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Some factors that can influence the quality and quantity of cervical secretions that you produce may be a result of hormonal factors, while others may be related to lifestyle or medications you are taking. If any of these applies to your case, make a note. If you are using a fertility-awareness chart there is usually a special section where you can do this. This way you can see at a glance if there were any special circumstances that may have had a bearing on your cervical secretions.

Factors that can have an impact on cervical secretion patterns include:

• medications such as antihistamines and diuretics

• fertility medication such as Clomid (ask your doctor)

• tranquillizers

• antibiotics

• expectorants – as found in cough medicines

• herbs (ask your doctor before taking herbs while trying to conceive)

• vitamins such as vitamin C (over 1,000mg a day), as this may have an anti – histamine effect, reducing cervical secretions and making them more acidic

• vaginal or sexually – transmitted infection (ask your doctor if you think this is a possibility)

• delayed ovulation (can cause an interrupted pattern of secretions)

• vaginal douching (not recommended)

• being overweight

• arousal fluid (can be mistaken for raw egg white cervical secretions)

• semen residue (can be mistaken for raw egg white cervical secretions)

• lubricants (not recommended when trying to conceive, as they can be hostile to sperm)

• breastfeeding – high levels of prolactin suppress oestrogen secretion

• decreased ovarian function – for example in the years approaching the menopause

• after you’ve stopped taking the Pill – a normal cycle may not have had a chance to re – establish itself. (Remember, though, that it’s still a good idea to have regular sex even if you’ve just come off the Pill!)

If you notice anything that concerns you about your cervical secretions, for example if they are smelly or causing you discomfort or itchiness, or if you are bleeding or spotting, see your doctor. Any infection must be treated (for more about routine tests for infections, see the Fertility Work – up chapter).

If you have questions about how to observe and interpret your cervical secretions, or if you have specific concerns about your own experience, then it’s well worth finding a fertility awareness teacher (see Useful Contacts, page 358).