Many women are uninformed when it comes to what should be going on down there. By knowing what your vaginal discharge should look and smell like, you could learn when you’re most fertile or even spot an infection. Vaginal discharge is produced by your cervix and vaginal glands. It is there to maintain the moisture and health of the vaginal tissues. It can help sperm swim to the uterus during your fertile window, or on the contrary, it could prevent it from passing through. That is exactly what sticky discharge does. 

You may notice sticky or tacky fluids in your underwear a few days after menstruation, as estrogen levels rise. Your vaginal discharge may become sticky again a day or two after ovulation (the beginning of the luteal phase), when the amount of fluid decreases quickly. 

Why does cervical fluid become sticky?

After menstruation or ovulation, when your fertility window is closed, sticky vaginal discharge becomes a barrier, making it hard for sperm to enter the upper reproductive tract. Your ovary produces more progesterone in your luteal phase, which works similarly to the progestin in progesterone-only birth control. It makes your cervical fluid sparse, with little water, making it difficult for sperm to get past the cervix. 

What color of sticky discharge is normal?

Pale yellowish, thin, white, clear, sticky discharge is OK, but if it becomes darker or starts to smell, it may indicate an infection. If you suspect your vaginal fluid is abnormal, see your ob-gyn. 

Keep marking your vaginal fluids with the MIA app every day to get more insight into how your body works.