Everything you need to know about cervical mucus

Less well-known than periods and yet just as linked to the menstrual cycle, today we invite you to discover cervical mucus . The latter is one of the different non-bloody vaginal discharges or white discharge . Understanding how it works is a new key to understanding our menstruating body. Where does cervical mucus come from? What is its purpose? How can we manage cervical mucus on a daily basis? In the following article, we answer all the questions you didn't even ask yourself about this surprise guest of the menstrual cycle.

What is cervical mucus?

Cervical mucus is a secretion from the vagina and uterus , particularly from the endocervical canal , which is the passage connecting the inside of the uterus to the vagina. The cells lining the cervical canal secrete mucus: this is cervical mucus.

Due to its strategic position between the vagina and the uterus, cervical mucus plays a key role in fertility . It prevents or promotes the passage of sperm to the cervix. During ovulation, it protects sperm from the acidity of the vagina and its texture allows them to reach the fallopian tubes more quickly, where the egg travels. During infertility , it obstructs the cervix by forming a plug.

Thus, the consistency of the mucus changes throughout the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle : it is composed of networks of filaments forming a sort of mesh that is more or less tight depending on the period of the woman's cycle. This is why observing the texture and color of your cervical mucus when it is expelled from the vagina is a good way to determine what stage of your menstrual cycle you are in.

Cervical mucus is often light/whitish in color. These hues explain why cervical mucus is often confused with other vaginal discharge: before going any further in this article, let's take a moment to examine the differences between cervical mucus, vaginal discharge, and vaginal discharge.

Cervical mucus, vaginal discharge, white discharge: differences

White discharge, vaginal discharge, cervical mucus: these terms are commonly used to refer to the non-bloody secretions expelled from the uterus and vagina of menstruating people. And yet, these terms encompass different actions and roles!

White discharge = vaginal discharge

White discharge is the common name for non-bloody vaginal discharge (and therefore different from menstruation). It is also referred to as vaginal discharge. It comes from different sources and has different roles:

• Cervical mucus comes from the endocervical canal between the vagina and the uterus. It plays an important role in fertility . It is part of white discharge but is not the only one;
• The Bartholin glands are responsible for lubricating the vagina. When you are aroused, such as during masturbation or sexual intercourse, they secrete a colorless fluid called mucus or cyprine. This fluid develops inside each gland and travels to the vagina through an excretory duct.
• The role of the Skene's glands is to secrete a fluid that can be very transparent to slightly white, with a fluctuating thickness, at the time of orgasm. In general, the quantity of this fluid is very small and this secretion goes unnoticed, but the volume emitted during ejaculation varies from woman to woman: some women are thus called "squirting women". The Skene's glands are the equivalent of the prostate in men.

All of these discharges are the physiological mechanism by which the vagina cleanses itself. White discharge can be secreted continuously: it is not solely linked to the menstrual cycle.

What about leukorrhea?

You may have come across the term “leukorrhea” in relation to white discharge or vaginal discharge. This is the medical name given to this discharge. There are two types: physiological (or otherwise known as “normal”) leukorrhea and pathological (or otherwise known as “abnormal” leukorrhea , resulting from an infection or disease). We’ll talk about this later in this article!

Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge, but it's not the only type of vaginal discharge. This article will discuss the different types of vaginal discharge (cervical mucus and other types).

Cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle

Cervical mucus is produced by the bodies of menstruating individuals from puberty to menopause and is closely linked to fertility and the proper functioning of the uterus and vagina. It changes throughout the menstrual cycle : let's discover its different roles and functions within the menstrual cycle and in reproduction.

Follicular phase (before ovulation)

The follicular phase is the phase during which the body works to mature an egg within the ovaries. A menstruating person is not fertile during this phase.

Cervical mucus is then thin, thick, and white in color. Similar to a plug, it closes the cervix to prevent sperm from passing through.

At the time of ovulation

Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. It then travels down the fallopian tube, which separates it from the uterus, where it will settle if fertilized. The menstruating person is then fertile.

In the 24 to 72 hours before ovulation , cervical mucus changes texture. It abandons its role as a plug for the uterus. It becomes more abundant, fluid and stringy. In this aspect, it can allow sperm to pass through.

On the day of ovulation, the texture of cervical mucus is comparable to that of egg white . Abundant, fluid, shiny, elastic and translucent , it facilitates the passage of sperm to the uterus and the fallopian tubes.

Also read: Calculate your ovulation date >

Luteal phase (after ovulation)

Within 48 hours of ovulation, the egg is either fertilized or it dies. In both cases, the menstruating person is no longer fertile and sperm no longer need to pass into the uterus: the cervical mucus resumes its role as a plug .

So, during the luteal phase which follows ovulation and puts the body in working order to accommodate a pregnancy, the cervical mucus dries up and thickens again. It is white / light yellow in color , depending on the person.

During menstruation

At the very end of the luteal phase, when the egg has not been fertilized and menstruation is approaching, cervical mucus is thick and may have a yellowish color.

During pregnancy

In the event of fertilization , cervical mucus retains its role as a plug : it thus protects the embryo, and then the fetus, from infections. This does not mean that there is no more white discharge during pregnancy: on the contrary , the other glands of the vagina continue to work, in particular to hydrate it under the effect of hormone levels which are high during pregnancy!

At the end of pregnancy, cervical mucus, in the form of a large, barely cooked egg white, sometimes “falls out” a few days or even weeks before the start of labor: this phenomenon is called the mucus plug. The loss of the mucus plug should be differentiated from a rupture of the water bag: the latter results in the loss of a liquid similar to urine and requires seeing a professional quickly. Consult your primary healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

And under hormonal contraception?

When using hormonal contraception (pill, implant, patch, or vaginal ring), the natural menstrual cycle is altered. The menstruating person is stuck in a long luteal phase, as if plunged into a false state of pregnancy.

Since ovulation is absent under hormonal contraception, cervical mucus never becomes stringy and translucent ! Furthermore, the hormones released by hormonal contraception tend to thicken cervical mucus . It thus forms a tight-knit seal between the vagina and the uterus throughout the cycle.

In other words, under hormonal contraception, cervical mucus has the same appearance as during the follicular phase: it is thick and whitish .

Cervical mucus: a sign of fertility

The appearance of cervical mucus therefore changes enormously during the menstrual cycle, particularly as ovulation approaches and occurs. This is why the consistency of cervical mucus is a symptom of ovulation and a great indicator of fertility.

Change in consistency of cervical mucus

As ovulation approaches and occurs, cervical mucus shifts from its role as a plug for the uterus to allow sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize the egg about to be released. It becomes thinner and more abundant.

And concretely?

Concretely, at this time, you will regularly find small, slightly wobbly packages of cervical mucus on your toilet paper, similar to egg white. This means that you are about to ovulate or have just ovulated. You are therefore fertile!

How to observe your cervical mucus?

Observing your cervical mucus is a great way to better understand and understand your body. In this section, we'll give you some tools to observe your cervical mucus, especially to better anticipate your menstrual cycle and fertility. That being said, you don't have to touch it if it disgusts you, and you don't have to conduct these observations every cycle, especially if you're not planning a baby and are using contraception.

Step 1: Focus on your sensations

Before you even consider touching your cervical mucus, it's a good idea to focus on how it feels. You may feel blood flowing outside of you when you're on your period—and the flow of stringy cervical mucus during ovulation is very similar.

Step 2: Observe your underwear

Looking at your underwear is probably the first thing that put you on the trail of the existence of white discharge and cervical mucus... While it's normal and healthy, it's always a little surprising and not always pleasant.

Most frequently, the deposit:

• brownish corresponds to the end of menstruation when the blood flows slowly and oxidizes,
• whitish and dry corresponds to the follicular phase,
• translucent and viscous corresponds to the time of ovulation
• yellowish and lumpy corresponds to the luteal phase, after fertilization.

What's more, you'll be able to spot the different states of cervical mucus on your toilet paper when you wipe. If it's lumpy and sticky, chances are you're in the follicular or luteal phase. If it's abundant, stringy, and translucent, you're probably close to ovulating!

Step 3: Do the glass of water test

Want to take your cervical mucus observation even further? The glass of water test allows you to differentiate your cervical mucus from other non-bloody discharge that may escape from your vagina (cum, semen, vaginal secretions).

Take a small amount of the secretion that concerns you and place it in a glass of water: if it retains its texture, it is cervical mucus, while if it dissolves, it is another type of vaginal discharge.

What is “normal” and “abnormal” mucus? How should I react if it is abnormal?

It is normal and healthy to have different types of cervical mucus during your menstrual cycle. However, if it has a particular color, texture, or odor, it may be abnormal and a sign of an infection. In this case, it is important to consult your general practitioner or gynecologist promptly.

My cervical mucus is yellow in color

As we mentioned, it's normal to notice a change in the color of your mucus, depending on the time of your cycle. Yellow is quite common (and healthy): mucus often becomes yellowish and thicker when it hardens after the end of your fertile period. So don't panic if you notice this. However, if this change in texture and color is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and/or itching, discomfort, and burning , it may be a sign of a condition (infection or disease). Most often, it's benign, but it requires diagnosis and treatment: make an appointment with a healthcare professional quickly.

My cervical mucus is pinkish or brownish

When cervical mucus is pink , it is very possible that a few drops of blood have mixed with the cervical mucus . When the mucus is brownish , the phenomenon is similar except that the slow-flowing blood has had time to oxidize and darken – this is often the case at the end of menstruation and is normal.

There are several reasons why this may occur, and they are not necessarily serious (it could be blood related to ovulation, spotting at the very beginning or end of a period, etc.). It could also be due to a sore in the genitals or a hormonal imbalance. The presence of cysts can also explain this bleeding. In women over 50, this can be a sign of premenopause.

Generally speaking, if your cervical mucus is pinkish or brownish around your period or ovulation, it's most likely normal. If it occurs outside of this time and is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and/or itching, discomfort, and burning, it could be a sign of a condition (infection or illness). Make an appointment with your healthcare professional to discuss this.

There are traces of blood in my cervical mucus

The presence of red blood in cervical mucus outside of your period can be quite worrying. However, it doesn't necessarily mean anything serious.

It could be blood loss related to ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary, it ruptures a small blood vessel and some blood leaks out), vaginal irritation, or even embryo implantation.

Various pathologies can also cause metrorrhagia (vaginal blood loss between periods) such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or even a wound in the vagina or uterus.

Bleeding outside of your period is not a normal symptom beyond a few drops of blood: we recommend that you make an appointment with your healthcare professional if you notice any bleeding.

Hygiene and cervical mucus

Cervical mucus isn't dirty. Like your period, it's healthy and natural, and it's an important part of your menstrual cycle. That being said, it's not always pleasant to find white discharge residue in your underwear or around your vulva. To feel fresh all day long, there are several solutions:

• Clean your vulva with water or a suitable intimate product: to avoid infections, it is essential to clean your intimate parts once or twice a day. Washing with water is sufficient, but you can use an intimate product. 🌈 In store, find our gentle and organic intimate cleansing gel from the Jho brand. In the shower, gently rub this soap on your vulva to clean it;
• Not cleaning the inside of the vagina: While it's essential to wash your pubic area regularly, do not douche. Vaginal discharge is there to clean your vagina and expel dead skin and other remnants of menstruation and semen. Cleaning your vagina risks destabilizing your vaginal flora and leading to diseases and other infections;
• Use intimate wipes for your personal hygiene: during the day, you can carry out your personal hygiene after each visit to the toilet using intimate wipes;
• Use a panty liner: thinner than a menstrual pad, the panty liner protects your underwear and allows you to feel fresher!