CM - how long do I have?

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm new to the TTC arena so sorry if this is a no brainer question, but...if I notice the whitish CM then how long is the window of opportunity to conceive - a few hours, a few days? I know all women are different, but I didn't know if there was a general guideline.

[Anonymous]

Fertile mucus is like egg white and it depends on your own cycle. Mine varied from 24-28 hrs with the largest amount right at or after ovluation. There is, of course, a time lapse between your cervix making it and you finding it.

[Anonymous]

So does that mean that once you see CM it is too late?

[Anonymous]

No, according to TCOYF, your most fertile day is when you have the best quality cervical fluid (meaning most stretchy not most copious). That usually occurs the day before ovulation, although for a small number of women it may occur only 12 hours before ovulation. The last day of CM usually is the day you ovulate (although some women have it a day or two longer). Personally, I have it for 3-5 days leading up to and including ovulation, and it is definitely best the day or two before ovulation. So you should be timing sex to occur from when you start getting it until you ovulate.