You will likely not notice any cervical secretions for three to four days following the end of your menstrual period. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source After these initial few days, you may secrete scanty, cloudy, and sticky cervical mucus for three to five days. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Thereafter, your cervical mucus will increase and be wet, which corresponds to the time just before and during ovulation. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The mucus may also feel thin, slippery and very stretchy. [6] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source This is also the time you are most fertile. [7] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Once you ovulate, you may not have any noticeable cervical secretions for up to two weeks before your next period. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You may also experience some thicker but sparse secretions. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source It’s important to recognize that the specific length of each of these phases can vary by woman. Keeping a record of your cervical mucus can help you identify how long each phase is in your own cycle. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It may be difficult to differentiate between normal cervical secretions and semen or sexual lubrication during your first cycle. You might want to consider avoiding sexual intercourse during this time to help you better identify your normal cervical mucus. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Begin tracking the characteristics of your cervical mucus on the day after your period stops. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Check every day, at about the same time of day to help you see patterns of change over time. Make sure to record the color such as yellow, white, clear, or cloudy. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Note the consistency: is it thick, sticky, or stretchy?[15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Write down how the mucus feels to the touch. It may be dry, wet or slippery. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You may also want to feel your vulva and note down any sensations of dryness, moistness, or wetness. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Use white toilet paper so that you can best identify the color of your cervical secretions. Wipe from front to back using toilet tissue both before and after you urinate. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make sure to write down what you see on the toilet paper in your record. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Write down the characteristics of any mucus you find in your underwear.

The vulva makes up the external genitals of women including the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and any surrounding skin or tissue. Don’t feel uncomfortable or self-conscious touching your vulva. You’re not doing anything wrong. Gently touch the various parts of your vulva to examine its texture. Make sure to feel inside of the labia as well. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It’s a good idea to feel your vulva regularly so that you know what is normal for you.

If you have any questions, you can ask your doctor. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It may take a few cycles to begin recognizing patterns in your cervical secretions and menstrual cycle. Don’t get discourage and stick with it. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are unsure of your mucus and using this method as a form of birth control, you may want to use a backup method of birth control such as condoms. [25] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

Certain medications, feminine hygiene products such as tampons, having sex, or getting a pelvic exam with lubrication can change the appearance of your cervical mucus. If you notice a change in your mucus as a result of any of these factors, don’t worry. [27] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Avoid douching because it can wash away cervical secretions, which can make it difficult to notice changes in your mucus. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

This method holds that your basal body temperature, or your body’s temperature while resting, will increase slightly– 0. 5-1 degree Fahrenheit– during ovulation. [29] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

Remember that you are most fertile on the days that your cervical mucus increases and is thin and slippery. [31] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Be aware that this method is neither a fail-safe method of birth control nor a guarantee that you’ll get pregnant. If you are using cervical mucus as a form of birth control, you may want to use a backup method such as condoms when you are most fertile. [32] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

If you notice blood in your cervical secretions that do not correspond to your period, consult your doctor. If your cervical mucus appears to be an unusual color, such as green, or has an usual odor, you should see your doctor.