Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle and is one of the most common signs of ovulation. Women already know what mucus is like ovulation? Besides mucus what are the other signs of ovulation women need to know?
What is cervical mucus?
Cervical mucus is secreted by glands in and around the cervix, which are responsible for preventing foreign objects from entering the uterus and nourishing, helping sperm pass through the cervix to meet the egg. In addition, this substance also works to moisturize and balance the vaginal environment.
During a cycle, cervical mucus frequently changes status due to hormone changes in the female body. Just before ovulation, the hormone estrogen alters the properties of mucus to make it easier for the sperm to survive and swim into the egg. After ovulation, the mucus is again changed by the hormone progesterone to prevent sperm (and any other foreign substance) from entering the uterus.
How mucus is ovulating?
Usually the vaginal discharge is somewhat thick, clear, can be brown or bright red, slightly sticky. Mucus can drain a lot at once, continuously or in small increments for a few days, without smell.
Dry and thick, darker, sticky and duller: Eggs are not yet released
Sticky, creamy or lotion-like form, cloudy, pale in color: Ovulation day is coming
Wet, watery, and slightly elastic mucus: Ovulation day is very near
Clear, watery mucus, with good adhesion, can stretch between fingers about 2.5 cm or more and like raw egg whites, discharge more than usual: This is the time of ovulation egg.
Mucus will disappear 2-3 days after ovulation and accompanied by symptoms such as tingling stomach pain, uncomfortable chest tightness ... Women simply remember that when mucus appears much more, moist Wet and slippery like egg whites means ovulation time has come. In these days the likelihood of a successful pregnancy is very high.
On the other hand, there are cases where a lot of mucus is a sign of gynecological diseases. If the color of the fluid changes, the fluid smells bad, the woman should see a specialist for prompt treatment.
How to check cervical mucus?
To check cervical mucus, women should follow these steps:
Wash your hands with antiseptic soap and dry your hands
Choose a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet, squatting, standing and placing one foot on the tub or toilet
Place one finger inside the vagina (index finger recommended). Be careful not to scratch your vagina. There is no need to put your hand in too deeply, ideally near the cervix
Remove the finger from the vagina and observe the density of the cervical mucus. Use your index finger and thumb to hold the mucus, then slowly separate the two fingers.
Note when examining cervical mucus
Do not check the mucus after sexual intercourse because it will be difficult to distinguish vaginal fluid, semen from cervical mucus
If the mucus cannot be obtained by using fingers, a woman can check the bottom of her underwear or on toilet paper after using the toilet.
Many factors can affect the secretion of mucus and the properties of cervical mucus such as: antihistamines, psychological stress, diet, too rapid changes in weight ...
If women do not see the appearance of cervical mucus then it is advisable to see a specialist as this is most likely a sign of hormonal imbalance or a problem with the female reproductive tract.
Do not attempt to wash off natural vaginal discharge, as it provides a balanced pH environment for beneficial bacteria in the vagina to grow.
Other signs of ovulation
Expression ovulation is different for every woman, one of the women may not notice the signs of ovulation. The time of ovulation in each person is also different, besides observing the uterine mucus, women can completely recognize some of the most common signs of ovulation as follows:
Change in body temperature: Before ovulation, body temperature usually decreases slightly and will rise after ovulation, usually no more than 1 ° C increase.
The chest is fuller and tighter. The nipples are more sensitive. The pain will continue until the onset of the menstrual cycle and the severity of pain varies from woman to woman
Smell becomes more sensitive: Women become quite sensitive to odors, especially musk and male pheromone androtesnone.
The libido increases due to an increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. At this stage, women also become very attractive in the eyes of their partners. The libido increase will last about 6 days
Mild pain or pain in the lower abdomen (ovulation pain - Mettelschmerz). The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours. Women may also experience cramps, nausea, migraines, or headaches
Spots of blood: Spots of blood appear at the bottom of the underwear when the follicle surrounds and protects the oocyte, leading to bleeding. As the blood dries, the blood spot turns brown, causing the secretions to turn red, brown or dark brown.
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