CERVICAL MUCUS METHOD

-is a type of natural family planning also known as fertility awareness-based methods.

- is based on careful observation of mucus (vaginal discharge) patterns during the course of your
menstrual cycle.

-Before ovulation, cervical secretions change — creating an environment that helps sperm travel
through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes to the egg. By recognizing the changing characteristics of
your cervical mucus, you can predict when you'll ovulate, which can help you determine when you're
most likely to conceive.

-The cervical mucus method can be used as a way to identify fertile times to help you gauge the best
days to have or avoid unprotected sex.

HOW TO USE THE CERVICAL MUCUS METHOD?

You have to feel and look at your mucus (or discharge) every, single day, and record what you notice on
a special chart. You can start tracking your mucus the day after your period stops completely.

 Step 1: Examine the secretions that come out of your vagina each day after your menstrual
bleeding ends. You can do this by collecting the mucus from your vaginal opening with your
fingers. Note that it’s best to wipe them from front to back when you do this.
 Step 2: Record the state of your mucus daily on your fertility calendar. Be sure to take note of
the color (yellow, white, clear or cloudy), the consistency (thick, sticky, or stretchy) and the feel
(dry, wet, sticky, slippery, stretchy) of your cervical mucus.
 Step 3: Make a note about your likely ovulation date as it approaches so that you know to take
advantage of the coming date. Remember, ovulation is recorded on the day that your mucus is
clearest, slippery and most stretchy.

CHANGES TO CERVICAL MUCUS

The amount, color, and consistency of cervical mucus each cycle is different for everyone. General
changes to expect might include the following:

 During your menstrual period. Blood will cover the mucus, so you likely won’t notice it during
these days.
 After period. Immediately following your period, you may have dry days. On these days, you
might not notice any discharge.
  Before ovulation. Your body produces mucus before an egg is released, or before ovulation
occurs. It may be yellow, white, or cloudy. The mucus may feel gluey or stretchy in consistency.
 Immediately before ovulation. Just prior to ovulation, your estrogen levels are rising. You may
see more clear, stretchy, watery, and slippery mucus. This mucus may remind you of the
consistency of egg whites.
 During ovulation. The clear, stretchy mucus that’s the consistency of egg whites will be present
during ovulation. The texture and pH of this mucus are protective for sperm.
 After ovulation. There’ll be less discharge after ovulation. It may turn thicker, cloudy, or gluey
again. Some women experience dry days during this time.

CHECKING CERVICAL MUCUS

There are a few ways to check changes to cervical mucus. Be sure to wash your hands before and after
performing any of the following methods.

 Manually

Track your mucus daily by inserting a clean finger or two into your vagina, near the cervix. Remove your
finger and note the color and texture of the mucus on your fingers.

 Toilet paper

Wipe the opening of your vagina with white toilet tissue. Do this before you pee or use the restroom.
Note the color and consistency of the mucus or discharge on the tissue.

 Check underwear or a panty liner

Look for changes in discharge on your underwear daily. Or, use a panty liner to track changes.
Depending on the color of your underwear and the amount of time that’s passed, this method may be
less reliable than other methods.

RISKS

- Using the cervical mucus method for birth control doesn't pose any direct risks, but it doesn't offer
protection from sexually transmitted infections.

-The risk of unintended pregnancy with the cervical mucus method is somewhat higher than with other
methods of birth control. It's estimated that as many as 23 out of 100 women practicing the cervical
mucus method for birth control will get pregnant in the first year of typical use. But, with correct use,
the pregnancy rate may be as low as 3 out of 100 women a year using the cervical mucus method for
birth control.

-Formal training is usually required to master the cervical mucus method. This method also necessitates
ongoing, rigorous daily monitoring.

Pros

 Tracking your cervical mucus for either fertility or contraceptive purposes is inexpensive and
doesn't have any side effects.
  This fertility planning method is the only one that does not require you to review previous cycles
for comparison when tracking an ovulation date - meaning using it can give you a better chance
of becoming pregnant sooner.

Cons

 Many women have found that they’re initially uncomfortable or unsure about interpreting what
their cervical mucus is saying about their cycles. Tracking incorrectly or misinterpreting a mucus
reading as a result of this uncertainty can throw off your findings.
 If you use this method, you cannot douche or use spermicides, as it will increase your risk of
infection and may wash away or change the appearance of your mucus.

Tracking Your Natural Fertility: The Cervical Mucus Method. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.storkotc.com/blog/tracking-your-natural-fertility-the-cervical-mucus-method/

Chertoff, J. (2017, Dec. 11). Guide to cervical mucus. Retrieved from

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/cervical-mucus#checking

Cervical mucus method for natural family planning. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/about/pac-20393452

What's the cervical mucus method of FAMs? (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-cervical-mucus-
method-fams