Introduction
In healthy women, ovulation occurs during the monthly cycle under hormonal control. When this occurs varies from woman to woman and depends on the individual cycle duration. In the frequent 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs approximately in the middle, i.e. on the fourteenth day, and represents the most fertile time. However, a woman is also ready to conceive a few days before and about a day after ovulation, as the life span of the sperm and the mature, cracked egg are also included in the time window of the fertile days.
How long does ovulation last?
Egg maturation and the selection of a dominant follicle ready to jump can take several days. However, ovulation itself only takes place on a single day per cycle. In a 28-day cycle, counting from the first day of the period, this is usually on the fourteenth day.
When ovulation occurs, the follicle ruptures in the ovary and the fertilisable egg cell contained in it is released. The egg then migrates to the ovary, where it is either fertilised by sperm or dies. The lifespan of a ruptured and mature egg cell, which is understood by the term ovulation, is a maximum of 24 hours. Within this time span, the probability of becoming pregnant is highest. How can one detect ovulation itself?
How long do the fertile days last?
The duration of the fertile days depends on maternal and paternal factors. Maternal influences include the lifespan of the ovum that has broken. This is usually a maximum of 24 hours, with the highest probability of fertilisation in the first 12 hours after ovulation.
One of the paternal influences is the condition of the sperm. Healthy sperm can survive for up to seven days, but a maximum life span of about five days is usually assumed. Therefore, four to five days before the woman’s ovulation are usually added to the fertile days.
Even though most sperm die within five days and have a shorter lifespan, fewer sperm may migrate through the vagina and uterus to the fallopian tube and be fertilised during sexual intercourse five days before ovulation. If the life span of the sperm of five days is added to the one day of life of the fertilisable egg, the fertile period lasts about six days. Namely five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
When should one have GM to get pregnant?
The ideal time to have sexual intercourse in order to become pregnant is during the fertile days. These begin about five days before ovulation and end about 24 hours after ovulation. The highest probability of conception can be achieved if the couple sleeps together one day before or immediately on the day of ovulation. On other days outside the fertile period, the probability of getting pregnant is extremely low or non-existent.
