Checking CM

[Fee]

Did anyone else have trouble checking CM when starting charting? I'm finding it hard to choose which type of CM it is and it's driving me nuts. I guess I've never really taken much notice of my CM before.

I've read all the info on FF. I guess I'll just have to keep at it and after a while I'll understand it a bit better?

[DGirl]

Yeah i find it a bit hard too Fee. I suppose it is just one of those things that just take practise. I'm just getting used to feeling my cervix and I've nearly got it down pat after 1 cycle.

[Sal]

Fee, it does take a number of cycles to get a grip on what is going on down there. At first I only recognised EWCM (quite unmistakable really) and the thick sticky infertile CM. After a while you start to notice that the infertile stuff is thinning out and getting slippery (a bit blerk but the analogy to hand lotion is a good one) and then you can start to tell the beginning of spinn CM. After 3+ years, even with a screwy cycle like mine (I have PCOS and am irregular) I could always tell when I was fertile plus when I had O'd, which was great to know when AF was due.

I have anatomy such that my fingers are too short to feel my cervix, so I never could try that! I found that CM alone was enough info for me, but I guess the more info the better.

[Kelli D]

Fee

Take a look at THIS article as it might help you work out what your different cm types are.

Hope this helps!!

[Astrolady]

I definitely think that the article Kelly has done that Kelli D has pointed to is much more clearer in it's explanation. I even commented to Kelly when she had done it "why didn't you write this when I was TTC" cause I too found it all a bit confusing with FFs descriptions.

Love

[Fee]

Thanks for the article. I'll have a read.

I thought yesterday I had EWCM but maybe it was "creamy" instead?! I have absolutely no idea!!!

I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually.

Dave's Girl, I haven't tried feeling my cervix yet. Might have to give that a go too.

[Kelli D]

Fee

EWCM is really stretchy - more often than not it is clear and just like egg whites. You should be able to stretch it between finger and thumb easily.

Maybe grab an egg and have a play with the egg white to get an idea of what to look for??

Seeya

[jess127]

oh some good info too, i had a look at that article. very helpful

Fee i'm too get used to doing this... and prob because i haven't taken much notice before...

i suppose i'll get it sorted in time...

[alton]

Fee, I am also learning the difference between each of them. I do notice it change but couldn't tell you which is which.

I think we are just going to increase our BDing around the time the mucus starts to increase down there and see what happens.

I have never paid much attention to workings on down there (mucus wise) but it is amazing what happens when you do take notice.

Mother nature is a fascinating thing!!

[Fee]

Yes it is fascinating – I agree!

[TracyD]

Hi! I have a question also regarding the cervical mucus. I don't really know now how to judge my CM, but I specifically remember seeing the EWCM several years ago (before Depo shot). Does anyone know how being on BCPs affects your CM. I know I won't O, but will I have the other CM signs? Also, if I definitely had regular CM patterns before going on the Depo (6 years ago), will I get them again once AF comes back? I haven't started charting yet because I haven't had a cycle, so I don't know when CD1 would be. Hopefully AF comes on time and I will start charting then.

[~Raven~]

I thought one of the ways Depo works is to make the mucous more hostile to sperm. I don't know how long it is meant to take for it to be more like EWCM. Prolly varies a lot for everyone.

[Fee]

I was thinking that what I've been recording as EWCM is not really EWCM. Surely I can't have this much of it?!?! It's been like a week now.