Vaginal discharge is completely normal, and it can occur at any time throughout the month. It’s a mixture of fluid and cells from the vagina, and includes cervical fluid or cervical mucus.
You might notice a discharge when you’re sexually aroused and when you’re ovulating. But while some women don’t give much thought to the color or consistency of their discharge, egg white cervical mucus (sometimes abbreviated EWCM) plays a vital role in fertility.
Egg white cervical mucus is fertile fluid that helps sperm travel from the vagina to the uterus. It’s called “egg white cervical mucus” because it looks and feels like raw egg whites under close examination.
Although vaginal discharge is a regular occurrence throughout the month, it’s not uncommon for vaginal fluid to change in quantity and consistency depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle.
Cervical mucus is created by the glands in your cervix. The cervix is located at the end of the vagina and connects your uterus to your vagina. This discharge spreads from the cervix and can be found inside the vagina and sometimes in your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe.
Egg white cervical mucus is a clear, stretchy fluid that you’ll see a few days before ovulation in response to hormonal changes. This type of discharge can continue for up to 1 to 2 days after ovulation. Ovulation is when your ovaries release an egg to be fertilized by sperm.
While egg white cervical mucus is typical during ovulation, this type of discharge can occur at other times, too. For example, you might notice egg white discharge during pregnancy, and you may see this type of discharge right before sexual intercourse.
What Does Egg White Cervical Mucus Do?
You’ll notice egg white cervical mucus during your most fertile time of the month. It plays a big role in fertility. Since it’s thin and sticky, it provides the ideal condition for sperm to travel from your vagina to the uterus.
If your body doesn’t produce cervical mucus — or if your mucus is too thick during ovulation — sperm can’t travel to your uterus as easily. This doesn’t mean that you can’t conceive, but it can indicate an issue that should be explored.
