Billings, J. J. (1981). Cervical mucus: the biological marker of fertility and infertility. International Journal of Fertility, 26(3), 182-195.
Billings JJ. Cervical mucus: the biological marker of fertility and infertility. Int J Fertil. 1981;26(3):182-195.
Billings, J. J. "Cervical mucus: the biological marker of fertility and infertility." International Journal of Fertility, vol. 26, no. 3, 1981, pp. 182-195.
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St Vincent's HospitalMelbourne
RRM Academy Synopsis
Cervical mucus accurately reflects ovarian activity and fertility
Cervical mucus accurately tracks what the ovaries are doing, a 1981 review reports. Two studies in the review checked body signs against hormone tests. With the ovulation method, a woman who knows her mucus pattern can mark when her fertile phase starts and ends, and when she is most fertile.
Key Findings
The review examines two basic studies that put clinical observations beside hormonal ones to see how well mucus mirrors the ovaries.
Mucus observations also recognize infertility when ovulation is absent, in addition to locating the time of ovulation.
The basic infertile pattern comes before follicular development begins, while the early day rules and the peak rule mark the start and the close of the fertile period.
A woman who knows her cervical mucus pattern can tell when the fertile phase starts and ends, and when fertility is at its maximum.
The author names two problems in natural family planning (NFP): restrictive terminology in data collection and an underdeveloped, less positive approach to periodic abstinence.
Interpretation
The record holds the published abstract of a 1981 review article, so this synopsis reports what that abstract states. The review surveys the fertile phase, the determination of ovulation and the criteria for an ideal family planning method. The author states that competent teaching is the key to successful use.
RRM Context
Cervical mucus gives a woman a daily, observable sign of ovarian activity. Restorative reproductive medicine treats the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. A mucus record of the fertile phase gives a couple and a clinician shared information on fertility.
Our editorial summary of this paper, not the article's abstract.
Abstract
The ovulation method provides a woman with an awareness of her cervical mucus pattern. This enables her to mark the beginning and end of the fertile phase of the cycle as well as the time of maximum fertility. Not only is the time of ovulation located but also there is recognition of infertility in the absence of ovulation. The key to understanding is the concept of the basic infertile pattern which precedes the commencement of follicular development; the key to successful use is competent teaching. After preliminary considerations on the fertile phase the determination of ovulation and the aspect of periodic abstinence two basic studies comparing clinical and hormonal observations are reviewed showing how accurately the cervical mucus reflects ovarian activity. Understanding the basic infertile pattern and the two sets of rules (the early day rules and peak rule identifying respectively the beginning and end of the fertile period) is basic to the application of the ovulation method. Criteria for the ideal family planning method and the importance of quality teaching are presented. Two problems requiring attention in NFP are restrictive terminology in data collection and a lack of fully developed and positive approach to periodic abstinence.
