Let’s get one thing straight: cervical mucus is not just “discharge” – and yes, it’s a very good thing.

You actually want to see cervical mucus throughout your cycle. It’s the best real-time indicator we have of our fertile window. It tells us when we’re ovulating – so whether you’re trying to avoid pregnancy or trying for a baby, this is powerful information to have.

Cervical mucus:

• Keeps sperm alive
• Helps sperm reach the egg
• Protects against vaginal infections
• Helps predict your next period (hello, planners!)

And guess what? Some women see mucus every single day. Some only see it for a few days each cycle. Some produce so much they wear panty liners daily, and others feel dry all the time.

Every single one of those patterns?
Totally normal.

What Is the Cervix Actually Doing?

The cervix is the neck of the uterus – it connects your uterus to your vagina. And it’s got a big job: the glands in the cervix produce mucus that shifts in texture, amount, and purpose depending on where you are in your cycle.

When you’re not fertile (right after your period, or after ovulation), the cervix closes and a thick mucus plug forms. This plug blocks sperm from entering. So even if you have sex during this time, sperm can’t get through – because your body has shut the gates.

But as ovulation approaches, the mucus changes. It becomes thinner, wetter, and more slippery – creating a sperm-friendly environment to help it survive and swim.

Around ovulation, the mucus is at its peak: stretchy, clear, lubricative, and often described as “egg white.” That’s your sign: you are very fertile.

Once ovulation passes? The cervix closes back up and the mucus plug reforms. Things dry up again, literally.

How to Check Your Cervical Mucus

You don’t need to dig around with your fingers (and in fact, please don’t – this can stimulate other secretions that aren’t mucus).

Here’s a better way:

• Observe your underwear
• Check toilet paper before or after wiping
• You may notice mucus more easily after a bowel movement

You can also gently roll the mucus between your fingers if you’re curious, but the best question you can ask yourself is:

Do I feel wet or dry today?

That’s it. Start there. Then, as you get more confident, you can start describing it in more detail – sticky, creamy, slippery, whatever works for you. You don’t need to sound like a textbook. Use your own language.

And no, your mucus does not have to look exactly like egg whites to be considered “fertile.” That comparison (and the photos floating around the internet that are often just… real egg whites) can be super misleading.

Your Mucus Throughout the Cycle: What to Expect

Let’s walk through the phases of your cycle and what mucus usually looks and feels like:

Menstrual Phase
You can be fertile during your period – there’s no mucus plug, and you can’t really see mucus clearly because of the blood. If you don’t want to get pregnant, use protection here too.

Follicular Phase (After Your Period)
You’re not fertile. The mucus plug reforms, and you’re either dry or see sticky, tacky mucus. Think of dried glue or the crusty bit of tomato sauce at the top of the bottle.

Ovulation Phase
This is your fertile window. Mucus becomes creamy, then wetter and more slippery. Peak fertility mucus is clear, stretchy, and lubricative – it feels wet around your vulva, and that’s on purpose. Your body is helping sperm get to the egg.

Luteal Phase (After Ovulation)
Fertility is done for the cycle. Mucus dries up again or becomes sticky. A mucus plug reforms, and the body focuses on preparing for possible implantation.

Just before your next period, the mucus plug may dissolve again and give that “false alarm” wet feeling before your period begins.

If You’re On Hormonal Birth Control…

Here’s what’s important to know: if you’re on the pill (or another hormonal method), you’re not ovulating. That means:

• Your cycle is paused
• Your “period” is actually a withdrawal bleed (not a real menstrual bleed)
• Your cervical mucus stays thick, to block sperm

Your body is essentially in a state that mimics menopause, especially if you’ve been on hormonal contraception for years.

When you come off the pill, it can take a while for your cycle (and your mucus) to return to normal. For some, things bounce back fast. For others, it takes 12–24 months. That’s why I suggest stopping hormonal birth control well before you’re ready to start trying to conceive.

Other Factors That Affect Your Mucus

Lots of lifestyle factors can influence cervical mucus, including:

• Stress (emotional or physical)
• Illness
• Over-exercising
• Poor nutrition
• PCOS or polycystic ovaries
• Recent miscarriage, pregnancy, or coming off the pill

You might see fertile mucus come and go more than once – this is your body trying (and retrying) to ovulate. Totally normal.

What’s Not Normal?

If you notice:

• A strong or unusual smell
• An unfamiliar colour or texture
• Discharge that feels different from your usual mucus pattern

… it could be a sign of an infection.

Don’t panic – but don’t ignore it. Get it checked out by a doctor. If left untreated, infections can cause long-term issues, especially for fertility. Listen to your body, and don’t DIY it with Dr Google.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your cervical mucus is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to understand your cycle. Whether you’re trying to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or just get to know your body better, it starts with asking one simple question:

Am I wet or dry today?

Keep observing. Keep learning. Your mucus will tell you so much more than you think.