The presence of the cervical mucous (some women may know it as vaginal discharge) is closely interconnected with the hormonal fluctuations in the female body and can be used as a helpful tool in determining fertile times of the cycle.

The hormone responsible for the production of fertile cervical mucous is estrogen and its production peaks at about 6 days before the actual ovulation starts.  However, not all mucous is created equal!  There are four types of fertile mucous and while some types facilitate the movement of sperm others tend to block it.  The mucous that is produced by the cervical glands during infertile times is called G-type and its quality is thick, pasty and impenetrable.  As the ovulation time gets closer, estrogen levels increase which makes the mucous more stretchy and slippery.  L-type mucous causes the woman to feel a more sticky and wet sensation in her vaginal area but it is not until S-type mucous appears that the woman can actually notice a discharge which usually resembles an egg white consistency.  Finally, as the ovulation is imminent, P-type mucous is secreted from the top of the cervical canal and even though it does not appear as stretchy as S-type mucous, it is extremely lubricative and rich in potassium (thus the name P-type).  “The last day that P mucous is produced is the most fertile day of the whole cycle i.e. the day before the egg is released or the day it is released. “

The importance of paying close attention to the changes in woman’s cervical mucous production lies in the fact that it proceeds ovulation and alerts a woman of her most fertile days.  “Producing the fertile mucous to facilitate the sperm’s journey up the cervix in the days before ovulation is aimed at getting these sperm inside the female reproductive tract well before the egg is released.  This is because this largest single cell in the body is one of the shortest lived, being fertilizable for only 6-12 hours.  Some of the millions of lively little sperm cells, on the other hand, have been known to survive for 5 days  in the female reproductive tract, although they are most able to fertilize the egg in the first 48 hours after delivery to vagina […]  Some studies have indicated that the day for sexual intercourse which then leads to the highest conception rate is in fact 2 days before ovulation.”

Chinese medical practitioners frequently ask questions about vaginal discharge in order to determine the yin status of the body.   Yin energy within the human system corresponds to all the fluids flowing within our bodies including blood, urine, sweat as well as vaginal discharge in women.   If the woman does not notice any vaginal discharge during any part of the cycle or if the discharge seems to be very scant and never reaches the stretchy and egg like consistency, she is usually diagnosed with some form of yin vacuity. In Chinese herbal medicine there are herbs which are given to tonify the yin and stimulate the production of fluids.  The results of more mucous production should be seen within 3 months of herbal and acupuncture treatment.  However, I frequently encounter patients who have vaginal discharge throughout the whole month which tends to be thin and watery.  In those cases, more questions should be asked about digestive health and herbs that strengthen Spleen and Stomach energy can be helpful.  Patient should also be evaluated for a possible infection.
Medications that can potentially dry up the cervical mucous include clomid and  antihistamines,   Also taking a large dosage of vitamin C can potentially make the mucous too acidic and therefore hostile to the sperm.

Foods which increase the production of yin and fluids in the body and therefore increase the production of cervical mucous are:  all dark colored beans e.g. black beans, eggs, dairy, small amounts of pork and duck meat, asparagus, seaweeds, leafy green vegetables, berries like: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.  Over consumption of spicy foods and stimulating drinks can lead to dryness.  Staying well hydrated is important since women (and men) with yin vacuity have a tendency toward thirst and dryness.

Smoking has a drying effect on the body and should be avoided especially if you are planning a pregnancy.   Not getting enough sleep, overworking and high levels of stress tend to injure the yin so making sure you are getting enough rest while trying to keep your stress in check should be the first steps to take toward a healthy conception and pregnancy.

You can check out www.fertilityfriend.com for more info on how to determine your  fertile days