Cervical Mucus Issues & Fertility: Solutions & Concerns

Question
Hello,

I have been TTC for 6 months. I've been told that I have a slightly short luteal phase (11 days) and that Vitex might help.

However, I believe that my problem is lack of cervical mucous.

I have been trying different supplements (l-arginine, Mucinex, Maca, green tea, Evening primrose oil) to try to boost my CM, but with little success. I read that soy isoflavens might help with cervical mucous, but I am afraid that if I boost my soy intake, it will negatively affect my progesterone levels and shorten my luteal phase even further.

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.

Thank you.  

Answer
Hello Melissa from the U.S.,

I'm afraid you have your physiology wrong.  The cervical mucous is hormonally dependent.  It thins out at the time of ovulation do to increasing levels of estrogen produced by the growing follicle on its way to ovulation.  That form allows the sperm to enter the cervix and swim up into the fallopian tubes.  Once ovulation occurs, the progesterone level rises and the mucous thickens, thereby not allowing sperm.

A luteal phase defect has nothing to do with the cervical mucous.  At that point the mucous is not important.  The luteal phase, and progesterone specifically, is primarily concerned with the preparation of the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation and support of the pregnancy.  If the luteal phase is inadequate, the uterine lining will not develop adequately and implantation will not occur.

None of the "natural" supplements you mentioned will help.  It is purely a progesterone driven event.

Good Luck,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf