Ovulation typically lasts about 16 to 36 hours, with most sources indicating around 24 to 36 hours as the duration during which an egg is viable after being released from the ovary. The actual release of the egg is an instant event, but the entire ovulation process spans roughly this timeframe
. Key points about ovulation duration and fertility window:
- The egg, once released, survives for about 12 to 24 hours if not fertilized
- Fertility extends beyond the ovulation day because sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 to 6 days, making the fertile window about 6 days long (the 5 days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation)
- Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the next menstrual period, but this can vary depending on the individual’s cycle length
In summary, ovulation itself lasts roughly 1 to 1.5 days, but the fertile window for conception spans several days around ovulation due to sperm longevity
