Conception 101: Egg White Cervical Mucus

EWCM is important when trying to conceive because it is the most hospitable environment for sperm to survive. 

So many different factors must come together flawlessly in order for a woman to become pregnant. One of the most important factors is the production of egg white cervical mucus to allow sperm to reach their destination more easily.

Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) is stimulated by estrogen and produced around the time of ovulation. Although all mucus is 90% water, the consistency differs depending on what point it is in the menstrual cycle. Just after a period, it is thick and acidic and designed to prevent sperm from entering, but as ovulation approaches, it turns more pliable, clear, and stretchy.

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EWCM is important when trying to conceive because it is the most hospitable environment for sperm to survive, even up to five days. It nourishes them, protects them from acidity, helps them to swim, and guides them to the ovum.

Since EWCM is the most fertile cervical fluid, many people try to chart their most fertile time of the month by its presence. This process is known as the Ovulation Method. The more EWCM one has, the better their chance for conception. Some people even try to bring about this mucus by artificial means. The following are the most commonly tried ways to produce this “liquid gold.”

Water

It is important to keep hydrated in order to achieve the best possible EWCM. As stated, mucus is 90% water, so it is imperative that water be ingested every day. It is suggested to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day until urine is clear or very light colored. There is also water absorbed from eating fruits, vegetables, and even bread.

Good Nutrition

According to Dr. Amber Cooper, an assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Washington University and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, a healthy lifestyle plays the most important role in EWCM and conception in general.

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“I recommend a healthy, balanced diet for women trying to conceive,” she said. “I suggest women focus on overall health by decreasing trans fats, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, and including some antioxidant rich and green, leafy vegetables in their diet. Improving calcium and vitamin D intake may also be helpful. I also suggest reducing alcohol and tobacco and increasing exercise.”

 “I recommend a healthy, balanced diet for women. While some supplements have the potential to be beneficial, most are not regulated by the FDA or studied with the same scientific scrutiny as prescribed medications.”

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids help regulate hormone levels, which increase blood flow and EWCM. These basic fats cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained by food. They are found mostly in foods like grains, nuts, beans, oils, and leafy vegetables.

Essential fatty acids reduce sensitivity to the hormone prolactin, which can suppress ovulation, and they are extremely good for overall health.

Vitamin A

When consumed, the beta carotene found in natural fruits and vegetables gets converted to vitamin A. Beta carotene can be found in carrots, oatmeal, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach among other foods. It is not recommended to take synthetic vitamin A or supplements though.

Lubricants

While some lubricants may seem like they are acting as EWCM, they can in fact be harmful to sperm and hinder conception. Some safer bets are Emerita Natural Lubricant, which is water-based, and Pre-Seed, which is pH balanced to match fertile cervical mucus and is inserted by a pre-filled applicator to place the lubricant near the cervix.

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Questionable Tactics

There are other commonly tried tactics which have not been sufficiently studied and are not doctor recommended, such as evening primrose oil, the use of expectorants, green tea, or certain herbs.

According to Dr. Cooper, evening primrose oil has not been well studied with regard to fertility, and she very rarely recommends herbs or supplements.

“I recommend a healthy, balanced diet for women. While some supplements have the potential to be beneficial, most are not regulated by the FDA or studied with the same scientific scrutiny as prescribed medications. Therefore, we worry about additional ingredients or combinations of medications causing harm,” said Dr. Cooper.

The use of expectorants like Mucinex or Robitussin to produce more mucus are not advised either. They have not been shown in studies to improve cervical mucus and could be harmful. The bottom line is to live the healthiest lifestyle you can for the best chance of EWCM.

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“Estrogen levels and hormones produced from healthy follicular development in the ovary drive most EWCM production,” confirmed Dr. Cooper.