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Cervical mucus is a liquid secretion produced by the cervix and that can be expelled through the vagina, appearing in underwear as a type of transparent, white or slightly yellowish discharge, without odor, being a natural secretion of the body.
This secretion contains antibodies that prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the uterus, keeping it healthy. In addition, cervical mucus increases lubrication, protects sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina and helps sperm reach the uterus during the fertile period.
When the vaginal discharge has a color, smell, thicker or different consistency than usual, it can indicate the presence of a problem and that is why it is important to consult a gynecologist to better evaluate, perform tests and guide the appropriate treatment.
Cervical mucus may have different characteristics according to each phase of the menstrual cycle, such as:
1. Beginning of the menstrual cycle
The beginning of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation and the hormones estrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle and the production of cervical mucus are low and, therefore, in this phase, which can last from 1 to 5 days, the amount of cervical mucus is very low and cannot be perceived.
2. After menstruation
Right after menstruation, usually from the 6th to the 9th of the menstrual cycle, the amount of estrogen starts to increase but the production of cervical mucus is still low and normally the vagina appears to be drier at this stage.
3. Fertile period
The fertile period is the set of 6 days that are around ovulation and usually starts between 10 to 14 days after the first day of menstruation. Learn how to calculate the day of ovulation.
At the beginning of this phase, there is a gradual increase in estrogen and in the production of cervical mucus that appears thicker, sticky and whitish. On ovulation days, the vagina becomes more moist and the cervical mucus becomes more crystalline, transparent and elastic, similar to egg white, and therefore, the presence of this mucus indicates that the woman is fertile.
Cervical mucus in the fertile period is important to increase the lubrication of the vagina and assist the entry of sperm into the vaginal canal to reach the egg, facilitating fertilization.
The analysis of the characteristics of cervical mucus is widely used to indicate the fertile period and this analysis is called the cervical mucus method or Billings method. See how to use the Billings method.
4. After the fertile period
After the fertile period until the next menstruation, there is an increase in progesterone, a hormone that prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy and the estrogen levels decrease. At this stage, the amount of cervical mucus is very low or absent and may appear more sticky or sticky.
Changes in mucus throughout life
In addition to the menstrual cycle, cervical mucus can also change depending on the stage of a woman's life:
1. Pregnancy
Cervical mucus in pregnancy becomes thicker and whitish due to normal hormonal changes during this period. Thus, it forms a barrier that serves as a defense to prevent bacteria or other microorganisms from developing inside the uterus and creating complications during pregnancy. Check out other changes that occur in the pregnant woman's body, to adapt to the arrival of the baby.
2. Postpartum
After delivery, there is a natural process by the body to eliminate the remains of blood, mucus and tissues from the placenta for 3 to 6 weeks, as it is the phase of contractions of the uterus to return to its normal size.
In this phase, the vaginal mucus has specific characteristics according to the postpartum period, usually showing blood during the first days, becoming brown with bloody bursts from the 3rd to the 10th day and yellowish or whitish from the 10th day. See other changes in the body in the postpartum period.
It is important to always follow up with the gynecologist to ensure a smooth recovery in the postpartum period.
3. Menopause
Menopause is marked by the end of the woman's reproductive phase and occurs because the ovaries stop producing estrogen and, therefore, the production of cervical mucus decreases and the vagina becomes drier. In addition, although little, the mucus can get thicker and odor can change. Therefore, follow-up with a gynecologist should be done to assess changes in cervical mucus during menopause and the need for hormone replacement or other treatment. Check out other changes that occur in menopause.
How to assess cervical mucus
To assess cervical mucus the woman must be naked and insert her index finger into the vagina to observe the secretion of that region. When removing the finger, it should be noted whether the mucus is present in sufficient quantity and whether it is elastic or not. The ideal to get pregnant is to have a good amount of mucus and that it is elastic.
The assessment of cervical mucus should not be used as a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy because the mucus may undergo small variations throughout the cycle, making its exact assessment difficult. Check out other options for contraception that may be safer and more effective.
Possible changes
Some women who have difficulty in getting pregnant may have very thick cervical mucus throughout the cycle, which prevents the movement of sperm and, therefore, should seek a gynecologist to begin appropriate treatment.
In addition, cervical mucus may have a thicker consistency when using contraceptives because ovulation and normal hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle do not occur.
Other situations that can change the consistency, color, volume and smell of cervical mucus are hormonal changes, changes in the bacterial flora of the vagina or sexually transmitted infections, for example. These changes can cause vaginal discharge and should always be evaluated by the gynecologist. Find out what each color of vaginal discharge means.