Cervical mucus changes throughout your cycle in ways that directly reflect your hormonal state and fertility. Learning to read these changes gives you a real-time fertility signal without any equipment.
What Cervical Mucus Does
Cervical mucus produced by glands in your cervix changes in consistency, texture, and amount in response to estrogen and progesterone. At peak fertility, it actively helps sperm travel to the egg. At other times, it creates a barrier that slows or blocks sperm.
The Pattern Through Your Cycle
- Right after your period: Dry or very minimal discharge. Low fertility.
- Approaching ovulation: Sticky, then creamy (white or yellowish, lotion-like). Moderate fertility.
- Peak fertility (just before ovulation): Egg-white cervical mucus (EWCM) - clear, stretchy, slippery, like raw egg white. This is your most fertile sign. If you are trying to conceive, this is your signal to act.
- After ovulation: Returns to thick and sticky, then becomes dry again until your next period.
How to Check Cervical Mucus
Wash your hands thoroughly, then either check when you wipe after using the toilet, or insert clean fingers into your vagina to collect a sample. Note the color (clear, white, yellow), texture (watery, creamy, sticky, stretchy), and whether it stretches between your fingers.
Check at the same time each day and record what you observe. After a few cycles, you will recognize your own pattern.
What Egg-White Mucus Means
EWCM is your body's peak fertility signal. It appears in the 1-5 days leading up to ovulation and indicates that ovulation is imminent or happening. This is the most fertile phase of your cycle, and the mucus itself supports sperm survival and transport.
Normal Variations
Not everyone produces obvious EWCM. Hydration, medication, age, and individual hormonal variation all affect mucus production. Some people see only creamy mucus at peak fertility. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong, but if you consistently see no change at all, it is worth discussing with your doctor.
Track Your Cervical Mucus in Bloom
Log your mucus observations alongside cycle data to build a clear picture of your fertile window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is egg-white cervical mucus always a sign of ovulation?
It strongly suggests approaching ovulation but is not a guarantee. Some people experience egg-white mucus without ovulating. Combining cervical mucus monitoring with BBT tracking or OPKs gives a more complete picture.
Can medications affect cervical mucus?
Yes. Antihistamines can dry up cervical mucus. Clomid (clomiphene) can reduce it. Some other medications also affect mucus production. Talk to your doctor if you notice changes after starting a new medication.
What if I never see egg-white cervical mucus?
Some people produce less noticeable fertile-quality mucus than others. Staying well hydrated can help. If you are concerned that you are not seeing any signs of ovulation, talk to your doctor. Cervical mucus is one sign among several.