how soon after sex can implantation bleeding occur

Implantation bleeding can typically occur between 6 to 17 days after sex. This timing depends on when ovulation occurs, the survival of sperm (which can last up to 5 days), fertilization of the egg, and the subsequent implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining. Implantation usually happens around 6 to 12 days after ovulation, with common occurrences 8 to 10 days post-ovulation. Since fertilization and ovulation may not happen on the same day as intercourse, implantation bleeding can appear several days after sex. This bleeding is usually light spotting lasting a few hours to a couple of days and happens close to the time when a menstrual period would be expected.