women s health issues
Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Contraception
Mucus method
The mucus method is also called the 2-day (or ovulation) method. The woman determines her fertile period by observing secretions (cervical mucus) from the vagina, if possible, several times every day, starting the day after a menstrual period stops. Women should record their observations. Mucus usually has the following pattern during the menstrual cycle: There may be no mucus for a few days after the menstrual period stops. Then mucus appears and is cloudy, thick, and inelastic. Shortly before ovulation, more mucus is produced, and the mucus becomes thinner, elastic (stretching between the fingers), clearer, and more watery (like a raw egg white). Intercourse is avoided completely during menstrual periods (because mucus cannot be checked). It is permitted when mucus is absent but is restricted to every other day because semen may be confused with mucus. Intercourse is avoided from the time mucus first appears after a menstrual period until the mucus completely disappears. After the mucus disappears, intercourse is permitted without restrictions until the next period begins. If mucus does not generally follow the usual pattern or if a woman has trouble interpreting the mucus, she should consult with her health care professional. Women who use this method should not use douches or feminine hygiene sprays and creams because these formulations can change the mucus. A change in cervical mucus indicates ovulation more accurately than body temperature. 