EWCM, how long after this do you ovulate? And if you bd the night before, does this still mean you are in with a chance?

[hattyyellow]

Sorry for very novice question. I've searched the archives but can't seem to find a definite answer. How long after EWCM does ovulation actually occur?

If we bd on Day 11 (Mon) and Day 12 (Tues) and I had lots of EWCM on Day 13 (Weds) - does that mean that only bd after the EWCM counts?

Or am I right in thinking that the bd before EWCM would hopefully still be waiting around?

If you've got EWCM ie it's clear and really stringy (just like an egg white) then you're ovulating. I think sperm can survive up to 5 days before ovulation if conditions are right (but not 100% sure, someone with more knowledge will be along soon I'm sure). You should definitely be in with a chance a couple of days before but would also recommend BDing when EWCM shows. A really good book to read is 'Take charge of your fertility' I'll be buying a copy but borrowed it from the library so had to give it back before I'd read it properly as there was a waiting list for it.
Good luck with TTC and if you've any further questions why not join our thread in TTC (I'll add a link in a minute).
Be warned though - lots of gory symptom spotting!!

TTC thread here

Hi HattyYellow,

I think you have won half the battle if you can identify EGCM (especially as its easily confused with sperm from the night before ) So well done

According to the aforementioned fertility bible TCOYF you should keep having sex while you have EGCM until it disappears. The day of ovulation is the last day of fertile quality cervical fluid. Its tricky because you only know when the last day was after EWCM has disappeared!

Its definitely the BD before EGCM that counts, you want the sperm to be in there ready and waiting for the emerging egg. Once you have ovulated it is pretty much game over! (but nothing wrong with getting one more in "for luck"

AdditedtoRadley is right that sperm can live for up to 5 days in the right conditions. Right conditions = EGCM because it contains nutrients that sustain them. Normal CM (non fertile) is actually acidic so if its not near ovulation time they will probably only survive around 2 hours.

You can get loads more info like this from www.fertilityfriend.com (but TCOYF is much better )

Hope this helps xxx

Thanks so much all - sounds encouraging! Fingers crossed.