If you are trying to conceive, you’re probably paying close attention to the changes in your cervical mucus throughout your menstrual cycle. One type of cervical mucus that you may notice is egg white consistency discharge, which is often associated with ovulation and high fertility. We will explore what egg white discharge is, what it means for getting pregnant, and how to track it to maximize your chances of conceiving.
What does egg white discharge mean?
Egg white discharge, also known as Egg White Cervical Mucus (EWCM) is a type of cervical mucus that is clear, stretchy, wet and similar in texture to raw egg whites. It’s called egg white discharge because it looks and feels just like raw egg whites.
It’s also sometimes referred to as fertile cervical mucus because of its association with ovulation, which is the time when a woman releases an egg and is most likely to conceive. The hormone Estrogen is responsible for this change in cervical mucus and you may notice these changes start a few days leading up to ovulation as Estrogen is rising.
What does egg white discharge look like?
Fertile cervical mucus, also known as egg white discharge, looks a lot like raw egg whites. It’s clear, slippery, and stretchy, with a consistency similar to that of a raw egg white. The mucus can be quite stretchy, allowing it to form a long, thin strand between your fingers when you stretch it. Some women describe it as feeling slippery when they wipe with toilet tissue. It’s usually a sign that you are entering your ovulatory phase and that your body is preparing for conception.
Why is egg white discharge important for getting pregnant?
Egg white discharge is important for getting pregnant because it helps sperm travel through the female reproductive system to reach the egg for fertilization. The stretchy, slippery texture of egg white discharge makes it easier for sperm to swim through the cervix and into the uterus. In addition, the pH of egg white discharge is more hospitable to sperm than other types of cervical mucus, which can be more acidic and hostile to sperm.
How to track egg white discharge
Tracking egg white discharge can be an effective way to determine when you are most fertile and maximize your chances of getting pregnant. Here are some tips for tracking egg white discharge:
- Observe the texture: Pay attention to the texture of your cervical mucus throughout your menstrual cycle. Egg white discharge is usually clear, stretchy, and slippery, and can be stretched between your fingers without breaking.
- Check daily: Check your cervical mucus daily, or each time you use the restroom during your fertile window. You may notice changes in the texture and quantity of your cervical mucus throughout your cycle.
- Chart cervical mucus in the Premom app: You can use the Premom app to easily keep track of the changes to your cervical mucus daily throughout your menstrual cycle. This can also help you identify when you are entering the fertile window.
- Use ovulation predictor kits: In addition to tracking cervical mucus, you can also use ovulation predictor kits to determine when you are most fertile. These kits measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which surges just before ovulation.
When is egg white discharge most common?
Egg white discharge is most common during the fertile window around the phase of ovulation, which is the period of time when a woman is most likely to conceive. The fertile window typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, but this can vary from woman to woman. In general, the fertile window lasts for about six days, including the day of ovulation and the five days leading up to it.
In the follicular phase, when Estrogen is rising, you may notice an increase in egg white discharge. This type of mucus is the most fertile and conducive to sperm survival, making it easier for them to swim to the egg for fertilization. However, every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, and some may not notice egg white discharge or may experience it at different times during their cycle.
Can you ovulate without egg white discharge?
It’s true that egg white discharge is a sign of entering your fertile window and can help identify when you will ovulate, however this is not the experience for all women, and that’s okay. Some women may have a different type of cervical mucus or less cervical mucus, which can make it more difficult to notice. So, you could still be ovulating even if you’re not seeing the egg white discharge.
Other signs of ovulation can help determine when you are most fertile, such detecting a LH peak on ovulation predictor kits, seeing a slight rise in your basal body temperature, or changes in your cervical position and texture.
Is egg white discharge before period a sign of pregnancy?
Experiencing raw egg white discharge before your period can be an early sign of pregnancy, but it’s not always the case. Normally, you’ll see egg white discharge when you’re in your ovulatory phase, which usually happens around the middle of your cycle. However, if you don’t get pregnant, your cervical mucus tends to dry up before your next period.
Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in cervical mucus, leading to an increase in discharge, including raw egg white-like discharge. This change in discharge can happen as early as one week after fertilization. It’s essential to note that many women don’t experience this symptom at all, and other factors such as stress or hormonal changes can also cause an increase in cervical mucus. So, if you’re seeing egg white discharge before your period, it could mean you are in your ovulation phase, not that you’re pregnant yet. To be sure, you take a home pregnancy test or chat with your doctor.
Let’s sum it up!
Egg white discharge is an important indicator of fertility and can help you determine when you are most likely to conceive. Tracking your cervical mucus in the Premom app throughout your menstrual cycle can be an effective way to determine when you are most fertile and maximize your chances of getting pregnant. Not all women experience egg white discharge. There are other ways to determine when you are most fertile such as LH tracking using ovulation predictor kits.
References
- American Pregnancy Association. (2022). Cervical Mucus and Your Fertility. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2015). Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 103(6), e1-e12.
- Armstrong, A. (2018). Cervical Mucus: How to Check and What to Look For. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/cervical-mucus
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, August 31). How to get pregnant. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- Wilcox, A. J., et al. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation: effects on the probability of conception, survival of the pregnancy, and sex of the baby. New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517-1521.
