Cervical mucus, also known as ovulation discharge, changes in color, texture, and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. If you are trying to get pregnant, tracking your cervical mucus can be helpful in predicting when you will ovulate. Here is what cervical mucus looks like at different stages of the menstrual cycle:
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Dry days: Right after your period, you usually have 3-4 days without mucus and discharge. These are called “dry days,” and they may be safe days if your cycle is long.
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Sticky days: Before ovulation is about to happen, your body makes more mucus as an egg starts to ripen. This mucus is usually yellow, white, or cloudy, and it feels sticky or tacky. You may notice it at the opening of your vagina for 3-5 days. These days are less safe.
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Slippery days: Right before and during ovulation, you usually have the most mucus. It’s clear and it feels slippery — kind of like raw egg whites — and can be stretched between your fingers. These “slippery days” are your fertile (unsafe) days, when you’re the most likely to get pregnant. These unsafe, slippery days last about 4 days, leading up to (and including) when you ovulate.
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Cloudy and sticky days: After ovulation, you may suddenly have less mucus, and it’ll get cloudy and sticky again until it goes away and you have more dry days. This lasts for about 11–14 days until your next period.
It is important to note that every womans cervical mucus may look different, and there is no "normal" or "abnormal" appearance. If you are concerned about your cervical mucus or have any other questions about your menstrual cycle, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider.
