Why do I only have mucus sometimes?
Question
I notice that I have large amounts of cervical mucus for a few cycles then sometimes none at all, I check to make sure I am ovulating with the ovulation prediction test kits and I am but sometimes I still have poor quality cervical mucus, is this caused by a decrease in estrogen or some other hormone and why does it only happen during some cycles.
T.T.
Answer
Last Updated: June 14, 2013
If one were to simply apply NFP knowledge, I suppose you would suspect a hormone problem such as lack of Estrogen. However, I think there is more to it than that.
Certainly, hormone levels may fluctuate from cycle to cycle causing different observations to be made each month. However, there are few things about the cervix that I think can help understand this better. First, where is the mucus produced? It actually comes not just from the cervical crypts, but high inside the cervix. I think this is significant. Why? Well, think for a moment about sinusitis. What happens there? The sinuses cavities get infected because of a “lack of drainage.” The cervix may work similarly. It is very possible that there could be a problem with the FLOW or drainage of mucus from the cervix. That is another possibility.
So what is the remedy? First, have you at least consulted with a doctor who is knowledgeable of the medical applications of Natural Family Planning? It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get anywhere with a doctor who does not have this type of specialty training in trying to diagnose and remedy a problem like this. For example, perhaps the problem is simple and would respond to a prescription for something to enhance the flow of cervical mucus. On the other hand, it may be much more complex and require a hormone profile and/or other tests and procedures to correctly diagnose the real problem and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
David Picella
Certainly, hormone levels may fluctuate from cycle to cycle causing different observations to be made each month. However, there are few things about the cervix that I think can help understand this better. First, where is the mucus produced? It actually comes not just from the cervical crypts, but high inside the cervix. I think this is significant. Why? Well, think for a moment about sinusitis. What happens there? The sinuses cavities get infected because of a “lack of drainage.” The cervix may work similarly. It is very possible that there could be a problem with the FLOW or drainage of mucus from the cervix. That is another possibility.
So what is the remedy? First, have you at least consulted with a doctor who is knowledgeable of the medical applications of Natural Family Planning? It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get anywhere with a doctor who does not have this type of specialty training in trying to diagnose and remedy a problem like this. For example, perhaps the problem is simple and would respond to a prescription for something to enhance the flow of cervical mucus. On the other hand, it may be much more complex and require a hormone profile and/or other tests and procedures to correctly diagnose the real problem and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
David Picella
Answered By:
David V. Picella, NP
David Picella, is a Nurse Practitioner, and Assistant Professor, School of Nursing at Azusa Pacific University.
