Gynecology And Obstetrics-

How does the discharge change during ovulation?

introduction

The discharge, also called cervical mucus, is formed in the cervix and shows characteristic changes over the course of the cycle. The changes are the same for every woman, except for small nuances, but can change with increasing age.
The spinnability and glassy color are typical of the discharge during ovulation. This is caused by the increased fluid content, which means that the sperm are exposed to optimal conditions for fertilization at the time of ovulation.

Cycle-dependent changes

The discharge is secreted from the cervix and is therefore also called cervical mucus. This discharge is slightly different in every woman and also changes with age. However, with regular observation of the discharge and a little experience, typical, cycle-dependent changes can be detected. The different levels of discharge are influenced by the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Immediately after menstruation, at the beginning of the cycle, there is usually hardly any discharge. A yellowish, creamy and sometimes lumpy discharge can only be noticed a few days later. Due to the thick consistency, the discharge is sometimes described as yoghurt-like.

In the course of the following days until ovulation, the discharge becomes more and more transparent and fluid. This is due to the increasing concentration of the hormone estrogen. The discharge in this phase is also described as spinnable. You can test whether the discharge is spinnable by spreading a small amount of the secretion on your thumb and index finger and then pulling them apart. If the secretion thread does not tear off even when the fingers are about 5cm apart, it is called a spinnable secretion. This liquid consistency is ideal for transporting sperm towards the cervix and uterus. At the time of ovulation, the fluid consistency of the discharge makes you feel wet or damp. If one were to look at the dried discharge under the microscope shortly before ovulation, one could perceive the so-called fern phenomenon. The phenomenon arises from the crystallization of certain salts, which then creates a fern-like image on the slide.

After ovulation, the discharge changes again. As at the beginning of the cycle, it becomes firmer and takes on a whitish or yellowish color. At this point in time, it can no longer be spinned and sperm can only penetrate it with difficulty.

Read more about this: Vaginal discharge

Can discharge be a sign that ovulation is imminent?

With regular observation of the discharge, together with the measurement of the basal temperature, ovulation can be determined relatively accurately.

You have to pay attention to the consistency of the discharge and not just whether there is a discharge or not. Discharge can occur at any point in a woman's cycle, except for her period. Usually this is rather weak shortly after and shortly before your period. Therefore, the consistency of the discharge must also be observed in order to be able to make statements about when ovulation occurs approximately.

This method can also be used for contraception and is called the Billings Method, but it is not considered a safe method of contraception. However, it can be used to determine ovulation to induce pregnancy.

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These symptoms accompany ovulation
The fertile days

Concomitant symptoms of ovulation

The surest symptoms that suggest ovulation are fluctuations in temperature and changes in discharge. Seen in combination, it can be used to estimate ovulation relatively accurately.

All other symptoms can occur, but differ too much from woman to woman to be able to make any conclusions about ovulation. These include, for example, middle pain, chest pain or ovulatory bleeding. In addition, there are studies that say that women's behavior changes at the time of ovulation. However, so far there are no confirmatory studies that can prove this effect.

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Chest pain when ovulating
Menstrual period

Drawing in the abdomen

A pulling in the abdomen at the time of ovulation can be perceived as middle pain. The pain is caused by the rupture of the egg follicle in the ovary. As a rule, however, the pain is of very low intensity and is only perceived by about a third of all women. The pain is described as pulling or spasmodic. They are located in the area of the ovary, i.e. on the right or left in the lower abdomen.

You may also be interested in this topic: Can you feel ovulation?

Change in temperature

Changes in basal temperature can be seen in the course of the female cycle.
Typically, the temperature drops shortly before ovulation and then increases by around 0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius on the day of ovulation. The temperature fluctuations seem subtle, but you can still detect them by taking regular measurements. The temperature is measured every morning before getting up. The measurement works best in the mouth. Measurements on the forehead or in the armpit are usually not reliable enough. It is important that measurements are always taken at the same point and with the same thermometer in order to rule out measurement errors.

Also read: How does the cervical mucus change during ovulation?

Can one infer an implantation from the discharge?

If fertilization with implantation has taken place, there may be a comparatively increased production of discharge. This can then still be spun and takes on a creamy white color.
The increased production of discharge is important in a successful pregnancy in order to seal the cervix from ascending infections.

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