In women, the ability to conceive declines between 30 and 40, then rapidly as the menopause approaches. In men, fertility gradually diminishes from about the age of 50, although a man has the potential for fatherhood into old age. Infertility is usually defined as the inability to conceive after 12-18 months of sexual intercourse without contraception. The joint fertility of the couple is dependent on sperm, ovulation and the presence of mucus.
Most women can easily learn to recognize an obvious mucus discharge at the time of fertility.
For some women this discharge may be slight in amount and not easily seen. However, there will be a subtle change in sensation produced by the mucus at the time of fertility. No internal investigations are necessary. The Billings Ovulation Method helps women to recognise this time of fertility and maximise the chance of conception. When a woman learns the Billings Ovulation Method she is taught to recognise and understand her signs of fertility and infertility.