Even if ovulation occurs, if the mucus is not fertile, the spermatozoa cannot survive the acidity of the vagina or be directed towards the uterus and into the tubes. The Billings Method helps you understand when mucus is fertile.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is the Billings Method
- How cervical mucus changes
- How the method works
What is the Billings Method
Billings method (also called ovulation method or mucus method)
The Billings method is a natural contraceptive practice based on the observation and evaluation of cervical mucus . Thanks to this method it is possible to recognize the ovulatory period of a woman by analyzing her cervical mucus in the first person.
Cervical mucus: how it changes
Why it is important that the mucus is fertile
Mucus becomes fertile during ovulation, and the secretion is regulated by hormones. It is essential for conception : even if ovulation occurs, if the mucus is not fertile, the spermatozoa are unable to survive the acidity of the vagina or be directed towards the uterus as far as the tubes.
How mucus varies according to the menstrual cycle
Every woman has personal variations of the mucus.
After menstruation it is possible that there is no trace of it or that it is thick, sticky and white or cream in color, dry to the touch and remains so (infertile situation) for 4 days.
As estrogen levels rise, there may be a slight increase in the amount of thick, sticky mucus over the next two days and the vulva is moist.
Then, for about 4 days the mucus becomes
- abundant,
- fluid,
- transparent,
- racy
- it is wet.
It can also be
- opaque,
- milky
- or white
- and, occasionally, tinged with blood.
All this is due to the effect of estrogen on the endometrium .
At the moment of maximum effectiveness it is wet, slippery and often described as “egg white”.
In practice, putting a little vaginal mucus between thumb and forefinger and then “detaching” them between the fingers some elastic filaments are formed and, going to the bathroom, you can see that even on the toilet paper a little slippery mucus remains. Fertile mucus is “wet” .
The last day of fertile mucus, called the “peak” for most women, is the day after ovulation. During these days, therefore, it is advisable to have intercourse because the probability of pregnancy increases.
Mucus after ovulation
After ovulation, the passage to the again infertile mucus can be sudden or gradual: under the influence of progesterone , it returns and becomes thick, dull and semi-dry. For two or three days it remains partially fertile, so there are about seven days of no mucus, then it can reappear thick or reduce to a moist trail before menstruation begins.
How the Billings method works
To learn about the trend of the mucus it is important to get to know each other.
It is useful to note, for at least 5 cycles:
- consistency,
- color and quantity
- and relevant details
until you have a clear enough idea of how your fertility is going.
What can affect cervical mucus
Caution. They can alter mucus:
- unbalanced diets,
- stress,
- hormonal imbalances,
- drugs,
- cervical polyps,
- cyst
They can alter its pH:
- vaginal showers,
- spray
- or lubricants.
Variations should also be noted.
Scientific advice by Rossella Nappi, gynecologist and endocrinologist at the Maugeri Foundation, University of Pavia
