Cervical mucus is a vaginal discharge that is correlated with the phase of a woman's menstrual cycle. The observation of cervical mucus is important in fertility monitoring and is sometimes used by many couples when planning their offspring. It should be emphasized that the diagnostic value of this parameter as a determinant of fertility is difficult to estimate, the influence of additional factors modulating the quality of vaginal discharge should be assessed.
Cervical mucusis a type of mucus secretion produced by the glands in the cervix. The amount, consistency, and thus color are closely correlated with the concentration of female sex hormones: progesterone and estrogens.
The phase of the menstrual cycle affects the quality of vaginal discharge.
The production of mucus is caused by the secretory glands located in the vicinity of the cervix, which produce 20-60 mg of mucus per day, the amount of which increases successively and in the peri-ovulation period, i.e. the highest fertility, it is even 600 mg per day.
As mentioned at the beginning, the consistency of the mucus as well as the quantity are closely correlated with the phase of the menstrual cycle and fertility.
Therefore, vaginal discharge is either to facilitate or hinder the passage of sperm into the released egg for fertilization.
Composition of the cervical mucus
Taking into account the chemical structure of cervical mucus, about 90% of its composition is water. The cervical mucus is more or less hydrated depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
In the middle of the cycle, i.e. around the ovulatory time, nearly 98% is water, and only 2% is the remaining ingredients. These are mainly electrolytes, including calcium, sodium, potassium and organic compounds, such as glucose, amino acids and proteins.
The main representatives of the latter group are mucins, which are responsible for the viscosity of the mucus. In addition, in a small concentration, cervical mucus contains zinc, copper, iron, and free fatty acids.
It has been proven that in a small concentration it is enriched with enzymes such as amylase or hormonally active substances - prostaglandins.
When examining vaginal discharge in a microscope, we see its structure resembling a micellar network in which there are so-called lumen, i.e. free places that can contain a diameter slightly smaller than the sperm head.
There isis a type of protection that does not allow male reproductive cells that move much slower to enter the egg.
Cervical mucus in the fertile period
In the fertile period, especially around the ovulatory period, the amount of vaginal discharge increases in relation to the initial or final stage of the menstrual cycle. We call this mucus estrogenic, because its morphology depends on the action of estrogens.
The cervical mucus, characteristic of this period, gives a feeling of moisture in the vagina, it is slippery and stretchy. All this ensures the free passage of male reproductive cells to the egg and contributes to fertilization.
Moreover, the composition of this mucus is very sperm-friendly. It contains substances that protect against the acidic environment of the vagina.
The cervical mucus has several essential functions:
- first, it allows the filtration of sperm cells and only he althy sperm are passed through, which is guaranteed by the network of connections visible in the microscopic image with free spaces only for he althy sperm
- secondly, thanks to its properties, it allows the transport of sperm to the target
- thirdly, it also has the effect of adapting the sperm to the further path.
Cervical mucus in the infertile period
Contrary to cervical mucus in the fertile period, when the body is under the influence of estrogens, cervical mucus has the opposite effect when exposed to progesterone.
Its job is to prevent sperm cells from reaching the egg.
This is due to the change in the nature of the mucus. It becomes dense and non-stretchable, preventing sperm from penetrating the egg.
When to observe cervical mucus
Observations of cervical mucus are extremely important in the period when the couple are planning offspring. By maintaining a he althy lifestyle, a balanced diet, you can estimate when it is worth having intercourse for fertilization.
We do not examine the cervical mucus inside the vagina, but every day in the morning, after urinating, gently wipe off its remnants, and then wipe it a second time, and then a trace of this vaginal discharge remains on the toilet paper.
You should assess its appearance, determine its extensibility after touching it, and use your sense of smell to check the smell, which may be the first symptom of infection.
It should be remembered that the lack of mucus is also an observation and it is a sign of infertile days. All this information should be carefully recorded.
Cervical mucus playsmoreover, a role in pregnant women. Well, the thick mucus that appears during this period creates the so-called mucus plug, which is to close the lumen of the cervical canal.
This prevents the drainage of amniotic fluid, and also has a protective (anti-bacterial) effect on the developing fetus. As the gestational age progresses and the cervix dilates, the plug begins to gradually come out.
Most often it falls on the first stage of labor or the time immediately before.