Monitoring cervical mucus. Cervical mucus - where is it synthesized? How to evaluate discharge

A woman’s body is designed so that the internal genital organs are protected from infection. To do this in cervical canal mucus is produced, which has a thick structure. It protects organs not only from bacteria, but also from weak sperm, that is, they are filtered. Its composition is constant, its consistency changes. During ovulation, it liquefies to allow male reproductive cells to pass through. After conception, on the contrary, a process of thickening occurs.

What is cervical mucus

The mucus in the cervical canal is produced by the Bartholin glands located in the vestibule of the vagina. When thickened, it forms a mucus plug in the cervical canal. Consists of glycoproteins, minerals, water, carbohydrates, enzymes. Its structure is porous, with the help of which the most active sperm can penetrate through the fallopian tubes to the egg. The number and volume of pores depends on the woman’s hormonal level. The acid-base state of the secretion is alkaline, preventing the proliferation of bacteria and protecting male reproductive cells from the acidic environment of the vagina.

The color of the discharge is usually transparent. But their color changes depending on the density, and can be white. In order not to reduce the protective barrier, secretion production occurs constantly. When inflammatory reactions begin, this process intensifies.

Do you always have discharge before ovulation?

Many women believe that this is a sign of a disease. Outside of ovulation, cervical fluid is practically not produced, as there is no need for it. As soon as the body is ready for fertilization, production reaches its maximum values. Sperm can move through mucus without being destroyed by the acidic state of the vagina. Without discharge, sperm will not reach the fallopian tubes and will die.

Functions of cervical secretions

Discharges have important functions for a woman’s body:

• passage of male germ cells through the birth canal;
• acceleration of sperm movement;
• protection of male cells from the acidic pH of the vagina;
• filtration of sperm, selection of the most active and complete ones (this prevents the formation of a fetus with genetic disorders);
• protection of the reproductive organs from infection.

After ejaculation, seminal fluid mixes with secretions and enters the cervical canal. One of the most active sperm connects with the egg, other cells dissolve in the endometrium.

The effect of the menstrual cycle on cervical mucus

It is important to know how cervical mucus changes during the cycle. This will make it possible to prevent an unwanted pregnancy or, on the contrary, to conceive.

The consistency of the discharge depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. To determine this, a woman can monitor her discharge. She needs to understand what normal cervical mucus looks like. In the first days (immediately after the completion of the rejection of the uterine mucosa), the indicator decreases to minimal values, practically does not form, and dryness is felt in the vagina.

After a few days, the secretion thickens and reaches such a degree of viscosity that male reproductive cells cannot pass through the canal. This condition prevents conception. The color of mucous formations is transparent.

By the middle of the cycle, the consistency changes again and liquefaction occurs. The color turns white. The body prepares for the release of the egg.

During ovulation, cervical mucus becomes viscous and can stretch several centimeters. During this period, the maximum volume of mucus is released. This favorable time for conception, since sperm can easily pass through the canal. After the completion of the ovulation period, the amount of sex hormones decreases sharply, which helps to reduce discharge. Cervical mucus thickens before menstruation, and sperm cannot move towards the fallopian tubes.

Important! Observing the discharge will allow a woman to know whether there are inflammatory processes in her body. If an infection penetrates, it is retained in a thick secretion. However, when the concentration of bacteria is high, they pass through the plug. Therefore, if heavy discharge appears and its color changes, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.

Method of contraception

To protect against unplanned pregnancy, it is possible to use a natural contraception method by monitoring the quantity and quality of your discharge. To do this, you need to be careful, write down all the phases of the cycle, calculate the days when it becomes possible to use interrupted sexual intercourse.

The secretion changes when you change your diet or take medications (antibiotics, hormones, corticosteroids). These circumstances are taken into account when using this method of contraception.

How cervical mucus changes in different phases of the menstrual cycle and determining fertility by the nature of the secretion

To determine the consistency of the discharge, you need to take a sample from the vagina with your fingers and spread them apart. If they stretch several centimeters, the mucus has become viscous, the pores in it have expanded to allow male reproductive cells to pass through. If the vagina is dry or the discharge is thin, there is no ovulation.

Important! Protection against unwanted pregnancy by counting infertile days of the cycle is not always safe.

Changes in mucus during pregnancy

On early stages During pregnancy, cervical mucus thickens. It forms a dense plug that prevents infection from entering the uterus. This protects the fetus from exposure environment and infectious agents.

When the body prepares for childbirth, the plug comes out. This may happen several weeks before or just before delivery.

Liquefaction of the plug means the appearance of pathological reactions. There are several possible reasons:

• the appearance of an infection that is mixed with the mucous component.

Both conditions are dangerous for the fetus and require immediate medical attention.

Causes of thick mucus consistency

When diagnosing an excessively viscous state of discharge, fertility decreases. This may prevent the desired pregnancy from occurring.

There are several reasons for the thick consistency of mucus:

• an increase in viscosity immediately after sexual intercourse (therefore, doctors recommend abstaining from them before the analysis);
• ovulation has already occurred;
• hormonal imbalance;
• inflammation of the fallopian tubes;
• sexually transmitted diseases;
• (inflammation of the uterine wall).

Important! Changes in the quality and quantity of discharge can lead to infertility. Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to donate cervical fluid for examination.

Reasons for the absence of cervical discharge

There are natural reasons when the discharge stops for a short period of time. For example, the period after ovulation, temporary dehydration of the body due to insufficient water intake. In such conditions specific treatment is not required, secretion will be restored after the cessation of the factor.

The first reason for a pathological decrease in secretion is a hormonal imbalance. Secretion is produced under the influence of sex hormones. If their number is insufficient, the indicator is at the same level or does not stand out at all. Cervical mucus is often released before ovulation.

In a healthy woman, the vaginal microflora is represented by lactobacilli and opportunistic microorganisms. They develop in a slightly acidic environment. If hormonal levels, diet, or acid-base status change, the microflora balance is disrupted. Opportunistic microbes multiply and become pathogenic. This leads to inflammatory reactions. To eliminate the possibility of their penetration into the uterine cavity, the secretion ceases to be produced. This prevents the passage of bacteria. The lumen of the canal narrows.

To timely identify the appearance of the pathogen, a woman must respond to the occurrence of painful symptoms. Abdominal pain appears and spreads down to the genitals. Occur in the vagina discomfort, itching, burning. The discharge takes on an unpleasant odor.

Under the influence of prolonged stressful situations, hormonal imbalances occur in the body. The production of adrenaline increases, which reduces the activity of the genital organs. The longer this condition lasts, the more exhausted the body becomes. This may lead to. If a woman cannot cope with this condition on her own, she should consult a psychologist.

When using cosmetics for intimate hygiene or lubricants (lubricants), a cessation of secretion is often observed. This is due to the effect of chemicals on Bartholin's glands. Their effect is suppressed during the use of the cosmetic product. The condition is reversible and can be corrected by discontinuing the drug.

Cervical mucus analysis

Proper preparation before the test is important to get the right results the first time.

A week before the test, you should not change your usual lifestyle or diet. You can't accept new ones medicines. It is prohibited to have sexual intercourse several days before taking the sample. On the day of testing, you must wash your external genitalia. The test is taken in the morning. It is necessary to calculate the phase of the menstrual cycle. The study can be completed within one week after the end of menstruation. At this time, the secretion has its original form, the maximum amount of sex hormones is produced for the production of cervical fluid.

The doctor takes a smear and sends it to the laboratory immediately, before the cells and substances in it are destroyed.

The following mucus parameters are determined in a smear from the cervical canal:

• volume of secretion;
• viscosity;
• time required for hardening;
• stretching of secretions between glass slides (carried out before examination under a microscope);
• cellular composition revealed in the field of view of a microscope.

The cervical number is the value that is added up after evaluating the above parameters. It can be low (0-7), medium (8-12) and high (13-15). The higher the indicator, the greater the possibility of conceiving a child.

If leukocytes are detected in the field of view of the microscope, then an infectious infection has occurred that requires therapy.

Important! At the time of testing, there should be no inflammatory diseases of the genital organs or infection. Only then will the analysis show the true results.

Another laboratory test is the determination of antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus. These are immunoglobulins that are directed against antigens of male germ cells. They suppress the ability to conceive by destroying sperm and preventing them from passing through the canal.

Before the test, you must abstain from sexual intercourse for three days before the test. They take the test in the middle of the cycle (from 11 to 13 days) before the release of the corpus luteum.

To determine the amount of immunoglobulins of antisperm antibodies, the enzyme immunoassay method is used.

How to thin cervical discharge

To conceive, it is necessary that the cervical fluid be of the desired consistency: viscous, medium thickness. If the secretion thickens excessively, it is necessary to follow the rules for liquefying it. Only the attending physician determines which drug to use to reduce the viscosity of cervical mucus. Self-medication is unacceptable.

The amount of water you drink per day affects the parameters of all biological fluids in the body. The greater the intake of water into the body, the lower the risk of thickening of the secretion. Sometimes simple dehydration reduces fertility.

To change the composition and viscosity of the secretion, oils containing unsaturated fatty acids (primrose oil) are used. Syrups are used that affect the production of secretory substances (guaifenesin). These substances should be used with caution, they can lead to allergic reactions.

To increase the acidic environment of the vagina to a more neutral value, change the diet. To do this, eat more plant foods, minimize meat, dairy products, and coffee. Acid-base properties are improved by products with an antioxidant effect (green tea).

Probiotics will help improve the vaginal microflora and reduce the risk of proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. If there is a genital tract infection, a test is taken to determine the pathogen and the disease is treated. Conception should not occur in an infected body, as this may negatively affect the development of the fetus. During pregnancy, many medications cannot be used.

Cervical mucus is a viscous and transparent biological fluid synthesized by epithelial cells. The biochemical composition and amount of this fluid changes during the menstrual cycle. For example, during the periovulatory period, secretory cells can synthesize up to 0.6 g of this fluid per day, while in the periovulatory period only about 0.05 g is produced. Cervical mucus is a unique biological fluid that consists of complex proteins and carbohydrates (mucin-type glycoproteins ). This mucus can move due to the rhythmic contraction of microvilli, which are localized on epithelial cells. This type of movement of microvilli ensures the removal of male gametes from the cervical canal, which are incapable of fertilization. In addition, the villi ensure the movement of highly active sperm into the uterine cavity. It should be said that cervical mucus supports the vital activity of male gametes located in the female genital organs. Why is this mucus so necessary for sperm? The fact is that they cannot live in the acidic environment of the vagina, and cervical mucus has an alkaline reaction, which protects against death.

Due to the action of progesterone, cervical fluid changes its biochemical composition. Also, the composition of mucus can change significantly under the influence of various modulators, such as estrogens, prostaglandins and relaxin. The possibility of conception depends on the consistency (viscosity) of cervical mucus. If the fluid has a viscous consistency or is insufficient, fertilization will most likely not occur. Today, the influence of modulators on the stroma and muscular layer of the uterus has been studied most thoroughly. It is known that some prostaglandins promote relaxation of the cervix, others - contraction of myocytes of the stroma and muscle layer. Relaxin takes part in the opening of her cervix during the preovulatory period.

Researchers have found that cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. Therefore, there are several types of cervical fluid produced at different periods of the menstrual cycle. After menstruation, there is practically no mucus or too little. vagina is dry. During this period, the likelihood of fertilization is minimal. Many experts call these days “dry”. After some time (3-4 days), the nature of the cervical fluid changes; it becomes more viscous and resembles glue. Male gametes cannot exist in such mucus, but the likelihood of fertilization increases, especially at a time when such fluid is synthesized shortly before ovulation. After this, the mucus liquefies, its consistency resembles a thick cream. This liquid may be white, cloudy or yellowish in color. During this period of the menstrual cycle, a feeling of moisture appears in the vagina, and traces of discharge can be found on the underwear. This mucus supports the vital activity of sperm and also promotes their advancement. During this period, it is best to abstain from sexual intercourse. Before and also after it, the cervical fluid acquires a watery consistency, which resembles, as a rule, it is very viscous and transparent. This mucus can be stretched several centimeters. Discharge from the vagina copious discharge, which leave wet spots on underwear. This type of cervical fluid is most favorable for the advancement, vital activity of sperm, and, of course, for fertilization. These days it is better not to have sex.

A specific fluid that is produced by a woman’s cervix and is necessary, in particular, to maintain the life of sperm in the female genital tract. Since the environment in the vagina is acidic, cervical mucus has an alkaline environment, protecting sperm from death. Cervical mucus is also necessary for sperm movement. That is, its functions resemble those of male seminal fluid. The cervical mucus itself changes during the menstrual cycle under the influence of hormones (estrogen): long before ovulation, no mucus is produced or very little is produced, then production increases, and closer to ovulation, that is, during the greatest possibility of conception, the mucus becomes more liquid, reminiscent of egg protein. If there is not enough mucus, or it is not the right consistency, fertilization will not occur, since the sperm will either die or will not be able to reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.
Changes in cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle
There are several types of cervical mucus that are produced in different time menstrual cycle.
Immediately after menstruation, there is no or very little mucus. The vagina feels dry or feels slightly wet. These days there is no ability to conceive. These days are called dry days.
After a few days, the nature of the mucus changes: it becomes a glue-like consistency. Sperm cannot exist in such mucus, but the likelihood increases, especially if such mucus is observed very shortly before ovulation.
Next, the mucus continues to liquefy and becomes like a thick cream. This mucus may be cloudy, white or yellowish. During this period, a feeling of moisture appears in the vagina, and marks appear on the underwear. Such mucus is already suitable for the life of sperm and their advancement. During these days you should abstain from sexual activity.
Before ovulation, during it, and some time later, the mucus becomes very watery, similar to egg white, and viscous. It is usually transparent and very viscous (can stretch several centimeters). With such mucus, a feeling of very strong moisture appears in the vagina, a “slippery” sensation, and very noticeable wet spots remain on the underwear. This type of mucus is most favorable for the life of sperm, their movement and, consequently, for fertilization. During these days you should abstain from sexual activity.
After ovulation, the amount of estrogen decreases sharply and the cervical mucus begins to change: it becomes thicker and becomes “dry” quite quickly.
Observing changes in cervical mucus is also good because, knowing clearly which mucus is usually normal, a woman can quickly notice abnormalities that may be caused inflammatory process or infection.
To observe, use the following rules:
Every day, three times a day after the end of menstruation, determine the nature of cervical mucus. To do this, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and take a sample of vaginal mucus. It is also possible to take a sample directly from the cervix with your finger.
Look at the quality of the mucus (liquid, sticky, dry)
Check if the mucus is sticky by simply spreading your fingers apart
Check your underwear for stains
Try to make observations as often as possible (for example, when visiting the toilet)
Determine the amount and color of mucus
Try to identify cervical mucus (possibly the presence of male seminal fluid, lubricant. It could also be spermicides, if you use them)
Record the results of the study daily and in detail. Note the consistency of the mucus (dry, sticky, creamy, egg white-like); its viscousness; presence of stains on linen; sensations in the vagina (dry, wet, slippery).
Memo. Remember the following:
After menstrual bleeding ends, most women experience a lack of mucus for several days and the vaginal area feels dry to the touch. These are the so-called dry days.
When any type of mucus is observed before ovulation, the woman is considered fertile (able to become pregnant).
If you experience any mucus or a feeling of moisture in your vagina, you should avoid sexual intercourse.
The last day of slippery, wet mucus is called peak day, which means ovulation is near or has just occurred. After peak day, the mucus becomes thicker and drier. If you are using the cervical mucus method, the peak day is usually a day or two before ovulation. After the rush day, avoid sexual intercourse for the next 3 dry days and nights.
Starting from the morning of the fourth dry day until the start of menstruation, you can have sexual intercourse without fear.
Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation. These days are not safe, since ovulation can also occur during menstruation.
You are unable to conceive:
If before ovulation there has never been cervical mucus (“dry days”) during the day
Starting from the evening of 4 days after the peak and before the start of menstruation, you can have sexual intercourse without fear.
Avoid sexual intercourse on fertile days or use additional methods of contraception!
Failure rate 8%.

(Source: Sexological Dictionary)

See what “Cervical mucus” is in other dictionaries:

- (lat. Cervical mucus; synonyms: cervical mucus, cervical mucus) mucus filling the cervical canal. Forms a plug in the cervix... Wikipedia

Check information. It is necessary to check the accuracy of the facts and reliability of the information presented in this article. There should be an explanation on the talk page. Cervical method (Billing method, Bi method ... Wikipedia

The cervical canal is the canal connecting the uterine cavity and vagina. It has a fusiform shape, external and internal pharynx. The mucous membrane of the cervical canal is lined with columnar epithelium capable of producing mucus. Previously it was believed that... ... Wikipedia

Various changes constantly occur in the female body, which sometimes mislead girls into the presence of any abnormalities. Thus, regular vaginal discharge is normal and has a specific name: cervical mucus. Most often, all changes in this feature of the female body depend on the period of ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

This mucus is a clear or sometimes milky-white liquid with a viscous consistency. The production of mucus occurs during the functioning of the cervical female glands. The secretions contain amino acids, sugars, enzymes, water, electrolytes and glycoproteins. This environment is alkaline. Function of secretions - protection internal organs related to the reproductive system, from various viruses and infections. It also prevents sperm from passing into the uterus.

Conception from cervical mucus

Since cervical mucus does not allow male sperm to pass into the uterus, many people wonder whether it is possible to get pregnant during the period of fluid secretion.

It depends on what consistency the mucus has and what its composition is for a given period of time. Many representatives of the fair sex periodically notice changes in discharge throughout the month. They may decrease or increase.

It has been noted that discharge increases with an increase in hormones that increase the likelihood of conception.

During this same period, there is an increase in estrogen production, thus hormones influence the increase in cervical mucus. The discharge becomes more porous, so the plug becomes very soft and less viscous. It is during this period that the likelihood of conception appears. Sperm caught in the fallopian tubes, will maintain vital activity a little longer.

As soon as ovulation occurs, changes occur in the cervical mucus again. The hormone progesterone affects it and the discharge again acquires a viscous consistency. But as soon as menstruation begins, the same discharge forms into a porous plug and sperm again does not enter the vaginal passage.

Normal cervical mucus

Cervical mucus is also an indicator of the condition of the female genital organs. There are cases when appearance These secretions can determine the presence of abnormalities in the woman’s reproductive system.

However, you can find out more accurate results of the study only through a medical examination. In our clinic, every woman who comes in with a suspicion of a deviation in the normal functioning of the reproductive system will receive the help she expects.

Our institution carries out all the necessary studies of cervical mucus that can identify probable diseases or other pathologies of the patient. To do this, we use only new and proven technology.

Such a natural defense of the body as the secretion of cervical mucus can be perceived by many women as an alternative to contraception. But our doctors always recommend that women who come to them for consultation or appointment not to risk such facts. Since these discharges are individual for each girl. Sometimes their consistency and composition can change under the influence of diseases, stress or any external influences.

As soon as a woman has symptoms of pathology regarding these features, she should contact the appropriate institution in order to find out what caused the deviations.

In our clinic, specialists will not only consult each patient, but also, after conducting an examination and interview, can refer her for additional studies to determine the individual characteristics of cervical mucus. Such an examination will allow a woman to more intelligently relate to the many changes occurring in her body. Also, if violations are identified, we will definitely offer treatment options and a complex of therapy.

Answers on questions

Alika Lazareva

Cervical mucus is a special fluid that is produced by the cervix. The discharge can have varying thickness and viscosity, the color varies from milky white to transparent. Part alkaline secretions includes glycoproteins, electrolytes, amino acids, enzymes, water. The liquid forms a porous barrier that protects against infections.

What kind of discharge is this?

Cervical fluid supports the vital activity of sperm, creating an environment favorable for them. In the vagina it is acidic, so the mucus neutralizes it and helps them move.

During the menstrual cycle, under the influence of hormones, in particular estrogen, the nature of the discharge changes. If ovulation is not yet expected, then there is no mucus or very little is produced. The closer ovulation is, the more fluid appears.

When you ovulate, your cervical fluid becomes thin and looks a bit like egg white. If there is very little such discharge, then sperm will not be able to live in the vagina and fertilization will not occur. Afterwards it thickens again.

Method of contraception

Some women use cervical mucus to identify dangerous and infertile days of the cycle. This method of contraception has the right to life, but requires precision and absolute discipline. Any external factors, e.g. physical exercise, diet, and medications can affect the condition of the mucus, creating confusion.

It is important to observe the nature of the discharge every day in order to create your own calendar of dangerous and non-hazardous days. If you are not planning to become pregnant in the near future, it is better to use additional methods of contraception.

What does the nature of the discharge indicate?

To determine ovulation, you need to learn to distinguish cervical fluid by day
your cycle. It can be of several types, depending on the proximity of ovulation.

The first two days after menstruation are called dry days. The vagina feels dry or slightly wet. These days it is almost impossible to get pregnant. After a few days, the amount of mucus increases; its consistency resembles glue. Spermatozoa can exist in such an environment, but these conditions can hardly be called ideal for them.

When the liquid thins and resembles a cream, this indicates that ovulation will occur soon. Its color becomes yellowish and slightly cloudy. There is moisture in the vagina, and there may be marks on the underwear. Such secretions are suitable for sperm and promote their movement. These days are considered favorable for conception.

When the egg is released, there is a lot of mucus, it becomes viscous and watery. After the amount of liquid decreases, it thickens.

If a woman knows her body, she will be able to recognize deviations. This will help diagnose diseases early stage, determine the presence of infections or inflammatory processes.

Important Rules

In order for the observation to give reliable results, it is necessary to follow the basic rules:

• Each cycle, on the day of the end of menstruation, determine the nature of the fluid, 3 times a day. For
  then wash your hands thoroughly and take a vaginal sample with your finger;
• Determine the quality of mucus: liquid, sticky, dry;
• To check the ductility, simply spread your fingers;
• Check the dryness of your underwear every time you go to the toilet;
• Record the results of your own research.

What functions does it perform?

To figure out what kind of liquid it is in the cervical canal, you need to know its main functions:

• Provides penetration of sperm to the egg;
• Gives male reproductive cells additional strength and energy;
• Protects sperm from leukocytes and the acidic environment of the vagina;
• “Filters” male cells, selecting the strongest.

After a man has an orgasm, the sperm mixes with the lining of the cervix. Sperm can live there for several days, gradually moving to "destination". Those cells that could not survive dissolve in the endometrium. When progesterone is produced, the mucous membrane cannot accept “guests”.

Why is there no mucus?

Some women complain that they experience a lack of cervical fluid during ovulation or have difficulty determining its nature.

This can be caused by a number of factors:

• Vaginal infections;
• The presence of seminal fluid;
• Sexual arousal;
• Ointments and spermicides;
• Antihistamines.

The fluid in the cervical canal removed during menopause should not dry out on your finger until you wash it off. When there is no discharge or it is too dry and in small quantities, even if the woman is in menopause, this may indicate abnormalities.

This phenomenon occurs after therapeutic and surgical interventions, due to hormonal imbalance, endocervical problems. After an examination, the doctor will correct it with estrogen or prescribe another treatment.

In the absence of pregnancy, cervical fluid appears completely normal. Conception may not occur if a woman’s body produces antibodies to male sperm - this is the so-called immunological incompatibility. A woman's antibodies deprive a man's reproductive cells of mobility. In this case, you need to conduct the necessary examinations, determine the disorders that have arisen in the cervical canal, and treat as by medication, and auxiliary, for example, artificial insemination.