Charting CM changes

[Liloosmum]

I've been reading about monitoring changes in cervical mucus to know when you're ovulating/about to ovulate and I've seen a few times that it is not reliable if you're over 35. Has anyone else seen this? Does anyone know why?

[Joolsiam]

Hi - I haven't seen that (I'm 39 and did conceive when I was 38)

I would guess that they mean you may not see as much EWCM (egg white cervical mucus - the fertile stuff) as you get older. However, I drink a glass of grapefruit juice every day, take preconception vitamins and drink lots of water - that gives me loads of EWCM for 3 - 4 days, so just because you are over 35, don't give up hope

There is a thread for over 35 TTC'ers - think it is called "Come on Ova"

[MrsHappy]

AFAIK there is no reason why it would not be reliable just because you are over 35.
Women in their 30s will often have a shorter fertile window, and so may only get EWCM for a day or so before ovulation but that does not make it useless for the purposes of ttc. I guess that as women approach menopause they also might notice differences in CM, but that is a different question.
If you can, get a copy of "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler from your local library - that should answer any queries that you have.