Before you can check your cervical mucus, learn about the characteristics of it throughout your cycle. This may help you more effectively track your menstrual cycle and ovulation.  You will likely not notice any cervical secretions for three to four days following the end of your menstrual period.  After these initial few days, you may secrete scanty, cloudy, and sticky cervical mucus for three to five days.  Thereafter, your cervical mucus will increase and be wet, which corresponds to the time just before and during ovulation. The mucus may also feel thin, slippery and very stretchy. This is also the time you are most fertile.  Once you ovulate, you may not have any noticeable cervical secretions for up to two weeks before your next period. You may also experience some thicker but sparse secretions.  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.  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. Write down the specific characteristics of your cervical mucus on a daily basis. This will help you identify the specific phases of your cycle and when you are most fertile or should avoid sex. You should begin to notice a pattern after the first few cycles.  Begin tracking the characteristics of your cervical mucus on the day after your period stops.  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.  Note the consistency: is it thick, sticky, or stretchy?  Write down how the mucus feels to the touch. It may be dry, wet or slippery. You may also want to feel your vulva and note down any sensations of dryness, moistness, or wetness. The best way to check your cervical secretions is to wipe before and after urinating and then examine the mucus on a piece of toilet tissue. This can effectively help you to track your cervical mucus and your cycle.  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.  Make sure to write down what you see on the toilet paper in your record. You can also check your cervical mucus by analyzing any secretions that appear in your underwear. This can help you further identify where you are at in your cycle and may also be useful if you can’t find any mucus when wiping. Write down the characteristics of any mucus you find in your underwear. Gently feeling your vulvar area with your fingers and note any sensations you feel such as dryness, wetness, or moistness. This can help identify changes in your cervical mucus or cycle.  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.  It’s a good idea to feel your vulva regularly so that you know what is normal for you. After the first cycle or a couple of cycle, read through the record you’ve kept of your cervical mucus. This will help you begin to effectively evaluate your cycle and ovulation and may help prevent or promote pregnancy.

Summary:
Recognize the characteristics of cervical mucus. Keep a record of your mucus characteristics. Check your cervical secretions before and after urinating. Analyze the cervical secretions in your underwear. Examine your vulva and its sensations. Evaluate the record of your cervical mucus.