Cervical mucus and your fertility are interlinked, the TTC process helps by nourishing and protecting sperm as it makes the long, arduous journey. Once ovulation passes, cervical mucus will dry up and return to a more sticky consistency. Usually, you should get fertile egg white discharge for one or two days. Cervical Mucus Before Period . Right before your period, the cervical music will be different than it is at the end. This does not mean that anything is wrong with you; it is completely natural for things to change throughout the month. Even beyond monthly changes, it is also normal for there to be a variation between different women. Each woman may have a different cycle length, fluid discharge and symptoms. Often, younger girls will even have cervical mucus begin to discharge for several years before their period actually begins. Although it may be weird to think about, cervical mucus can actually be a practical thing to track. This will help you to know when you are about to have your period once you get used to tracking it. In addition, tracking your cervical mucus over a period of a few months will help you figure out when you are most or least likely to become pregnant. What Happens to Cervical Mucus Right Before Your Period. Your body will normally produce cervical mucus throughout the month, but it will produce the most right before your period against. Mucus levels normally peak about five days before your period, and it will appear clear and thin. During this time, it will be fairly elastic. If you were to have the mucus between your fingers, it would stretch easily. Basically, the thickness, clear color and the texture of the cervical mucus are all signs that your period is about to begin. This occurs because a boost of estrogen right before your period signals glands in your body to release extra mucus. Cervical cancer develops in the thin layer of cells called the epithelium, which cover the cervix. Cells found in this tissue have different shapes. Your body is designed to help you get pregnant, whether you want it to happen or not. When your body is at the peak level of fertilization, it will produce mucus that contains extra acid. This acid essentially provides an extra layer of protection for the sperm, and your body temperature increases for this reason as well. Right before ovulation, your body will boost acidity and temperature for the best environment for the sperm. During ovulation and right beforehand, you are at your peak fertility. If you were to have unprotected sex at this time, the sperm would be able to easily move through your body and fertilize the egg. The Stages of Cervical Mucus Production. Before your period and at various points throughout the month, your cervical mucus production will change. Immediately before your period starts, cervical mucus may dry up in preparation for your menstrual cycle. Stage One: Immediately after your menstrual cycle ends, it is quite normal to be dry. Basically, there are a few days where your body is gearing up for the transition from your period to normal.
![]() During this time, cervical mucus will disappear, and you are unlikely to become pregnant. You should still practice safe sex, however, because the presence of sperm in your body can actually stimulate your body to release an egg if it is close enough to your normal ovulation day. Stage Two: As you enter the second stage of your cycle, your cervical mucus will start to increase in quantity. It will most likely feel sticky at this point, and this indicates that ovulation has not occurred. Before long, this situation will change as your body prepares to ovulate in another week. Stage Three: During the third stage of the month, you will notice a marked increase in cervical mucus. It will appear cloudy and may appear on your underwear when you go to the bathroom. This stage is extremely important because it means that you will ovulate within the next couple of days. If your goal is to avoid pregnancy, this is the worst time to have unprotected sex because you are extremely likely to get pregnant. By tracking your cervical mucus, you will have a better idea of when you can and cannot get pregnant. Stage Four: If you have a 2. At this point, cervical mucus will increase even more and it will look similar to egg whites. It will feel elastic, clear and have the consistency of egg whites. Basically, your body is trying to create the perfect environment for a pregnancy. This stage takes about three days, and it is when you are at your peak fertility. If you are trying to get pregnant, this is the time to schedule a date night with your partner. Your body has made the right acidity and lubrication for the sperm to reach the egg, so you are ready to get pregnant if you want to. Throughout your menstrual cycle, your cervical mucus can change drastically. By tracking your cervical mucus, you can know exactly how fertile your body is and be prepared for your upcoming period. If you do not plan on having children however, you should continue to use protection so that you do not end up pregnant. Cervical Mucus Right Before Your Period. As a general rule of thumb, you can assume that you are near your most fertile when watery, lubricated cervical mucus is present. Creamy cervical mucus is thick and may stop sperm from entering the cervix, so you have a lower chance of getting pregnant during this time. Sticky cervical mucus is known for being the least conducive to pregnancy. During this time, your cervical mucus may have a pasty, chunky texture that makes it harder for sperm to enter your cervix. You are at your highest level of fertility during the month when you have egg white cervical mucus. This is the best acidity for sperm, and the higher heat in your body makes it easier for sperm to swim to the egg. During this time, cervical mucus can be stretched without breaking and will seem elastic. Spend a few months learning to track the differences between the different types of cervical mucus so that you are able to tell your fertility level at a glance. Understanding Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Results. Cervical cancer screening is an important part of preventing cancer or detecting it early. Two tests are used for screenings: the Pap test (or smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test checks for cell changes on a woman’s cervix that could turn into cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus can cause cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. Path to improved health. Your Pap test will come back with one of three results: Normal (or negative). This means no cell changes were found. Unclear (or inconclusive). This result is common. It means it looks like your cells could be abnormal. This could be because of an infection, such as a yeast infection or the herpes virus. Hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause can also affect test results. Abnormal (or positive). This means cell changes were found. In most cases, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. There are different abnormal test results. These are the most common. ASC- US – Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. This is the most common abnormal finding. It is sometimes considered an unclear result rather than abnormal. Squamous cells form the surface of your cervix. This result means the squamous cells don’t look normal. This could be because of an infection, including HPV. AGC – Atypical glandular cells. Glandular cells produce mucus in your cervix and uterus. This result means some glandular cells don’t look normal. These cell changes are usually more serious than ASC. This means there is a greater risk that precancer or cancer is present. LSIL – Low- grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. This result is sometimes called mild dysplasia. It indicates low- grade changes that are usually caused by an HPV infection. Changes may go away on their own. HSIL – High- grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. This result is also called moderate or severe dysplasia. It indicates that HPV is present and is causing more serious changes. These could turn into cancer if left untreated. ASC- H – Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSILSome cells are not normal, and there is a possibility that HSIL is also present. AIS – Adenocarcinoma in situ. An advanced lesion was found in the glandular tissue. It could turn into cancer if left untreated. Pap tests can detect cancer cells, but it is rare. Cancer usually does not have time to develop in women who get regular cancer screenings. Most women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results do not have cancer. If your screening found ASC- US, your doctor will probably order an HPV test. He or she may also have you come back in 6 to 1. Pap test. If any of the other results are found, your doctor will probably want to a colposcopy. During this test, he or she will use a magnifying lens to look more closely at your cervix. They can also take a sample of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer. Cells of the cervix go through many changes before they turn into cancer. A Pap test can show if your cells are going through these changes. If caught and treated early, cervical cancer is not life threatening. Talk to your doctor to see how often he or she recommends you receive Pap tests. You may need them or less often, depending on your age and overall health. Things to consider. Abnormal or precancerous cells are often found before cancer develops. If further testing shows that you have precancerous cells, your doctor will want to remove them. He or she will help you decide which treatment is best for you. Sometimes, they will recommend watchful waiting. This could include more frequent Pap tests. Other common treatments include: Cryotherapy – Abnormal tissue is frozen off. Laser therapy – A focused beam of light destroys abnormal tissue. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) – A thin metal loop with an electric current removes abnormal tissue. Conization – Abnormal tissue is removed with a scalpel in a cone- shaped piece. Your doctor can perform some of these treatments in their office. They usually take only a few minutes. Other treatments require anesthesia, so you go to a hospital for treatment. If invasive cancer is found, treatment will depend on how far the cancer has spread. The most common treatments include: Surgery – The cancerous tissue is removed in an operation. Radiation – High- energy rays like X- rays shrink or kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy – Powerful medicines, in pill form or injected into the veins, shrink or kill the cancer. Treatment of invasive cancer often involves a team of specialists. This could include your family doctor, a gynecologist, and an oncologist (cancer specialist). You will all work together to develop the best treatment plan for you. If you have any questions about your cervical cancer screening results, call your doctor. Questions to ask your doctor. What do these results mean? Do I need a follow- up Pap test or an HPV test? Will I need a colposcopy or a biopsy? Do I need any treatment? Am I at risk for cervical cancer? Is it safe for me to have sex? Resources. National Cancer Institute, Understanding Cervical Changes.
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August 2017
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