What is Cervical Mucus and Can I Do Anything to Improve It?
Cervical mucus is a fluid that is secreted by the cervix and stimulated by the hormone estrogen. This fluid fluctuates during your menstrual cycle, but it is essential to be familiar with it as it plays a key role during your fertile phase. As estrogen rises due to follicles growing, your cervix will create more mucus. When it is at its peak, estrogen levels are highest and a profuse amount of mucus will be present. This will look clear, stretchy, and slippery. Once you have ovulated, your corpus luteum produces progesterone that then increases your body temperature. Cervical mucus is abruptly changed and becomes dried up and thicker.
Can I Do Anything To Improve Cervical Mucus?
There are some thoughts out there about actions that could improve the quality and consistency of your cervical mucus that we will discuss.
Staying hydrated is important for many reasons but you may notice issues with your cervical fluid if you don’t drink enough. Water is the basis of cervical fluid so make sure your drinking at least 64 oz minimum daily.
Effects of Over the Counter Drugs on Cervical Mucus
Avoid antihistamines or decongestants, especially during your fertile phase. This can be hard when dealing with seasonal allergies but look to incorporate alternative measures when trying to conceive if possible. These ingredients can be hidden in many over the counter products, so simply being alert to this fact is helpful.
Mucenex- It is thought that taking Mucinex (not Mucenex D) works to thin your cervical mucus since it also works to thin the mucus that lines your chest and throat. There are no conclusive reports on this, but that’s ok there are no downsides to trying unless you have contraindications to taking. Typical dosing for this over the counter medication is 600 mg during ovulation or approximately 4 days before ovulation until a day after your cervical fluid drys up.
Foods to Improve Cervical Mucus
Eat a diet high in vitamin C and dark leafy greens- The alkalinity of a woman’s body is thought to have an impact on her cervical mucus. These foods and vitamin C help with alkalinity, and bonus this can also positively impact male sperm quality! Try your best to avoid foods made of processed sugars, processed foods, and soy as these may cause inflammation, which can hinder the production of cervical mucus and are not fertility-friendly!
Also Read: 5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis