Natural Ways to Increase Cervical Fluid
Cervical fluid tracking is an important tool if you are trying to conceive naturally or you are basal body temperature charting. Basal body temperature charts can give you an enormous amount of cycle information about your fertility. The chart will indicate when you ovulated so that you can gauge the best time to try for future cycles.
Cervical fluid tracking has one advantage over basal body temperature charting: It tells you when you are going to ovulate in advance, indicating your peak fertility and best days to have timed intercourse. When using these methods together, they can eliminate the guesswork that many couples experience while trying to conceive.
What is cervical fluid?
When considering optimizing fertility, much emphasis is placed on two important factors: healthy sperm and a healthy egg. Cervical fluid is the third and key factor in assisting conception as well as increasing your fertile window each month.
Cervical fluid is produced by the cells of your cervix and secreted into the vagina. It has many roles including preventing infection, lubricating the vagina, and providing nourishment to sperm when trying to conceive. Due to hormonal changes, cervical fluid will change throughout the month as your menstrual cycle progresses.
What is fertile cervical fluid or egg-white cervical fluid (EWCF)?
As your body approaches ovulation, rising levels of estrogen change the quantity and consistency of cervical fluid in an effort to create an optimal environment for sperm. Spinnbarkeit is the term used to describe stretchy, clear, fluid-like cervical fluid. Sometimes fertile cervical fluid is described as looking like raw egg whites.
This egg-white cervical fluid is optimal for providing sperm nutrients and protection so they can survive their journey to the uterus and wait for the egg to arrive (ovulation). Timed intercourse on days that you observe this fertile cervical fluid guarantee that you are trying to conceive during your peak fertility days just prior to ovulation.
Why should I track cervical fluid?
Observing cervical fluid around the time of ovulation is one of the most effective ways to improve time to conception according to several research studies. Additionally, it is relatively easy to learn, there are no side effects, and it doesn’t cost anything. You can track cervical fluid alone or combine this method with basal body temperature charting or other ovulation kits. Women tend to report more self-confidence and a new understanding of their body once they start to chart their cycle and pay attention to natural fertility signs.
How do I track cervical fluid?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for 2 minutes.
Insert your thumb and index finger into your vagina and feel for the tip of your cervix.
The consistency of cervical fluid (if present) will change on a continuum from the days following your period up to and immediately after ovulation. Fertile, egg-white cervical fluid is wet, slippery, and can be stretched between two fingers tips up to an inch or more.
Record your observations (dry, creamy, wet, slippery, etc…) along with the day of your cycle.
How many days of cervical fluid is best for fertility?
Women typically have anywhere from one to five days of fertile cervical fluid prior to ovulation. However, some women find that they have a minimal fertile cervical fluid reducing their peak fertility window. Optimizing cervical fluid can increase your odds of conceiving each month by increasing the length of time that sperm can survive in advance of ovulation.
How do I improve cervical fluid?
Below is a list of several factors that can help to improve your cervical fluid.
Stay hydrated: Cervical fluid is 90% water and this percentage increases as ovulation approaches. Be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of filtered water daily.
Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can contribute to dehydration so watch the java intake or eliminate it while trying to conceive.
Avoid antihistamines and decongestants: These medications are designed to reduce nasal congestion and mucus. However, they will have the same effect on cervical fluid. Other medications used for the treatment of infertility including clomiphene (Clomid) and progesterone can have a drying effect on cervical fluid. It’s a good time to discuss any medications that you are taking, along with potential side effects with your physician, endocrinologist, or pharmacist.
Eliminate feminine products using scents, perfumes, or bleach: This includes tampons, pads, toilet paper, lubricants, and douches. In addition to disturbing cervical fluid and the natural pH of the vagina, these products contain endocrine disruptors which affect both male and female fertility.
Find a vagina and sperm-friendly lubricant: If you need a lubricant, look for an FDA-approved product deemed “fertility friendly” to prevent any negative effects on sperm. No lubricant available today is truly organic, but you should be able to find something without glycerin, parabens, irritants, or unwanted chemicals. Do not use any other lubricants (including saliva) as they can be less than hospitable to sperm and increase the acidity of cervical fluid.
Follow a Fertility Diet: Many patients ask me about specific foods to improve cervical fluid or fertility. I have searched for research on pineapple, Brazil nuts, and garlic to name a few. Studies on natural ways to improve cervical fluid are limited. Rather than focusing on singular foods, I recommend that patients optimize their diet for overall conception. A diet full of antioxidants, Vitamin C-rich foods of color, dark leafy greens, good essential fatty acids like evening primrose oil, and super foods like garlic will benefit fertility. If you are interested in reading more about what foods to eat (and not eat) while trying to conceive and the research behind these recommendations, read more in the Diet & Fertility post.
Read Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler: The author wrote this book in 1995 and it remains the authority text on cervical fluid, basal body temperature charting, fertility awareness method, and any other women’s health condition related to the menstrual cycle. You can also visit the Taking Charge of Your Fertility website but the book is worth the read.
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