Categorising your cervical mucus (also known as cervical fluid) can take time to learn. Doing so under the guidance of an instructor is the best way to ensure you stay protected from unintended pregnancy during the learning phase. You can find an instructor by clicking here. If an instructor isn’t within financial reach for you right now, you can also read about self-teaching here.
It can be really helpful to look at photos to familiarise yourself with different types of cervical mucus. Below you will find images of both ‘non-peak’ and ‘peak-type’ cervical mucus. Hover over a photo to see the description.
Remember, ALL cervical mucus (regardless of whether it is non-peak or peak-type) is considered fertile prior to confirming ovulation.
Have an image you would like to contribute to help others learn? Please send it via email to hello@penandpaperfertility.com!
Below is a ‘textbook’ example of how cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle under the influence of the ovarian hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Remember, this is a textbook cycle – most women will discover they have their own unique patterns – an instructor will help you learn how to categorise them.
A note on “cell slough”. The lining of your vagina naturally sheds its top layer of skin cells in the same way that the rest of your skin does. This is known as cell slough, and is not the same as cervical mucus. You are more likely to make confusing observations (due to vaginal moisture and cell slough) if you are doing internal checks. Internal checks are (in the majority of cases) unnecessary. If you’re doing internal checks, you should be aware that you may be more likely to encounter cell slough and therefore overestimate the number of days of your cycle where you are seeing cervical mucus.
I recommend that if you are a self-taught charter you should consider all secretions you see to be potentially mucus. The only time I would recommend classifying a secretion as cell slough is if you are working closely with an instructor to establish a non-dry BIP (Basic Infertile Pattern). Otherwise, always err on the side of caution and consider all secretions to be cervical mucus.
Non-Peak Cervical Mucus
A whitish milky/creamy cervical secretion. The user likely feels a moist sensation at the vulva.
A whitish/yellowish gummy/tacky cervical secretion. The user likely feels a moist sensation at the vulva.
A whitish sticky/tacky secretion. The user likely feels a dry or moist sensation at the vulva.
A whitish sticky/creamy cervical secretion. The user likely feels a moist sensation at the vulva. Appears to reluctantly stretch less than 1/2 inch.
A cloudy creamy/clotty looking cervical secretion. The user likely feels a moist sensation at the vulva.
A whitish/yellowis sticky looking cervical secretion. The user likely feels a moist sensation at the vulva.
Peak-type Cervical Mucus
Due to the very high water content, peak-type cervical fluid will often leave a wet spot in the users underwear.
Some women experience peak-type fluid with a water content so high that they can no longer pick it up or stretch it. These watery secretions are very lubricative and slippery, and are also considered to be peak-type.
This user has found both non-peak cervical fluid, and peak-type cervical fluid during a single external check. You can see a thin strand of clear mucus running through the creamy mucus. This is considered a ‘transitional’ day. It’s important to always mark the most fertile type of cervical fluid seen during the day; therefore, this user marks ‘peak-type’ on the chart.
Clear/cloudy
Slippery
Stretches WELL over 1 inch
Spotting can mask the presence of cervical mucus, and can be also be present around the time of ovulation due to heavily fluctuating oestrogen levels. Spotting is always considered a “peak type” observation.
Not everyone will see large quantities of peak type cervical mucus. Even if you only see a small amount, this still counts and must be marked on your chart.
Crystal clear / white-streaked
Slippery sensation
Stretches over an inch
Clear
Lubricative
Stretches over an inch
Crystal clear / yellow-tinged
Lubricative
Stretches over an inch
Crystal clear
Lubricative
Stretches over an inch
The water content of this cervical mucus is so high that it presents simply as slippery lubricative fluid gushing at the vaginal entrance.
Clear/cloudy
Lubricative
Stretches over an inch
Yellowish/cloudy
Slippery sensation
Stretches over an inch
Clear/cloudy
Lubricative
Stretches over an inch
Clear
Lubricative
Stretches around an inch
Clear/cloudy
Lubricative sensation
Stretches over an inch
Cloudy
Slippery sensation
Stretches over 1 inch
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