Improving Cervical Fluid
Cervical mucus is one of our most cherished and reliable fertility signs. Once you get the hang of it, checking your cervical mucus can be an efficient way to know your fertility status on any given day.
The beginning of the cycle is called day 1, the first day of the menstrual bleed. After bleeding is finished, the cervix produces a thick acidic mucus, often called infertile mucus, that is designed to prevent sperm from being able to pass through the cervix. The cervix protects the reproductive system from bacteria and other pathogens this way as well. The sensation that you feel during infertile times is dry.
When the fertile window opens, the daily sensation of your vulva changes from dry to wet, and there are changes to the amount of cervical fluid exiting the body. That means it is visible at your vulva, or on your underwear or toilet tissue. Fertile cervical mucus is intimately tied to the hormone estrogen, and as estrogen levels rise, the glands in the cervix are activated to produce more lubricative, wet, slick, stretchy, creamy, and watery types of mucus. This fluid is full of nutrients for sperm, is less acidic and more neutral in pH, and helps healthy sperm move up the reproductive tract.
The lubricative sensation may last for about 6-9 days and is what we call the fertile window. The fertile window represents the only time that pregnancy is possible for the entire menstrual cycle. It’s also important to note that this fluid is in fact necessary for sperm survival before they travel to fertilize an egg.
Whether you are trying to conceive or not, now or ever, understanding what cervical mucus patterns are trying to tell you can help you with your overall health. It also acts as a report card for estrogen metabolism.
Some problems people may encounter with cervical mucus include:
Poor cervical mucus production
Cervical mucus that is thick, dry, or pasty
Cervical mucus every day of the cycle, but no ovulation
Erratic cervical mucus patterns fluctuating between dry patches and wet patches
Potential causes of dysregulated cervical mucus production
Dehydration
Poor circulation to the pelvis and reproductive organs
Hormone imbalances between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels
Pharmaceuticals like SSRI’s and medications containing synthetic hormones like birth control
LEEP/LLETZ/Cryosurgery to treat cervical dysplasia or HPV. These procedures can cause scar tissue damage and alter cervical mucus production
Cervical polyps or fibroid (rare)
Cervicitis or inflammation/infection of the cervix
So what can we do about the health of our cervical mucus?
Identify where you lie on the scale of not making estrogen → making too much estrogen.
Promote healthy estrogen metabolism.
Increase consumption of demulcent herbs for mucous membrane function support. A demulcent is a herb rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue. Demulcents are used if a membrane is raw, hot, irritated, inflamed or over excited. They are cooling, soothing, healing and relaxing -- this heals the mucous membranes of the cervix.
4. Increase consumption of bitter herbs for increased blood circulation and mucus membrane function support.
5. Increase consumption of essential fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) both help tone the uterine muscles and have a positive effect on healthy cell growth especially the cells in the cervical glands. on prostaglandin production. Get more omega 6 EFA’s from a variety of sources.
6. Consume more L-arginine amino acid either through food or supplementation. It can be found in fish, red meat, poultry, whole grains, beans and dairy products.
7. Other Considerations
Hydrate. Fertile cervical fluid is about 90% water. The best types of hydration come from fresh whole fruit, herbal teas, and bone broth or vegetable stock because they contain mineral content along with the water itself.
Avoid over the counter antihistamines and decongestants because they dry out mucus membranes.
Avoiding inflammatory triggers for you is also essential. Use a food journal to keep track of which foods to avoid. Most commonly inflammation may present from eating too many processed foods, wheat products, processed sugar, soy, some nightshade vegetables, and conventional cow dairy.
Try to focus on eating a nutrient dense, diverse, and tasty diet. This includes high quality grass-fed animal products including meats and organs, eggs and fish eggs, wild caught fish, vegetables, fruits, roots, rice, sprouted grains and beans and seeds, raw sheep and goat dairy, and fermented foods and drinks of all kinds.