Timing of Ovulation and Fertility

Optimal Conception Timing

• The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that sperm can survive 3-5 days in fertile cervical mucus, making intercourse before ovulation more effective than after, with the highest pregnancy rates occurring with intercourse 1-2 days before ovulation 1
• Intercourse or insemination should occur within 24-30 hours after LH surge detection for optimal pregnancy rates, according to the guidelines from a medical insights society 2

Fertility Window

• The egg remains viable for fertilization for only 12-24 hours after release, as stated in the Human Reproduction Update 1
• The fertile window extends from 5 days before ovulation through 1 day after, with the highest pregnancy rates occurring with intercourse 1-2 days before ovulation 1, 2