Cervical Mucus (CM), Cervical Fluid (CF)
What is it? Cervical fluid is "stuff" (moisture, cream, boogers) found in the vagina, which comes out of the cervix. It varies greatly throughout one's cycle. The vagina is generally very acidic (providing a somewhat hostile environment for sperm). However, around the time of ovulation, the vagina becomes more alkaline and provides nourishment for the sperm, allowing them to swim about. During this "fertile" time, the cervical fluid appears very much like mucus (it is mucus!), and tends to resemble egg whites; thus, the name "EWCM" (egg white cervical mucus). This form of cervical fluid allows the sperm to live long and prosper for the few days around the time of ovulation (this is when one is fertile), and acts as a sort of a ladder up which the sperm can swim straight into the uterus.
Cervical fluid generally follows a pattern of sorts throughout a woman's cycle: Following the menstrual period, there is usually no cervical fluid, and the vagina feels rather dry. After a few days of dryness, some cervical fluid starts to appear that seems somewhat sticky (not wet). The next sort of cervical fluid to arrive on the scene is often creamy in texture. The vagina may now start to feel "wet", and this indicates possible fertility. The most fertile type of cervical fluid now makes its appearance: EWCM. It's slippery and may be stretched several inches (kind of like boogers, ewww!). It is usually clear or a little bit milky, and may be very watery. The vagina feels wet and lubricated. This indicates that one is fertile. If you are trying to get pregnant, this is definitely the time to "do it"! Once ovulation has occurred, the cervical fluid dries up, and the vagina remains dry until the next cycle. However, many women do experience periods of "unexplained" EWCM both before and after ovulation. Also, many women experience blood containing much mucus at the onset of their menstrual period. This is also normal.
What can you do about it? For starters, do not douche, at least during your fertile period! Women have had vaginas for a reallllly long time, and those vaginas are properly designed to provide the proper environment for making babies. The proof of this is the fact that mankind is still around. Rumors abound that one should "douche with baking soda" to make the vagina more alkaline, and so forth. This is unnecessary, and is not a good idea. It will wash out the cervical mucus that is so much needed by the sperm. Further, it can create an overly-alkaline environment in which a candida yeast infection could absolutely thrive. Ouch!
Now, there are various supplements that some people find to be helpful in creating more EWCM. See the "Supplements in TTC & Pregnancy" section for more information on this.
It should also be noted that hormone deficiencies, and in particular low estrogen, can cause "dry vagina". So if you find that you tend to have this condition, see a doctor or certified nutritionist and have your hormones checked. Make sure your doctor also checks your cortisol levels (adrenal glands), because if this is low, it could easily be the basic cause of the low estrogen and/or progesterone.
Checking cervical mucus. You can check cervical mucus to help determine whether you are in your fertile period (EWCM) or maybe getting near to it (creamy). WASH YOUR HANDS first! You can do this sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg up on a footstool, squatting, or in the shower – whatever works best for you. Just go for it and stick your finger up there, and see what you find! Don't worry about "removing" the cervical mucus and thus leaving none for the spermies – there is plenty more where it came from – the cervix!
