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Cervical mucus – you might not have taken much notice of it before, but did you know about its role in fertility? It's more important than you might think
Summary
1What's cervical mucus and ovulation discharge?
Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge, produced by the cells which line your cervix…
2Types of cervical mucus
Cervical mucus changes in response to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle…
3Cervical mucus and fertility tracking
Tracking your cervical mucus is an easy and natural method of tracking your fertility…
Want to know when your fertile window is? Your body holds some helpful clues, like your cervical mucus (a type of vaginal discharge), which changes throughout the month.
Tracking your cervical mucus could help you understand your fertility and the changes that happen during your cycle, whether you’re planning for a baby or just getting in tune with your body.1
Let’s find out more about cervical mucus, how it changes through your cycle and the telltale signs of peak fertility…
What's cervical mucus and ovulation discharge?
Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge, produced by the cells which line your cervix. It plays a vital role in protecting the vagina and uterus while also regulating sperm movement within the reproductive canal.2
During ovulation, when a mature egg is released and ready for fertilisation, this mucus (also called ‘ovulation discharge’) helps sperm reach and penetrate the egg.2,3
The consistency of cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle, and by paying close attention to these changes, you can track your fertile window.1
Types of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle
Cervical mucus changes in response to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle:2
- after your period: in the first few days after your period, there isn’t much mucus and your vagina might feel dry1
- days leading up to ovulation: you may notice sticky, white and creamy mucus.1 This type of mucus stops sperm from travelling further up the reproductive tract 2
- immediately before ovulation, when you’re most fertile: this is ‘ovulation discharge’ – greater in quantity, clearer and stretchier like raw egg white.1 It’s slippery, helping sperm swim through the cervix and penetrate the egg. You’re most likely to get pregnant during this time 1,2
- after ovulation and before your period: mucus becomes thicker, stickier and less noticeable. Your fertility starts to decline during this phase 2,4
Changes in cervical discharge are normal and can vary depending on all sorts of things, from medicines to feminine hygiene products to sexual activity.4
However, if you notice a strong smell or unusual colour, or you experience pain after sex, it’s important to consult a GP as these could be signs of an infection or another medical condition. If you experience bleeding in between periods accompanied by pain anywhere in your tummy, seek medical care immediately, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.5,6,7
How long does ovulation discharge last?
Ovulation discharge typically lasts for three to six days, appearing just before and during ovulation (your most fertile window).8
This can vary between different people and even in the same person at different times. For example, one study showed that women over 30 had fewer days of ovulation discharge each month than those under 30, though more research is needed to make firm conclusions.8
Cervical mucus and fertility tracking
Tracking your cervical mucus is an easy and natural method of tracking your fertility. By keeping an eye on changes throughout your cycle, you can try to pinpoint your most fertile days.1
You might see mucus on your underwear, but to check more closely, you can wipe with a tissue before peeing or gently insert a clean middle finger into your vagina.1 To test for ovulation discharge, you can use your thumb and finger to see if the mucus is stretchy.
You might see mucus on your underwear, but to check more closely, you can wipe with a tissue before peeing or gently insert a clean middle finger into your vagina.1 To test for ovulation discharge, you can use your thumb and finger to see if the mucus is stretchy.
Pairing this method with other ovulation indicators, like basal body temperature or ovulation predictor kits, can make it more accurate.1,9 In fact, research shows that couples who monitor their fertility window using these approaches may get pregnant faster than those who don’t.10
The final say
Understanding cervical mucus can help you track ovulation and may boost your chances of conception if you’re trying. Ovulation discharge, with its unique egg white-like texture, serves as a natural signpost of peak fertility.1
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, speak to a fertility doctor for more advice.
Curious about other ways to track your fertility? Check out our article on the signs and symptoms of ovulation for more tips and insights into your body.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS inform. Natural family planning (fertility awareness) [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/natural-family-planning-fertility-awareness/
2. Oždian T, et al. Proteome mapping of cervical mucus and its potential as a source of biomarkers in female tract disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(2):1038. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021038
3. NHS. Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/
4. ACOG. Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/fertility-awareness-based-methods-of-family-planning
5. NHS. Vaginal discharge [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/
6. ACOG. Is it normal to have vaginal discharge? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-normal-to-have-vaginal-discharge
7. NHS. Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2024 Aug 13; cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-bleeding-between-periods-or-after-sex/
8. Najmabadi S, et al. Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: A pooled analysis of three cohorts. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1784–95. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab049
9. PregnancyInfo.ca. Tools for understanding fertility [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/before-you-conceive/fertility/tools-for-understanding-fertility/
10. Duane M, et al. Fertility awareness-based methods for women's health and family planning. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:858977. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.858977
