Search results
When you’re trying to conceive, the number one question on your mind may be, "When is a woman most fertile?" Though the answer depends on many different factors, there are certain steps you can take to pinpoint peak fertility and increase your chances of successful conception. How many fertile days are in a cycle?
- Fertility and Age
Learn here about female fertility and age and how time...
- Fertile Window
Your fertile window is the six days when you’re most likely...
- Fertility and Age
Oct 1, 2024 · Women who have a regular, 28-day cycle are likely to be fertile around day 14 of their menstrual cycle, but this won't apply to women whose cycles are shorter or longer. It’s possible (although not very likely) to get pregnant soon after your period finishes if you ovulate early or have a short menstrual cycle.
What are the main causes of infertility? What signs and symptoms should you be looking for to take fertility test for women? Let’s find out the answers together with Flo.
- Overview
- The menstrual cycle
- Ovulation and conception
- Maximizing fertility and chances of conception
- Avoiding pregnancy
- Fertility and age
- How does fertility differ with the pill?
- When to see a doctor
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Females are most fertile within a day or two of ovulation, which is when the ovaries release an egg. However, it is possible to get pregnant in the days leading up to ovulation, as sperm can survive for several days inside the female body.
In theory, a person can become pregnant at any time in their cycle, but it is most likely to happen around the time of ovulation. When ovulation happens will vary according to a person’s cycle.
The days during the menstrual cycle when a person is least likely to get pregnant are known as the ‘safe period.’
This article describes how to calculate the fertile window to aid or avoid conception.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
The average person’s menstrual cycle is between 28–32 days. Some people have shorter cycles, while others have much longer ones.
The first day of a person’s period is considered the first day of their menstrual cycle. Their period then typically lasts 3–7 days.
Variations in the menstrual cycle usually happen in the follicular phase that occurs before ovulation.
The luteal phase, which occurs from ovulation to the next period, is typically 14 days long.
Ovulation occurs when one of the ovaries releases an egg. After release, the egg moves to the fallopian tube, where it will travel to the uterus, which takes about 24 hours.
Pregnancy occurs if sperm travels to the fallopian tube and fertilizes the egg. If sperm does not fertilize the egg, the egg moves to the uterus and breaks down, ready to leave the body during the next menstrual period.
To maximize the chances of becoming pregnant, a person should time sexual intercourse to occur during the 2–3 days leading up to, and including, ovulation. Having sexual intercourse on any of these days may provide a 20–30% chance of pregnancy.
Other tips to improve the chances of conception include:
•Have regular sexual intercourse. Pregnancy rates are highest among partners who have sex every 2 or 3 days throughout the month.
•Avoid smoking. Smoking tobacco reduces fertility and impacts the health of a developing fetus.
•Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol intake can reduce fertility in males and females and harm a fetus.
•Maintain a moderate weight. People who have overweight or underweight are more likely to have irregular ovulation.
Some people may wish to track their fertility to prevent pregnancy. This is known as the fertility awareness method.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) charts fertility awareness-based methods of contraception as having a 24% failure rate with typical use.
The chances of pregnancy are lowest during a person’s period and on the days on either side of the period.
However, they may still become pregnant if they have ovulated early or late in their cycle, as sperm can survive in the body for several days.
People wishing to use the fertility awareness method should speak with their doctor first.
Learn more about the types of contraception available here.
Ovulation and the fertile window can change from cycle to cycle, but they may also alter with age. Fertility naturally begins to decline in females in their 30s. By age 40, a person’s chance of conceiving drops to 10% per cycle.
The number of eggs and egg quality decrease with age. Ovulation may also become irregular.
Some medical conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS, also make conception more difficult.
Learn more about PCOS and fertility here.
Birth control pills aim to prevent unintended pregnancy. The pill prevents pregnancy by releasing synthetic hormones that stop ovulation from occurring and the uterus lining from thickening.
So, even if the ovaries do release an egg, a fertilized egg would be unable to implant in the wall of the uterus. The pill also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
According to the CDC, the birth control pill is more than 99% effective with perfect use but only 91% effective with typical use. This means that around 9 out of 100 women would become pregnant in a year of taking the pill with typical use.
Learn more about the pill and its potential side effects here.
Females who track their fertile window with the aim of getting pregnant should see their doctor for preconception planning.
As well as identifying barriers to conceiving, a doctor can advise on the use of folic acid or prenatal supplements to encourage a safe pregnancy.
Most couples who have frequent sex without contraception will conceive within 12 months.
Women under 35 years of age should see their doctor if they do not conceive after a year of trying. Those over 35 years of age should seek medical advice after 6 months of trying to conceive.
Anyone who has irregular cycles or does not appear to ovulate should also speak with their doctor. There may be an underlying medical cause that is preventing ovulation and conception.
Learn more about irregular periods and pregnancy here.
Can I get pregnant 2 days before my period?
Days 17-28 before the first day of a person’s period are the days when the uterine lining begins to thicken. While a person is less likely to conceive during this time, conception is still possible. Learn more about the uterine lining here.
Can I get pregnant on my period?
Although pregnancy is still possible, a female is less fertile while on their period. Learn more about getting pregnant during a period here.
How many days after your period can you get pregnant?
A female can get pregnant at any time during her menstrual cycle. The likelihood of pregnancy is highest during ovulation, which is typically days 10-14. Intermenstrual bleeding can occur between periods. To pinpoint the start of a menstrual cycle, a female must correctly identify their actual period. Learn more about bleeding between periods here.
Each person’s menstrual cycle is different. Generally, it lasts 28–32 days. A person is at their most fertile during ovulation, which occurs around days 10–14.
A person can calculate the exact days of ovulation each month by counting from the first day of their period.
However, certain medical conditions may affect ovulation or impact the sperm’s ability to reach the egg.
People who have been unable to conceive for over a year should talk with a fertility specialist.
- Jayne Leonard
Your fertile window is the six days when you’re most likely to get pregnant. Here an expert describes what your ovulation window is and how to track it.
For women, a fertility assessment can include: AMH blood test, measures a hormone that indicates how many eggs you have. AFC ultrasound, which is a scan that looks for any abnormalities. Reproductive hormone tests, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone.
People also ask
When is a woman most fertile?
How common are infertility symptoms?
Why is ovulation called a fertile window?
When can a female get pregnant?
How do you know if you have infertility?
How do you know if you're fertile?
Find out more about what is ovulation along with tips on identifying your fertile window which is when your ovaries release an egg that can be fertilised by sperm.
