Cervical Mucus Method - An Overview

Introduction:

The cervical mucus method is a way of natural family planning. This method involves identifying the fertile times that would help in determining the best days to avoid or have unprotected sex. This method is done based on tracking the changes in the cervical mucus. The main purpose of this method is to help couples minimize or maximize the chances of getting pregnant in a natural way.

What Is the Cervical Mucus Method?

The cervical mucus method helps in tracking the ovulation days based on the quality of the mucus around the cervix throughout the menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus is a fluid produced and discharged from the lower part of the uterus. The cervical mucus protects the sperm while traveling through the women’s reproductive system to meet the egg. The quality and volume of the fluid changes throughout the menstrual cycle. These changes help in predicting the time of ovulation (the release of eggs). Evaluating the ovulation days helps in scheduling the days to have or avoid sex depending on the need to get pregnant. The cervical mucus method is also known as the Billings ovulation method.

How Is the Cervical Mucus Method Done?

• It is better to begin this method under the guidance of an expert like a doctor or family planning counselor.

• The cervical mucus method begins with observing the cervical mucus daily.

• The tracking of cervical mucus should begin only the day after periods have stopped completely.

• The color of the cervical mucus should be observed. The consistency also should be checked using fingers and thumb.

• After examining the mucus, its description should be noted down regularly on a tracking chart.

• Every detail, like period days, wet days, dry days, cloudy days, sticky days, slippery days, etc., should be noted down on the chart.

• While charting mucus for the first time, vaginal sex should be avoided for one whole cycle. This is because the body may produce excess or different mucus due to sex which can be confusing. However, having sex using condoms will not bring any change to mucus.

What Are the Ways to Check Cervical Mucus?

The different ways to check cervical mucus are as follows:

• Using Fingers: With clean hands, put a finger inside the vagina. The finger can then be removed to check for the texture and color of the mucus. Another finger can be used to check if the mucus is stretchy.

• Checking the Underwear: This is done by checking the texture and color of the discharge on the underwear.

• Using Toilet Paper: This is the least reliable way of checking the cervical mucus. This is done by wiping the vaginal opening using toilet paper before or after urinating. The color and texture of the mucus on the toilet paper should be noted.

What Do the Cervical Mucus Changes Indicate?

Many changes can be observed in the cervical mucus throughout the month. The indications of these changes are as follows:

• During Periods: It is difficult to detect cervical mucus during periods as they get mixed with menstrual blood. Hence, it is not safe to have unprotected sex during periods.

• After Periods: Usually, three to four days after periods, mucus and discharge are absent. These are called dry days and are considered a safe period to have sex.

• Before Ovulation: The body produces more mucus before ovulation as the egg starts to mature. White, yellow, or cloudy mucus, which is sticky, may appear at the vaginal opening for three to five days. These days are considered less safe to have sex.

• During Ovulation: More amount of mucus is seen just before and during ovulation. The mucus during this stage is clear, like raw egg whites. The mucus feels slippery and can be stretched between the fingers. These are the most unsafe days to have sex as the chances of pregnancy is high. This unsafe period can last up to four days and can vary from person to person, depending on the ovulation.

• After Ovulation: The quantity of mucus reduces after ovulation. The mucus is cloudy and less sticky until it goes away completely and changes to dry days. These days which have a mixture of dry, cloudy, and sticky mucus, are usually safe and last for about 11 to 14 days.

What Are the Advantages of the Cervical Mucus Method?

The advantages of the cervical mucus method are as follows:

• It does not require any form of medication or hormones.

• It does not need the ingestion of any contraceptives.

• It is an economical method.

• Certain people who consider other forms of birth control as a violation of cultural traditions or religious beliefs prefer this method as it is completely natural.

• Prefer this method as it is entirely natural.

• It has no harmful side effects.

• It helps in finding out the days that have the maximum chances of pregnancy.

• It does not disrupt sexual pleasure.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Cervical Mucus Method?

The disadvantages of the cervical mucus method are as follows:

• It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• High risk for unexpected pregnancy compared to other birth control methods.

• It is not always reliable as the amount and quality of the cervical mucus may vary depending on factors like certain medications, vaginal infections, etc.

• Time-consuming as this method involves checking and keeping track of the cervical mucus every day.

• This method may not be reliable for women with irregular periods.

What Are the Factors That Can Affect Cervical Mucus?

The factors that can affect the texture and quantity of cervical mucus are as follows:

• Sexual lubricants.

• Breastfeeding.

• Certain medications.

• Sexually transmitted infections.

• Vaginal infections.

• Stress.

• Diet.

• Surgeries of the cervix.

• Pregnancy.

• Douching.

• Hormonal birth control methods.

Conclusion:

The cervical mucus method is a natural birth control method used by many people. Tracking the cervical mucus helps in identifying the fertile and non-fertile days. However, this method is not a completely reliable form of contraception. Hence women who want to avoid unintended pregnancies should consult and discuss with a doctor before starting this method. As cervical mucus can undergo changes depending on many factors, a backup birth control method may be required to avoid pregnancy. Any changes in the cervical mucus, like foul smell, unusual color, etc., should be noted and consulted with a doctor.