Difference between revisions of "Check Cervical Mucus"

Many women use the characteristics of their cervical mucus to track their menstrual cycles because the quantity and consistency of cervical mucus present can provide important clues about a woman’s ovulation. This is sometimes called the Billings ovulation method or simply the ovulation method.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/basics/definition/prc-20013005 </ref> Some women who opt to use natural family planning (NFP) as a birth control method will check their cervical mucus to help prevent pregnancy. On the other hand, other women will monitor it to encourage pregnancy. Learning about the qualities of cervical mucus and checking it regularly may help you prevent or become pregnant, depending on your goal.

[[Category: Women’s Health]]

#*You will likely not notice any cervical secretions for three to four days following the end of your menstrual period.<ref name="rf2">http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20013005</ref>

#*After these initial few days, you may secrete scanty, cloudy, and sticky cervical mucus for three to five days.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Thereafter, your cervical mucus will increase and be wet, which corresponds to the time just before and during ovulation.<ref name="rf2" /> The mucus may also feel thin, slippery and very stretchy.<ref name="rf3">http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning</ref> This is also the time you are most fertile.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Once you ovulate, you may not have any noticeable cervical secretions for up to two weeks before your next period.<ref name="rf2" /> You may also experience some thicker but sparse secretions.<ref name="rf3" />  

#*It’s important to recognize that the specific length of each of these phases can vary by woman. Keeping a record of your cervical mucus can help you identify how long each phase is in your own cycle.<ref name="rf2" />  

#*It may be difficult to differentiate between normal cervical secretions and semen or sexual lubrication during your first cycle. You might want to consider avoiding sexual intercourse during this time to help you better identify your normal cervical mucus.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20013005</ref>

#Keep a record of your mucus characteristics. Write down the specific characteristics of your cervical mucus on a daily basis. This will help you identify the specific phases of your cycle and when you are most fertile or should avoid sex. You should begin to notice a pattern after the first few cycles.<ref name="rf4" />

#*Begin tracking the characteristics of your cervical mucus on the day after your period stops.<ref name="rf4" />  

#*Make sure to record the color such as yellow, white, clear, or cloudy.<ref name="rf4" />

#*Note the consistency: is it thick, sticky, or stretchy?<ref name="rf4" />

#*Write down how the mucus feels to the touch. It may be dry, wet or slippery.<ref name="rf4" /> You may also want to feel your vulva and note down any sensations of dryness, moistness, or wetness.<ref name="rf4" />

#*Wipe from front to back using toilet tissue both before and after you urinate.<ref name="rf4" />

#*Make sure to write down what you see on the toilet paper in your record.<ref name="rf4" />

#Examine your vulva and its sensations. Gently feeling your vulvar area with your fingers and note any sensations you feel such as dryness, wetness, or moistness. This can help identify changes in your cervical mucus or cycle.<ref name="rf5">http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/vagvulv/basic_info/symptoms.htm</ref>

#*Gently touch the various parts of your vulva to examine its texture. Make sure to feel inside of the labia as well.<ref name="rf6"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20013005</ref>

#Stay consistent and motivated. Learning this method can take time and interpreting your mucus can take a couple of cycles. Staying consistent and motivated in the examination of your cervical mucus can help you successfully use it to prevent or promote pregnancy.<ref name="rf4" />

#*If you have any questions, you can ask your doctor.<ref name="rf4" />

#*It may take a few cycles to begin recognizing patterns in your cervical secretions and menstrual cycle. Don’t get discourage and stick with it.<ref name="rf4" />

#*If you are unsure of your mucus and using this method as a form of birth control, you may want to use a backup method of birth control such as condoms.<ref name="rf3" />

#Understand factors that can change cervical mucus. Certain factors can change the character of your cervical mucus. Understanding what can alter your cervical mucus can help you more effectively identify secretions and changes in your cycle.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Certain medications, feminine hygiene products such as tampons, having sex, or getting a pelvic exam with lubrication can change the appearance of your cervical mucus. If you notice a change in your mucus as a result of any of these factors, don’t worry.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Avoid douching because it can wash away cervical secretions, which can make it difficult to notice changes in your mucus.<ref name="rf4" />

#*This method holds that your basal body temperature, or your body’s temperature while resting, will increase slightly-- 0.5-1 degree Fahrenheit-- during ovulation.<ref name="rf3" />

#Plan or avoid sexual intercourse during fertile days. Depending on if you are using the cervical mucus method to prevent or promote pregnancy, plan on having sex or avoid intercourse during the times that you are most fertile. This may increase or decrease your chances of getting pregnant.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Remember that you are most fertile on the days that your cervical mucus increases and is thin and slippery.<ref name="rf3" />

#*If you are using cervical mucus as a form of birth control, you may want to use a backup method such as condoms when you are most fertile.<ref name="rf3" />