Accuracy of the peak day of cervical mucus as a biological marker of fertility

Abstract

The (PD) peak day of cervical mucus is an important biologic marker for the self-determination of the optimal time of fertility in a woman’s menstrual cycle. The purpose of this article is to provide evidence (literature and empiric) for the accuracy of the PD of cervical mucus as a biologic marker of peak fertility and the estimated day of ovulation. An analysis of data from four published studies that compared the self-determination of the PD of cervical mucus with the urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge was conducted. The four studies yielded 108 menstrual cycle charts from 53 women participants. The 108 cycles ranged in length from 22 to 75 days (mean 29.4 SD 6.0). Ninety-three of the 108 cycles had both an identified PD and LH surge. Data charts showed that 97.8% of the PD fell within ±4 days of the estimated day of ovulation. Use of a standardized mucus cycle scoring system indicated that the peak in cervical mucus ratings was highest on the day of the LH surge. Self-determination of the PD of cervical mucus is a very accurate means of determining peak fertility and a fairly accurate means of determining the day of ovulation and the beginning of the end of the fertile time.