7 Lesser Known Facts about Cervical Mucus

The Creighton Method is often known as the mucus method. This is because it requires monitoring of cervical mucus alone to track fertility. More often than not, the women I teach have some idea of the white stuff ‘down there’ but have not really paid much attention to it. When they learn the role mucus plays in their fertility and how it can be used as a biomarker for gynaecological health, their minds are blown! Cervical mucus is like the unsung hero in the story of healthy fertility. Here is a bit about what it does.

1) Cervical mucus helps to create the perfect environment for sperm. The vagina is naturally an acidic environment which is hostile to sperm. Cervical mucus helps to neutralise that environment which helps nourish sperm and helps them to survive.

2) Sperm without cervical mucus die within hours but sperm with cervical mucus can live for 3-5 days.

3) Cervical mucus acts as a filter for unhealthy sperm preventing them from coming into contact with the egg.

4) Cervical mucus forms channels that provide healthy sperm with a pathway to the egg via the fallopian tubes.

5) Once ovulation has passed, the cervix closes and produces a thicker type of mucus which creates a plug at the entrance of the womb and prevents sperm from entering.

6) The presence of cervical mucus is a good indication that you are in your fertile window.

7) There are many things that can have an impact on your cervical mucus: oestrogen levels, fluid intake, antibiotic and antihistamine use to name a few.

If you would like to learn more about tracking your cycles using the mucus method, click here to start.