Periods/EWCM

[crassula]

OK, this might be a bit long, and is probably tmi. I know I could just go to the doctor, but I'm interested in thoughts here.

I conceived my first child when I was 35. It was really easy - happened after just one night of sex (I know that was the night because DH works away and we only see him one weekend a month). DS was born and everything was fine.

Three years later, at 38, I conceived again - same situation, one night, really easy conception. Pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 8 weeks.

Both times, we had sex on the one day of the month I get lots of EWCM. It's always been the case that I have fairly heavy periods, but only one day of EWCM, but quite a lot of it.

Turned 40 in January. We tried to conceive in February - same biology going on - heavy period, one day of copious EWCM, but it didn't work. By March, things had changed - my period was EXTREMELY LIGHT - as in, it lasted one or two days, and mainly only spotting, very little flow. However, I had about five days of LOADS of EWCM - had to change a pad regularly, and even as doing so it was stretching all over the place (sorry!). Didn't get a chance to try in March. Now April, same thing again - ridiculously light period, ridiculous amounts of EWCM. The periods made me think I am in peri menopause, but the EWCM is supposed to be a sign of fertility, isn't it? And it's increased massively. (Maybe I'm clutching at straws, but it really is loads and it's very very stretchy, and lasts for days. Why would that only start happening after I turned 40, though, and as my periods seem on their way out?)

Didn't get a chance to try the right time this month, but hoping will be able to in May or June.

Has anyone experienced anything like this, or have any idea of what it could mean with regards to fertility?

Just pondering, really.

Oh - just to add that in between first child and miscarriage, we didn't try to conceive at all.

Periods etc can just change! Might not be peri-menopause, it is a bit early for it, but not impossible.

Number of days EWCM, not really indicative of fertility or not.

For me, I took 4 months to conceive at age 35, 4 months to conceive at 36, and one miscarriage following 8 months of ttc at 40, followed by conception straight after. Since then 12 more miscarriages due to age, most of which were conceived with the first attempt. We stopped actively ttc for times in between, but not using contraception. Since the age of 45 even at risky times have not conceived, despite continued periods.

I am sorry to say that it is true that age 40 fertility does decline dramatically. Whilst my last child was born when I was 40, I think, I have been surprised to find how quickly fertility changes in the peri-menopause. It definitely becomes less likely.

However, whilst you are still ovulating, there is always a chance, it might just take you longer than it has previously.