- After ovulation cervical mucus is no longer watery and stretchy. It looks more like cream or body lotion. It’s not favorable for conception anymore because it won’t promote advancement of sperm cells towards the ovum. Besides, ovum lives only 12-48 hours after its release from the ovary.
- Sticky dense discharge, possibly with lumps, is typical for the days before period.
All the mentioned processes are ruled by hormones. In the 1st phase of menstrual cycle estrogen is in chief. It reaches its top level by the ovulation onset, then progesterone begins to dominate.
You may monitor how the character of your cervical mucus changes through menstrual cycle for a couple of months. Possibly before you haven’t paid attention to that, but now when you focus your attention on this specific task, you will be able to detect when the most favorable days for conception start in your cycle.