You are most fertile around the time of ovulation, which typically occurs mid- cycle. For most people with a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation happens around day 14, and the fertile window is about 6 days, including the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. The highest chance of pregnancy is in the three days leading up to and including ovulation because the egg survives for about 12-24 hours after release, and sperm can live inside the female body for up to 5 days. Here are key points on fertility timing:
- The menstrual cycle starts with the first day of a period.
- Ovulation usually happens around 12 to 16 days before the next period.
- The fertile window typically covers days 8 to 19 in a cycle of 26-32 days.
- You can conceive during this fertile window, with the peak fertility around ovulation day.
- Pregnancy is less likely during periods but can still occur.
- Methods like tracking cervical mucus changes or basal body temperature and ovulation test kits can help pinpoint ovulation days more accurately.
In summary, fertile days are usually from about 5 days before ovulation to the day of ovulation, and ovulation occurs roughly midway through the menstrual cycle (around day 14 in a 28-day cycle).
