Cervical mucus is very important in conception. Fertile cervical mucus is needed to help sperm survive and swim from the cervix to the uterus and eventually into the fallopian tubes. Certain birth control methods can dry up cervical mucus and hinder pregnancy.
If there is a problem with cervical mucus, it can interfere with getting pregnant. Mild cases may increase the time taken to get pregnant, while serious cervical mucus problems require medical attention.
CAUSES OF CERVICAL MUCUS HOSTILITY
When cervical mucus problems can stand in the way of getting pregnant, it may be medically referred to as hostile cervical mucus. It is used to denote severe vaginal dryness, problems with vaginal secretions that are too acidic, or refer to immunological problems. It can refer to any number of problems with cervical fluids. Some of the more common causes include:
- SIDE-EFFECT OF MEDICATION
Certain medications can dry up or decrease the quality of your cervical mucus. Those drugs may include anti-histamines, cough suppressants, cold and sinus medications, sleep medication or anti-depressants and epilepsy drugs. While cold and allergy medications can decrease cervical secretions, they may not cause infertility. If you are on anti-depressants, talk to your doctor about it. Let your gynecologist know about your medications so they can work out the best solution for your overall health.
- AGE
As you get older, you may have fewer days of cervical mucus. Fertility usually decreases as you age. Change in the quality and quantity of cervical mucus are one way your fertility is affected. In your 20s, you may experience more days of quality cervical mucus as compared to your 30s and 40s. The more days of high-quality cervical mucus you have, the better your chances will be of getting pregnant.
- DOUCHING AND CERVICAL MUCUS
Vaginal douching can wash away the valuable cervical mucus you need to get pregnant. It can also wash away the good bacteria, leading to an increased risk of vaginal infection. It’s best to skip vaginal douching, even If you’re not trying to get pregnant. If you experience an unpleasant vaginal odor, it may indicate an infection. Be sure to see your doctor for check-up if you suspect anything.
- BEING UNDERWEIGHT
The hormone estrogen is responsible for increase in cervical mucus that precedes ovulation. If you’re underweight and exercise excessively, or if you’re a professional athlete, your levels of estrogen may be low. This may not only lead to less fertile cervical mucus, but also problems with ovulation. Gaining weight or cutting back on your exercise routine may help.
- HORMONAL IMBALANCE
A hormonal imbalance can also lead to a lack of cervical mucus. If you’re not ovulating, you may not get fertile cervical mucus. It’s also possible to have an excess amount of fertile cervical mucus and not be ovulating, depending on what’s causing the problems with ovulation. There are many possible causes of anovulation. A few examples include thyroid imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and primary ovarian insufficiency.
If you experience low cervical mucus, your doctor will be able to suggest the right treatment to help you. In rare cases, in-vitro fertilization may be needed. Talk to our experts at KIMS Cuddles who will suggest the right treatment for you.
*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.