Cervical Mucus Method
Updated:The Cervical Mucus Method is a natural family planning technique that involves tracking changes in cervical mucus to predict fertility. This method relies on observing and interpreting the consistency, color, and amount of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle to identify the most fertile days. Women use this information to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.
Additional Information
Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. As ovulation approaches, the mucus becomes clearer, more slippery, and stretchy (often compared to egg whites), which is ideal for sperm survival and transport. After ovulation, the mucus becomes thicker and less abundant.
To use this method effectively, women need to check their cervical mucus daily and record their observations. It's often used in combination with other fertility awareness methods, such as tracking basal body temperature, for increased accuracy.
Examples
A woman notices her cervical mucus becoming clear and stretchy, indicating she's entering her fertile window.
A couple using the Cervical Mucus Method chooses to abstain from intercourse or use barrier methods during days with fertile-type mucus to avoid pregnancy.