How to Identify Your Cervical Fluid and Vaginal Sensations

Because it is such an important sign in determining your fertility, your cervical fluid should be observed starting the first day after menstruation or on the day that TCOYF recommends via the Fertility Advisor (under the "Signs to Record" section).  It should continue to be monitored until ovulation is identified and TCOYF advises you that you may stop observing it.

Vaginal Sensations
Focus on the vaginal sensations you experience throughout the day.  These sensations are very useful and are easily distinguished by most women when they are understood.  Does the area outside the vagina feel dry, sticky, wet/moist, or slippery/lubricative?

Check your cervical fluid each time you use the bathroom during the day.   When you urinate, wipe clean toilet paper, folded instead of crumpled, across your labia.  Note the sensation as you wipe: does it feel dry, sticky, wet, or lubricative? 

Cervical Fluid
After urination, separate your labia and check the quality of your cervical fluid at the lower opening with either clean toilet paper or your fingers.  Again, does it feel dry, sticky, wet or lubricative?

If using toilet paper, touch the paper to feel your cervical fluid.  Lift your finger off of the toilet paper to see if the fluid stretches, and if so, how far.  If using your fingers, touch them together.  Lift a finger off of the other to check the stretchiness of the fluid.

Observe the color of the cervical fluid.  Is it opaque, cloudy, or clear?

Throughout the day, check your underwear when you use the bathroom.  The most fertile quality cervical fluid (wet and stretchy) frequently leaves a symmetrical circle in your underwear, the less fertile sticky-quality fluid leaves a rectangular or linear mark.
During a bowel movement, pay close attention to your cervical fluid as the process may cause the eggwhite-quality fluid to flow out quickly.

Recording Your Observations in TCOYF
After making these observations throughout the day, record the most fertile quality cervical fluid observed.   Most cervical fluid can be described as follows, from the least fertile to the most fertile:

Dry: No fluid is present or there is just a slight dampness that dissipates quickly on exposure to air.  The equivalent vaginal sensation is "dry," as well.
Sticky:  Not truly wet, feels sticky or tacky to the touch, perhaps similar to rubber cement.  May be opaque white or yellow in color, although it is also clear sometimes.  The equivalent vaginal sensation is "sticky".
Creamy:  Has a smooth feel similar to hand lotion, typically cloudy in appearance, either white or yellow.  Is sometimes wet and watery, although it is very thin and doesn't stretch much.  The equivalent vaginal sensation is "wet" or "moist".
Eggwhite:  Typically clear, but may have brown, bloody or cloudy streaks.  Similar to raw eggwhite in appearance and feel, very slippery.  May stretch from 1 to 10 inches.  The equivalent vaginal sensation is "lubricative".