Cervical Fluid… An exceptional body secretion.

What is that ‘white stuff’ in my underwear?

Cervical fluid (CF), also known as cervical mucus, is a vaginal secretion often referred to as “discharge” in society. While some may initially worry, thinking it’s an infection, cervical fluid is a sign of good health. It serves as an indicator that you are currently in your fertile window. Although infections may occur at some point, the presence of cervical fluid signals a healthy fertility.

Learn how to chart your cycle with fertility awareness to learn your unique cervical fluid pattern.

As estrogen reaches its peak, cervical fluid becomes higher in water content. The first day of recognized cervical fluid after menstruation is your point of change. The last day of your most super fertile fluid (which is found in retrospect), is called peak day. This is how we determine our fertile window using the rules of the fertility awareness method.

A vagina is acidic for majority of the menstrual cycle, and cervical fluid comes in to alkalize the environment in order to keep sperm alive and able to travel through the cervix, into the uterus, and through the Fallopian tubes. After ovulation the body enters the luteal phase, where our cervical fluid will dry up due to the rise in progesterone. Once ovulation is confirmed using both CF and Basal Body Temperature observations, we can enjoy unprotected intercourse through the remainder of our cycle (premenstrual or ischemic phase and into menstruation). When used as natural birth control, there is 99.6% effectiveness with perfect use, and a .4% failure rate.

• Your flow of cervical fluid will show a unique pattern each cycle, laying out the story of both your fertile window and internal health.
• CF is the deciding factor on whether sperm will be able to make it to the egg for fertilization at the time of ovulation.
• The consistency changes throughout the menstrual cycle, starting out on the dryer end of the spectrum and increasing in water content as ovulation approaches. Some ways to describe it is sticky, lotion, booger-like, egg-white, watery… and it varies from human to human!

Next time you go to the bathroom:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Check your vulva as well as the gusset of your underwear (where your vulva touches).
3. Is there anything there? Maybe not right now.
4. Before peeing, use a piece of toilet paper to wipe. What is the consistency as the toilet paper brushes past the vulva ~ slippery, dry?
5. Pee
6. Wipe again for another sensation. What do you feel and see?
7. You can also make a ‘come hither’ movement with a finger directly at the entrance of the vulva (not inside) for another CF observation.
8. What does your CF feel like? What color is it ~ white, cloudy, clear?
9. Red? You might be on your period, or spotting.
10. Back to CF.
11. Touch it between your fingers… Is it thick and crumbly/sticky, creamy like lotion, stretchy like an egg-white, watery?
12. Is there only a little bit? A lot? None at all?
13. Check again next time you go to the bathroom.

Write your daily observations on a fertility chart.

Cervical Fluid patterns

After menstruation we will notice a cervical fluid pattern (unique to each person), over the course of our cycles. Below are a few examples of cervical fluid types, including both infertile and fertile quality fluids).

Baseline (infertile)

Baseline fluid will look different to each person. This is the fluid type that is recognized during our infertile time, in between menstruation and peak day, and might express itself as white and thick, or maybe even dry and nonexistent.

Sticky (fertile)

Thick glue/paste-like consistency that will crumble or stick between your fingertips.

Creamy (fertile)

More water is present, comparing cervical fluid to lotion or hair conditioner.

Stretchy Egg-white / Watery (fertile)

Vaginal sensation is slippery or wet, and CF is clear, stretchy and/or slippery when touched.

None (infertile)

We may observe some days of our cycle without the presence of any CF. Keep track of these days also as they are just as important in your fertility.

Luteal Mucus (infertile)

After ovulation, a different type of fluid appears, usually less in water content, resulting in a thicker consistency that may be sticky and white or light yellow in color. It’s important to note that during the luteal phase, when estrogen levels rise, observing cervical fluid is normal.

Stay observant

If your cervical fluid takes on a dark yellow or green color, has a cottage cheese-like consistency, causes itching, or has an unusual scent, it is advisable to reach out to a gynecologist for a thorough examination. Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking fresh water and maintain a healthy diet throughout the day for optimal observations.