Cervical Mucus

The fluid produced by the cervix that changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle and plays a role in fertility.

Cervical Mucus: What It Is and How It Changes

Cervical mucus is a fluid that comes out of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical mucus has several functions, such as:

  • Cleaning and protecting the vagina from infections and irritations.
  • Lubricating the vagina and making sex more comfortable.
  • Indicating your fertility and ovulation.

Cervical mucus is normal and healthy, and it can vary in colour, texture, amount, and smell, depending on different factors. In this article, we will explain what cervical mucus is, what causes it to change, and when it may indicate a problem.

What is normal cervical mucus?

Normal cervical mucus is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow, and it has a mild or no odour. It can be thin and watery, or thick and sticky, depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle, your hormonal levels, and your sexual arousal. Normal cervical mucus can also change during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

Normal cervical mucus helps to:

  • Clean and protect the vagina from infections and irritations. Cervical mucus contains antibodies and enzymes that can fight off harmful bacteria and fungi, and prevent them from entering the uterus. Cervical mucus also helps to maintain the pH balance and the flora of the vagina, which are essential for a healthy vaginal environment.

  • Lubricate the vagina and make sex more comfortable. Cervical mucus provides natural lubrication for the vagina, which can reduce friction and pain during sex. Cervical mucus can also enhance sexual pleasure and arousal, as it can increase the sensitivity of the clitoris and the vaginal walls.

  • Indicate your fertility and ovulation. Cervical mucus can help you predict when your most fertile days are by tracking the changes in your cervical mucus throughout your menstrual cycle. This method is called the cervical mucus method of natural family planning. You can check your cervical mucus by using your fingers, a tissue, or a panty liner, and observing its colour, texture, amount, and smell.

    Generally, the more wet, slippery, and stretchy your cervical mucus is, the more fertile you are. The most common analogy used for super fertile cervical mucus is looking and feeling like raw egg whites. If you see that texture, you will know you’re at your most fertile time. After ovulation, your cervical mucus goes back to thick and dry.

What causes abnormal cervical mucus?

Abnormal cervical mucus is any mucus that is different from your usual mucus in colour, texture, amount, or smell. Abnormal cervical mucus can be a sign of an infection or a disease, especially if other symptoms, such as itching, burning, pain, bleeding, or fever accompany it.

Some of the common causes of abnormal cervical mucus are:

  • Yeast infection: a fungal infection that causes white, thick, and cottage cheese-like mucus, along with itching, burning, and redness of the vulva and vagina. Yeast infections are more likely to occur when the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed by antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.

  • Bacterial vaginosis: a bacterial infection that causes grey, thin, and fishy-smelling mucus, along with itching, burning, and inflammation of the vulva and vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is more likely to occur when the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed by douching, multiple sexual partners, or a new sexual partner.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): infections that are spread through sexual contact, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. STIs can cause yellow, green, or frothy mucus, along with pain, bleeding, sores, or warts in the genital area. STIs can also increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection that can damage the reproductive organs and cause infertility.

  • Cervical or endometrial cancer: cancers that affect the cervix or the lining of the uterus. Cancers can cause brown, pink, or bloody mucus, along with abnormal bleeding, pain, or weight loss. Cancers can be detected by a Pap smear, a test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

How is abnormal cervical mucus diagnosed and treated?

If you notice any changes in your cervical mucus that are unusual or bothersome, you should see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment. Your provider may ask you about your medical history, sexual history, symptoms, and menstrual cycle. They may also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to look for any signs of infection or disease. They may also take a sample of your mucus and send it to a laboratory for testing.

The treatment of abnormal cervical mucus will depend on the cause and the severity of your condition. Some of the possible treatments are:

  • Antifungal medications: creams, suppositories, or pills that are used to treat yeast infections. You can get some of these medications over the counter, but you may need a prescription for others. You should follow the instructions and complete the course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve.

  • Antibiotics: pills or injections that are used to treat bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, or PID. You may need a prescription for these medications, and you should take them as directed and finish the course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner are cured, and get tested again after treatment to make sure the infection is gone.

  • Antiviral medications: pills or creams that are used to treat genital herpes. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but they cannot cure the infection. You should take them as prescribed and avoid sexual contact during an outbreak.

  • Surgery: a procedure that is used to remove or treat cervical or endometrial cancer. The type and extent of surgery will depend on the stage and location of the cancer and your personal preferences. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, and may affect your fertility and hormone levels.

How can you prevent abnormal cervical mucus?

You can prevent abnormal cervical mucus by taking care of your cervical and vaginal health and hygiene and avoiding or treating any infections or diseases that may cause it. Some of the tips to prevent abnormal cervical mucus are:

  • Keep your vagina clean and dry. Wash your vulva with warm water and mild soap, and dry it gently with a clean towel. Avoid douching, as it can disturb the balance of the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection. Change your underwear, pads, or tampons regularly, and wear cotton or breathable fabrics that allow air circulation.

  • Practise safe sex. Use condoms or dental dams every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex, unless you are in a monogamous relationship with a tested and trusted partner. Limit your number of sexual partners, and get tested for STIs regularly. If you have any symptoms of an STI, seek treatment as soon as possible, and inform your partner(s) so they can get tested and treated too.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, as they can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. Manage your stress levels, as stress can affect your hormone levels and your cervical mucus.

  • Monitor your cervical mucus. Pay attention to the colour, texture, amount, and smell of your cervical mucus, and how it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. If you notice any abnormal or unusual changes, see your healthcare provider for a check-up and treatment.

Conclusion

Cervical mucus is a fluid that comes out of the cervix, and it has several functions, such as cleaning and protecting the vagina, lubricating the vagina and making sex more comfortable, and indicating your fertility and ovulation. Cervical mucus is normal and healthy, and it can vary in colour, texture, amount, and smell, depending on different factors. 

However, abnormal cervical mucus can be a sign of an infection or a disease, especially if other symptoms accompany it. You should see your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your cervical mucus, and follow their advice on diagnosis and treatment. You can also prevent abnormal cervical mucus by taking care of your cervical and vaginal health and hygiene and avoiding or treating any infections or diseases that may cause it.

SOURCES