However, since sperm are hardy and can survive in the female reproductive tract for around 72 hours, you can get pregnant anywhere from five days before you ovulate to a day after you ovulate. This period is known as your fertile window. Timing sex during this six-day fertile window makes you significantly more likely to conceive, according to research. There are many methods of tracking and predicting ovulation so you can try to figure out when you are most fertile.
An ovulation day calculator may provide an estimate, but isn't always the most accurate of methods, especially if you have irregular periods. Some ways to try to pinpoint your ovulation period at home include over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits , body basal temperature charting , and checking for fertile cervical mucus.
Each kit comes with five or so test strips or sticks, and manufacturers typically recommend you test your urine for several days leading up to your suspected ovulation day. This makes this method can potentially costly, especially if you have somewhat irregular periods and you have to test for many days or months on end.
Among no-cost home ovulation-tracking methods, checking the texture of your cervical mucus may work best. According to research, people who had sex when they had slippery, egg-white-like cervical mucus associated with your ovulation period were two to three times more likely to conceive than those who had scant or absent mucus secretions typical at the very start of your menstrual cycle.
Unfortunately, there's no completely accurate method to detect that you are about to ovulate. It's possible for an ovulation predictor kit, body temperature charts, and cervical mucus patterns to all indicate a slightly different ovulation day. Researchers found a day spread of observed ovulation days even among a group of people with "clockwork" cycles, and a similar variation for people whose cycles were a little longer or shorter.
Another group of researchers set out to pinpoint the most commonly fertile day in the menstrual cycle across the general population—including those with irregular cycles—using menstrual period surveys and ultrasound measurements rather than ovulation signs. By day 25 LMP, the statistical probability of conception is zero, according to the data. Some people do not ovulate regularly, or at all. One in 10 people with ovaries experience anovulation, or periods in which an egg is never released during their menstrual cycle, at some point during their childbearing years.
If you're not ovulating, no amount of sex will get you pregnant. Irregular periods or completely absent periods are the number one sign that ovulation may not be occurring, or may be occurring infrequently. It is possible to have regular periods and not be ovulating, but this is uncommon.
Understanding the science behind fertility as it relates to the timing of ovulation is helpful if you are trying to have a baby.
But it's important to know that not everyone's fertile window falls at the same time of the month. When trying to figure out the best time to conceive, it may be more helpful to watch your body's signs of fertility—like changes in cervical mucus—than the calendar. Research has also found that timing sex for pregnancy can cause excessive stress in some couples. If trying to conceive is causing a strain on the relationship, you may decide to ditch the monitoring methods and just try to have sex as often as is enjoyable for both you and your partner.
Women under 35 years of age should see their doctor if they do not conceive after a year of trying. Those over 35 years of age should seek medical advice after 6 months of trying to conceive. Anyone who has irregular cycles or does not appear to ovulate should also speak to their doctor. There may be an underlying medical cause that is preventing ovulation and conception.
Read the article in Spanish. Infertility or a couple being unable to conceive a child can cause significant stress and unhappiness.
There are numerous reasons for both male and…. A quick discussion about some scientifically proven ways to improve fertility. We provide ten of the best ways to boost the chances of conceiving. Assisted reproductive technology involves the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos to achieve pregnancy. Learn more about types of ART and their…. What days can you get pregnant? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. The menstrual cycle Ovulation and conception Maximizing fertility Avoiding pregnancy Fertility and age Fertility on the pill Seeing a doctor We include products we think are useful for our readers.
The menstrual cycle. Share on Pinterest The period of fertility depends on when ovulation occurs. Ovulation and conception. Maximizing fertility and chance of conception. Avoiding pregnancy. Share on Pinterest Anyone considering the fertility awareness method should speak to a doctor.
Fertility and age. How does fertility differ on the pill? When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Infertility in men and women. Rise in basal body temperature BBT. You can measure BBT with a basal body temperature thermometer before you get up in the morning. Note: This will only tell you that you ovulated and cannot predict ovulation.
However, if you track your temperature for a few cycles, you can see in hindsight what cycle day you generally ovulate. What positions are best? How often should you have sex? Does a lubricant affect the odds of getting pregnant? Other tips for getting pregnant.
Here are a few other things you can do to boost your fertility: Orgasm. For a man, ejaculating is essential to getting his partner pregnant. Control your weight. Being too heavy or too thin could lower your fertility. Smoking increases the odds of infertility and miscarriage, and reduces sperm motility. Limit caffeine. In large amounts — more than five cups of coffee a day — caffeine can lower fertility. When should you see a doctor? How long should you wait before seeing a doctor?
That depends on your age. Women younger than 35 should try for at least 1 year before seeking medical help. Women 35 or older should see a healthcare provider after 6 months of trying. Make an appointment sooner if you have any of these issues, which could affect fertility: irregular or no periods endometriosis pelvic inflammatory disease a history of miscarriage hernia surgery or a problem with the testicles in your male partner The doctor will do an evaluation of your health and medical history.
The takeaway. Parenthood Pregnancy Getting Pregnant. When Should We Be Concerned? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD.
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