Cervical Mucus Changes
A woman’s vaginal discharge can be indicative of many things. Contrary to what others may think, vaginal discharge is not always pathologic and can give clues to regular changes going through the body. It is essential to note the discharge’s color, consistency, and smell to rule out other diseases. Abnormal discharge may be characterized as foul smelling, usually yellowish or green, can be thick or frothy, and can be associated with itchiness and discomfort in the perineal area. Such symptoms require immediate consultation with a health care provider.
At the time of ovulation, vaginal discharge, more appropriately referred to as cervical mucus, becomes more abundant, thin, clear, and slippery. It can be characterized as having the consistency of an egg white and can be stretched between the fingers to evaluate its consistency further. Some women use this method to track fertility. This is called the Billings Ovulation Method. It is crucial to familiarize oneself with the changes in the cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle to pinpoint more accurately the timing of ovulation. At other times of the cycle, cervical mucus can be scanty, cloudy, sticky, or even dry.
