| What is hostile cervical mucus and how can you prevent it?
Cervical Mucus Basics
A major player in a couple's ability to get pregnant is the woman's cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is a jelly like substance produced by minute glands in the cervical canal. The cervical mucus consistency varies through a woman's cycle.
Before Ovulation (low chance of pregnancy):
The first few days following menstruation, there will be little or no discharge present.
Approaching Ovulation (chance of pregnancy):
The first discharge that does appear should be moist or sticky and should be white or cream in color. In the finger test, the mucus should break easily.
Right around ovulation (high chance of pregnancy):
At this stage, mucus resembles egg whites. It is the thinnest, clearest and most abundant at this point in the cycle. During this phase, the sperm's survival rate is higher. It can survive in cervical mucus for up to 72 hours, a significantly longer time than during the rest of the cycle.
After Ovulation (low chance of pregnancy):
After ovulation, there is a marked change in mucus appearance. It returns to the sticky stage (does not stretch during finger test) and there is again a feeling of dryness around the vulva.
What is Hostile Cervical Mucus?
Cervical mucus is described as "hostile" when it is too thick to allow sperm to penetrate the cervix, thereby preventing conception.
Women who are taking Clomid to induce ovulation frequently experience hostile mucus.
One way to counteract hostile mucus is to use a lubricant that will create a more favorable environment. Pre-Seed is the only lubricant on the market that has proven to counteract the hostile mucus problem AND is not harmful to sperm. The vast majority of personal lubricants on the market today are not sperm friendly and actually reduce your chances of conceiving due to the fact that they harm the sperm.
Another way to help the hostile cervical mucus problem is to take guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in Robitussin, and over the counter cough medicine in the US. You will want to find a cough syrup with has the ONLY active ingredient as guaifenesin. Any other ingredients can limit the effect you are looking for.
Recommended dosage is two teaspoons (200 mg) taken orally three times per day. If mucus still appears thick, you can take as the maximum dosage as listed on the label of the cough medicine. Water intake should be increased to encourage cervical mucus production and a full glass should take with each dose of guaifenesin.
Most doctors suggest taking Robitussin five days before and including the day of ovulation for a total of 6 days during your cycle.This helps provide the optimal environment to help the sperm survive and get to where they need to go. If you take Clomid, waiting until the day after the last Clomid pill is taken before starting Robitussin is suggested.
Guaifenesin is also available in pill format, but this format usually requires a Doctor's prescription.
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What is hostile cervical mucus and how can you prevent it?
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