The ovulation period roughly lasts for 24-48 hours during a cycle. Sperms,
on the other hand, live for around 3 to 5 days, and sometimes even longer.
Therefore, there is only a very short time each month when you are most
likely to conceive. It may take up to a year to get pregnant, especially
if your periods are infrequent or irregular, so there is no need to worry
if you are not pregnant after a couple of months. You can use this time to
enjoy yourself without using contraception.
When does ovulation take place during a cycle?
A woman's menstruation cycle is generally 28 days long, but could last
anywhere between 25 to 35 days (or even longer). The cycle begins from the
first day of menstruation and ends on the first day of the next
menstruation. Roughly 14 days before the beginning of the next period, the
woman's body releases an egg. This egg generally lasts for 24-48 hours,
known as the ovulating phase. If the egg is not fertilized (combined with
a sperm) during this period, it is discarded by the body during
menstruation. For a woman with a 28-day menstruation cycle, the ovulation
period is approximately the 14th day of the cycle. For a woman with a
32-day cycle, ovulation will take place on the 18th day of the cycle.
Which are the most fertile days for a woman to conceive, and which are
the safe days? - Dr. A. Sahni
The most fertile period of a woman with a regular 28 day cycle is between
day 10 (rarely 9) and day 18. The human ovum is susceptible to
fertilization for 24 hours after ovulation. The sperm ejaculated into the
vagina can live upto 5 days but can fertilize an ovum only for about 3
days. In a 28-day cycle the unsafe period is from day 7 to 21.the chance
of conception is minimum (10/100 women a year) when coitus is avoided
during these days. The first day of menses can be marked on a calendar for
6 months. Then by subtracting 18 days from the shortest cycle & 11 days
from the longest cycle we get the first and last day of the fertile
period, thus coitus should be avoided during this period to avoid
conception.
Does ovulation take place every menstrual cycle?
No, ovulation does not necessarily take place in every menstrual cycle.
Even if your periods are regular, it is possible that you will not ovulate
in a particular month. Painful periods generally imply that you had
ovulated during that cycle. However, ovulation could take place even if
the periods are not painful.
How often should a couple engage in intercourse in order to conceive?
Too much sex or too little sex can cause problems in getting pregnant. In
general, it is best to refrain from intercourse a few days before the
ovulation period, so that the sperm count is high. Some doctors recommend
that you have sex every alternate day during the fertile phase. Having sex
everyday may reduce the sperm count.
