Your cervical mucous has a lot to do with getting pregnant. This substance helps carry the sperm to the egg through the cervix and uterus. Any changes in the cervical mucous that prevent this process or cause problems can be detrimental to the process.

What It Is

When you are not ovulating, the mucous around your cervix is a thick substance. As you get closer to ovulation, this mucous thins out. It becomes stretchier and is able to help carry the sperm where it needs to go.

You may notice changes sometimes when you use the bathroom. This cervical mucous is quite heavy at times. If it is heavy, you may wear a pad during this mid portion of your cycle to protect your clothing. When you wipe, you find that you need to wipe several times to remove the mucous. The good news is that the stringier the mucous is the more fertile you probably are!

Steps to Check Mucous

To check the cervical mucous in a more controlled way, you will actually want to feel that mucous. Begin by washing your hands and under your nails. If you do not clean your hands and nails thoroughly, you run the risk of bringing more bacteria into this moist and warm environment, which is the perfect breeding ground for infections. These infections are usually minor but do affect your ability to get pregnant.

While sitting on the toilet, insert your index finger inside your vagina until you feel the soft tip of your cervix. It will feel wet and different from the tissue of your vagina. With your finger, touch the cervical mucous and try to scoop a bit out to test with your fingers.

If you find that you have trouble reaching your cervix, you can also try to reach your cervix by having your partner assist you. He must wash his hands thoroughly as well. It is easier for him to reach your cervix to check for the changes if you are kneeling on the bed or floor. Entering the vagina from behind will help him find the cervix more easily. You can also try to drop your chest down a bit if he is having trouble.

What It Means

Once outside your body, examine the mucous. You will want to determine the quantity of the mucous, the quality of the mucous, and anything else you notice about it.

You may find that there is not much mucous present. This indicates a period of low fertility. When there is mucous but you cannot stretch it or it is tacky in sensation, it is also not fertile. Mucous that is on its way to being fertile is usually white in color and slightly stretchy.

To stretch your mucous you simply put two fingers together and pull them apart. Ask yourself, how far does the mucous stretch? When you try to stretch it between two fingers, or your finger and thumb, you will find that non-fertile mucous doesn't stretch very far. You may find this type of cervical mucous during most of your cycle.

The cervical mucous that is said to be fertile is very different. You will find that the color is clear to opaque. This type of mucous easily stretches between your fingers. It is often likened to egg whites because it is similar in consistency and color. These are all signs that your body is ready for conception.