The key to successful conception lies in discovering when a woman ovulates. However, because the ovulation day of each woman varies, pinpointing ovulation is tricky. Instead of relying on the calendar, women who track changes in cervical mucus, monitor basal body temperatures or use ovulation predictor kits can get a more accurate picture of when they ovulate during their menstrual cycles. Once a woman knows when ovulation will occur, she can figure out the most fertile days of her menstrual cycle and use this information to make conception more likely.
The Days Before Ovulation
Having sexual intercourse during the days immediately preceding ovulation will increase the likelihood of conception. One or two days before ovulation are the most fertile days of a menstrual cycle, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). However, because sperm can survive inside of a woman for as long as five days, the five days preceding ovulation are also fertile.
The Day of Ovulation
As expected, a woman is also fertile the day she ovulates. However, many people are surprised to learn that the day of ovulation is not as fertile as the day preceding it. ACOG suggests that a single act of sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation may not give the sperm enough time to fertilize the egg before the egg dies. On the other hand, when sexual intercourse occurs prior to ovulation, the sperm is present before, during and after ovulation, thereby, maximizing the chance of conception. Yet, there are documented cases of conception occurring on the day of ovulation, so this day is still a fertile day.
Day After Ovulation
An egg lives for approximately 12 to 24 hours after it is released from the ovary, according to the American Pregnancy Association. If ovulation occurs late in the day, or if the egg lasts the full 24 hours before disintegrating, it is possible that sperm can fertilize the egg the day after ovulation. However, ACOG notes that several studies on conception have not documented any cases of conception occurring the day after ovulation. Therefore, although this day may potentially be fertile, it is not as fertile as the days preceding ovulation or the day of ovulation itself.
