Many natural processes in the body may seem simple or unimportant, and because of that, they’re often overlooked when thinking about reproductive health. However, these can tell us a lot about what’s happening inside the body. Take cervical mucus, for instance. Although it may not draw much attention, its presence, texture, and timing can say a lot about fertility. In particular, egg-white cervical mucus is often considered a key sign that ovulation is near.
However, what happens if no egg white cervical mucus is noticed during the menstrual cycle? Does this indicate any potential fertility issues? If so, what can be done to resolve this? Find the answer to these questions and more in this article!
Cervical mucus refers to the fluid produced by the cervix, and usually seen when it comes out from the vagina. The volume, texture and colour of this fluid change as the menstrual cycle progresses, and consequently, it can be considered as an indicator of the hormonal shifts that occur at different stages.
The cervical mucus has two roles to perform:
1. It helps the sperm to swim through the cervical tract to reach the fallopian tube, where an egg may be waiting to be fertilised during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle.
2. It acts as a protective barrier that prevents the entry of disease-causing pathogens, such as bacteria, into the uterus.
There are typically four types of cervical mucus that can be noticed during a woman’s menstrual cycle. These are:
This may feel like paste and can appear white or light yellow in colour.
Soft and smooth and usually white in colour.
Light, wet, thin and clear. It may feel a bit slippery.
Slippery, stretchy, and clear, much like raw egg whites.
Let’s take a quick look at how the texture, colour and volume of cervical mucus change during a menstrual cycle:
During your period, blood flow usually covers the cervix during menstruation, making it hard to notice any mucus.
After your period, there may be very little to no mucus. If present, it may feel dry or sticky and often appears white or yellow.
During this time, estrogen levels will rise, leading to increased mucus production. The mucus will be quite thick. It may become creamy, moist and smooth.
Just before and during ovulation, cervical mucus becomes most fertile. It turns clear, slippery, and stretchy, just like raw egg whites. This usually lasts around 3 to 4 days. These are the most fertile days in your cycle, when the chances of pregnancy are highest. If there is sexual intercourse during this period, there is a high chance of conception, as this type of mucus helps the sperm to travel to the fallopian tube.
Following ovulation, the amount of mucus often drops suddenly. It may become cloudy, sticky, or thick again, signalling the end of the fertile window.
In the final days before your next period, you may notice little to no mucus. The cervix often feels dry again during this time. At the end of the cycle, your period will start again, with the uterine lining being shed. Once again, there will be menstrual bleeding and the cycle restarts.
Observing cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle can offer helpful insights into fertility, especially for those who are trying to conceive a baby.
To check the consistency of cervical mucus and confirm the presence of EWCM, women can use their fingers or toilet paper to gently remove a small amount of mucus from the vagina. They can also check if there is any residue of the mucus on their underwear and get a sample from that. Once a sample is procured, place it between two fingers and see if it stretches at least an inch or two. It should be clear, slippery, and soft, and resemble raw egg whites.
As stated earlier, one of the main functions of the cervical mucus is to facilitate the transportation of the sperm to the fallopian tube so that it may fertilise the egg that was released during ovulation. Of the four types of cervical mucus, egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) is considered the most fertile. Its slippery and stretchy texture helps sperm swim more easily through the cervix and into the uterus, thus improving the chances of fertilisation.
This type of mucus usually appears a few days before the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, thus marking the most fertile time of the cycle. During a 28-day menstrual cycle, EWCM is typically observed between days 10 and 14 and lasts for approximately three to four days.
EWCM production not only helps sperm travel but also creates a healthy environment for them by balancing pH and offering nourishment. It may even help filter out weaker sperm, allowing the strongest ones to reach the egg and thus aid the natural process of conception.
It is a myth that when there is a lack of cervical mucus, ovulation may not occur. Egg white cervical mucus is just one of the indicators of ovulation. There are other indicators, such as slightly elevated basal body temperature, tenderness in the breasts, increased libido (sex drive), etc., that mildly signal the onset of ovulation.
EWCM may be absent due to the following reasons:
● Hormonal Imbalances
Optimal levels of hormones, such as estrogen, are vital for the production of EWCM. Abnormal hormone levels due to conditions like thyroid disorders or PCOS may lead to an absence of EWCM.
● Incorrect Checking
Sometimes, fertile cervical mucus missing may be due to the wrong methods utilised for checking the cervical mucus, thereby leading to inaccurate results.
● Medications
Intake of medications like antihistamines and hormone pills can lead to changes in the cervical mucus. Consequently, the mucus may appear dry, instead of stretchy, during ovulation.
● Lifestyle Factors
Inappropriate habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, along with a lack of exercise and sleep, may cause detrimental changes to the body. Such unhealthy lifestyles, coupled with stress, can also influence EWCM production.
● Vaginal Infections
Infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) or other illnesses may cause abnormalities in the cervical tract, leading to an absence of EWCM.
● Dehydration
Reduced fluid intake can cause a reduction or even absence of cervical mucus.
● Age
As women age and approach menopause, changes in hormone levels result in alterations in the volume and texture of cervical mucus.
● Feminine Hygiene Products and Douching
The texture and consistency of natural secretions, such as cervical mucus, can be altered if harsh feminine hygiene products are used to clean the vaginal area.
If ovulation has occurred and there are no abnormalities in the reproductive system, it is still possible to get pregnant even if there is no egg-white cervical mucus. While the presence of EWCM is not essential for conception, it can aid in the process. The texture and composition of this type of cervical mucus are ideal for transporting sperm to the fallopian tube. So, women with no EWCM may take a bit longer to get pregnant than others.
To improve fertility mucus needs to feel stretchy and slippery. Here are a few tips that might be helpful in ensuring the presence of EWCM:
● Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
● Avoid harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco.
● Engage in regular exercise and ensure you get enough sleep on time.
● Avoid using feminine products like douches, etc., that contain harmful chemicals.
● Consume nutrient-rich food.
● After consultation, use health supplements that boost fertility. Evening primrose oil supplements contain nutrients that are believed to aid cervical mucus production.
Cervical mucus is an important indicator of fertility, and the presence of egg white cervical mucus can be used to confirm ovulation. If any abnormalities in texture, colour, or volume are noticed, it is best to consult a gynaecologist at the earliest opportunity to rule out any issues with the reproductive system.
