How can you tell the difference between cervical mucus and sperm

Sperm vs Cervical Mucus

Table of Contents Show

How to check your cervical mucus
Watery cervical mucus: possibly fertile
Egg white cervical mucus: fertile
Creamy cervical mucus: non-fertile
Sticky cervical mucus: non-fertile
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Track your baby’s development
How do I know if I have sperm or cervical mucus?
Can sperm be mistaken for discharge?
What will cervical mucus look like if I conceived?

Millions of differences you can find between the cervical mucous and the sperm. Same time you can find some relationship between these two also. We will discuss the main differences.

The sperm is a male gamete which is formed by the testis. It is a germ cell. It has the capability to fertilize with ovum and produce an embryo. Sperm production is under control of follicular stimulating hormones and testosterone. Sperm has a head where the nucleus is situated. Below the Head, there is a neck piece, which has mitochondria. Mitochondria will produce the ATP energy for the cell. ATP energy is needed for cell survival and the movement of the sperm. The tail piece mainly designed for active movements.Sperm is produced by the seminiferous tubules of the testis and matured in the epididymis of the testis and stored.

The cervical mucous is secreted by the cervix, which is the lower part and neck of the uterus. The cervical mucus glands secretes the mucus. The mucus secreting cells are under the hormonal control.The thickness will affect the sperm travel through the cervical mucus. After ovulation, the cervical mucus will be thinned. The consistency of the mucus can be checked by fingers.This test will help to identify the ovulation (old method).

In summary,

The Cervical mucus and sperm production are under influence of hormones.

Both are active during the reproductive age of the Human.

Both sperm production and cervical mucous productions are continuous in nature.

Sperm is a special cell which has the capability of reproduction. Cervical mucus is a secretion by the cervical mucous gland.

Sperm produced by males during reproductive age. Cervical mucous is produced by females during reproductive age.

Sperm has tail, it can move its own. cervical mucus is not.

Cervical mucous secretion is increased during the sexual excitation. But sperm production usually not affected by sexual excitement.

If you're trying to get pregnant, it's good to know when you're at your most fertile. One way to find out is to look for changes in your cervical mucus – the natural, healthy vaginal discharge that most women experience.

As your hormones change over the course of your menstrual cycle, the amount, colour and texture of your cervical mucus varies too. These photos will give you an idea of what to check for as you track your ovulation to find out your most fertile days.

Everybody is different, and you may not see these exact variations in your own cervical mucus. The main thing to look for is some kind of change mid-cycle. In the meantime, you'll improve your chance of conceiving by having sex every two days to three days throughout your cycle.

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How to check your cervical mucus
You can check your cervical mucus by wiping with clean toilet paper, or by inserting a clean finger into your vagina and reaching upwards toward your cervix.
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Watery cervical mucus: possibly fertile
After your period, you'll probably have a few dry days, where you don't notice much cervical mucus. A few days after this, you may notice some wetness, which could be yellow, white or cloudy.
This type of mucus can be a sign that your body is starting to get ready for ovulation. Because sperm can live inside you for up to a week, waiting for an egg to be released, it's worth having sex every two to three days during this phase.
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Egg white cervical mucus: fertile
When you're at your most fertile, you may notice an increase in cervical mucus, and find that it becomes wetter and more slippery. It looks and feels like raw egg whites and it can stretch about 5cm without breaking in the middle.
This "egg white" cervical mucus is the most fertile, as it allows sperm to swim easily into the cervix. It's also a sign that you're about to ovulate.
For the best chance of conceiving, have sex every two to three days during this fertile time. Sperm can live for up to seven days inside you, waiting for an egg to be released.
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Creamy cervical mucus: non-fertile
At other times in your cycle, you may notice cervical mucus that's not particularly wet or slippery. This creamy cervical mucus is considered non-fertile because it makes it more difficult for sperm to reach your egg.
Creamy cervical mucus can be a pearly white or creamy yellow. It's thick and feels like lotion when rubbed between your fingers.
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Sticky cervical mucus: non-fertile
You may also notice cervical mucus that's sticky or tacky towards the beginning or end of your cycle. This is the least fertile cervical mucus, as it's hard for sperm to swim through it. It's thick and lumpy, and feels like gluey paste.
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Understanding your menstrual cycle
You could try noting the changes in your cervical mucus for a few months in a row. You may see a pattern that will help you work out when you're at your most fertile.
Use our cervical mucus and basal body temperature chart to easily track the most fertile days of your cycle.

Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.

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How do I know if I have sperm or cervical mucus?

Semen is usually whitish in color, and the consistency is very thick but not stretchable. Cervical mucus, on the other hand, can be compared to egg whites with a consistent transparent color all throughout. It can also be thick or thin in consistency depending on the ovulation period.

Can sperm be mistaken for discharge?

If you find that you have more watery or egg white days than you would expect and that these often follow days or nights that you had intercourse, then you may be mistaking seminal and cervical fluid. They have similar properties because they share the same function: transporting and nourishing sperm.

What will cervical mucus look like if I conceived?

Cervical mucus changes can be an early sign of pregnancy. After implantation (when a fertilized egg attaches to your uterus), mucus tends to be clear, thick, and gummy. Some people experience implantation bleeding, or spotting, which can occur 6 to 12 days after conception.