What cervical mucus looks like: photos

Reviewed by Megan Rive, Editor and Communications Specialist

Not sure what cervical mucus (CM) looks like as you go through your menstrual cycle? These photos will give you an idea of what to check for as you track your most fertile days.

You can check your CM by looking at the toilet paper after you wipe or inserting a clean finger into your vagina and reaching toward your cervix. You're likely to find more CM if you check after a bowel movement.

Everybody is different, and you may not see these variations in your own CM. The main thing to look for is some kind of change mid-cycle. Find out about other ways to tell when you're ovulating.

Photo credit: iStock.com / AVAVA

Using cervical mucus to help predict peak fertility

Over the course of your menstrual cycle, the amount, colour, and texture of your cervical mucus (CM) will change, due to fluctuating hormone levels. The consistency of your CM can help you work out when you are at your most fertile.

Photo credit: BabyCenter community member

Egg white cervical mucus: fertile

After your period you may notice an increase in CM which becomes wetter and more slippery after a few days. Egg white CM is the most fertile of all CM types. This stretchy mucus allows sperm to swim easily into the cervix. It looks and feels like raw egg whites and it can stretch about 5cm without breaking in the middle.

Photo credit: BabyCenter community member

Watery cervical mucus: fertile

CM becomes wetter and more watery close to ovulation. This CM allows sperm to move rapidly into the cervix. When you have watery CM, you may feel as though you've leaked wee in your underwear. Watery CM is clear and drips or runs off your fingers.

Photo credit: BabyCenter community member

Creamy cervical mucus: non-fertile

After ovulation CM is no longer wet or slippery. This creamy CM is considered non-fertile because it greatly restricts the movement of sperm. Creamy CM can be a pearly white or creamy yellow. It's thick and feels like lotion when rubbed between your fingers.

Photo credit: BabyCenter community member

Sticky cervical mucus: non-fertile

In the run up to your period CM becomes sticky or tacky. This is the least fertile CM. It's thick and chunky and feels like gluey paste. It's hard for sperm to swim through it.

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Photo credit: iStock.com / digitalskillet

Understanding your menstrual cycle

You could try noting the changes in your CM for a few months in a row. You may see a pattern which helps you work out when you will be at your most fertile during your menstrual cycle.

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