Brand Logo Image

Brand Logo

Contact-us

Contact us

SEE EVERYTHING ABOUT US

Header - About Us - Aux link

Header - About Us

About Us

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR GIRLS & PARENTS

Header - For girls & parent - aux link

Header - For girls & parents

For Girls & Parents

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR WOMEN

Header - For women - Aux link

Header - For Women

For Women

Period Calculator

Header - Period Calculator

Header - Products - RSA

Products

Take a Quiz

Header - Take a Quiz

Always-Africa Site Header

Header - Fam Logo - P&G - SP Img

Header - Fam Logo - P&G - Img Set

purple-tab-wave

purple-wave-mob

tab-purple-image

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean

DT Banner

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - Banner

SP Banner

TB Banner

Pink Card

Though used interchangeably, the terms 'vaginal discharge' and 'cervical mucus' have slightly different meanings. 

Para 1

[Vaginal discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/what-is-vaginal-discharge) is a broad term that comprises any non-period related fluid secreted from the vagina. This includes arousal fluid, natural vaginal lubrication, and cervical fluid (also called cervical mucus), among others. Therefore, cervical fluid is part of the broader term, vaginal discharge.

Ordered list

<span>1</span> 	[What is Cervical Mucus?](#link1)

<span>2</span>	[Cyclical Change in Cervical Mucus](#link2) 

<span>3</span>	[How to Check Cervical Mucus?](#link3)

<span>4</span> 	[How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?](#link4)

<span>5</span>  [Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus](#link5)

What is Cervical Mucus?

Cervical mucus is the fluid that is secreted by the cervix, the passage between the upper and lower reproductive tracts. This mucus is required for the sperm to reach your uterus during ovulation. The consistency and volume of cervical fluid undergoes changes depending on the reproductive hormones. 

<div id="link1"></div>
<h2>What is Cervical Mucus?</h2>

DT What is Cervical Mucus?

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - What is Cervical Mucus?

SP What is Cervical Mucus?

TB What is Cervical Mucus?

What is Cervical Mucus? - Image with Pink circle

Cervical mucus is the fluid that is secreted by the cervix

Cyclical Change in Cervical Mucus

You will find the consistency and opacity of the mucus change with every phase of your menstrual cycle. This change may be different for each woman, but the usual changes that cervical mucus goes through in a typical menstrual cycle can be understood through the following information.

<h3 class="charpcos">During your period</h3>
The mucus will be covered in blood, making it difficult to ascertain the consistency.

<div id="link2"></div>
<h2>Cyclical Change in Cervical Mucus<h2>

DT During your period

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - During your period

SP During your period

TB During your period

During your period - Image

After your period

<h3 class="charpcos">After your period</h3>
The days following a period are usually dry. 

DT After your period

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - After your period

SP After your period

TB After your period

After your period - Image

Before ovulation

<h3 class="charpcos">Before ovulation</h3>
Before an egg is released, your body produces mucus that could be white, yellow, or cloudy. Its consistency may feel stretchy or gluey.

DT Before ovulation

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - Before ovulation

SP Before ovulation

TB Before ovulation

Before ovulation - Image

During ovulation

<h3 class="charpcos">During ovulation</h3>
Your estrogen levels rise during this period. The cervical mucus you notice now may be clear, watery, stretchy, and slippery. The consistency resembles that of an egg white and is also considered as fertile discharge during ovulation. 


DT During ovulation

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - During ovulation

SP During ovulation

TB During ovulation

During ovulation - Image

After ovulation

<h3 class="charpcos">After ovulation</h3>
You will notice that the discharge has decreased and the consistency is thick, cloudy, or gluey. However, some women also experience dry days after ovulation.

DT After ovulation

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - After ovulation

SP After ovulation

TB After ovulation

After ovulation - Image

How to Check Cervical Mucus?

You can check the consistency and colour of your cervical mucus using any one of the following ways:
1.	Insert a clean finger into your vagina, near the cervix, and note the colour and consistency of the mucus after removing your finger.
2.	You can alternatively use a toilet paper but make sure you pee before using this method. Use the toilet paper to wipe the opening of your vagina and note the colour and texture of the mucus on the paper.
3.	You can also look at your underwear or panty liners daily for changes in your cervical mucus. However, this may not be a reliable method, as the colour of your underwear and the time that's passed can affect the results.   


<div id="link3"></div>
<h2>How to Check Cervical Mucus?</h2>

DT How to Check Cervical Mucus?

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - How to Check Cervical Mucus?

SP How to Check Cervical Mucus?

TB How to Check Cervical Mucus?

How to Check Cervical Mucus? - Image

How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?

We know it can be quite uncomfortable to have excessive fluid and feel wet when you're going about your daily routine. The best way to tackle this is by using panty liners. Here at Always, you will find a range of [panty liners](/panty-liners/) to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.

<div id="link4"></div>
<h2>How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?</h2>

DT How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?

SP How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?

TB How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?

How to Manage Vaginal Discharge? - Image

How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation

Tracking your cervical mucus is a great way to predict ovulation if you want to get pregnant. You will need to observe your menstrual cycle and the changes in your cervical fluid for maybe four to six months to be somewhere close to determining a pattern.

Once you detect a pattern, you will have an idea of when to expect certain phases of your menstrual cycle such as the period of ovulation. You can also use online trackers or apps to help you chart your ovulation cycle. 


<h2>How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation</h2>

DT How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation

SP How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation

TB How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation

How Cervical Mucus is a Big Factor in Tracking Ovulation - Image with Pink circle

Tracking your cervical mucus is a great way to predict ovulation if you want to get pregnant.

Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus

Your cervical mucus is a window to knowing how well your body is functioning and to gauge if something is off. Here are some signs that you should watch out for:

-	Noticing yellow, green or gray mucus or vaginal discharge
-	Experiencing itching or burning sensation
-	Noticing any unusual or foul odours
-	Noticing redness or swelling

You must immediately see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.


<div id="link5"></div>
<h2>Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus</h2>

DT Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean - Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus

SP Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus

TB Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus

Alarming Signs in Cervical Mucus - Image

Period Calculator Link

Keep a track of your ovulation period with Always [Ovulation Calendar](/period-calculator) and Period Calculator.

Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h3>Disclaimer</h3>

Cervical fluid: Cervical mucus can provide important clues to vaginal health, ovulation, pregnancy, and more. Here’s how to check it and what your mucus is telling you.

Cervical Mucus: What Is It & How to Check Cervical Mucus | Always <Country_Name>

Vaginal Discharge Consistency, Cervical Mucus & Cervical Fluid: What Does it Mean

Related Articles

Recommended products