sensitivity of mucus-secreting cells to estradiol may be variable, and production may be less. Production often takes place, but imperceptibly because it is in smaller quantities. The patient may observe only an increase in vaginal lubrication. In specific cases, the woman must be evaluated because this characteristic can represent a low level of estrogen (a woman’s hormone)”, explains Maura.

It is worth mentioning that it is always important for women to have safe information and be attentive to their intimate health, in addition to making regular visits to the gynecologist. Knowing how to identify cervical mucus is important both for women who want to get pregnant and for those who want to avoid pregnancy. Enjoy and learn about types of vaginal problems and how to deal with each of them.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.