Conception is possible starting 5 days before ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary) and lasts up until the day of ovulation.
This means that you should have intercourse before ovulation occurs. Pregnancy the day after ovulation has not been documented.
Sperm can live up to 6 days in healthy cervical mucosa, but the egg, if not fertilized within 16 hours, is unlikely to become fertilized.
Couples who wait until after they ovulate are likely to miss the "fertile window."
How often should a couple have intercourse during the "fertile window?"
Daily intercourse is preferable.
Ideally, the couple should not have intercourse for 5 days prior to the start of the "fertile window" in order to build up sperm counts.
Sperm concentrations will drop with daily intercourse, but not usually enough to reduce conception rates.
If the male partner has an abnormal or low sperm count, you may be given different instructions. Discuss this with your health care provider.
How can you identify the "fertile window?"
There are several methods available to help you identify the "fertile window." Some of these methods can be done at home with few or no special tools. Others must be ordered and followed by your doctor.
Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor
This monitor uses an at home urine dip test to determine estrogen metabolites and luteinizing hormone in urine. It can identify times of "high" and "peak" fertility. This method is fairly accurate (more than 90%) but can be expensive. The fertility monitor costs around $200. many couples find the expense worth it, rather than considering other, more expensive options.
Luteinizing Hormone Kits
The luteinizing hormone (LH) has a rapid peak and drop just prior to ovulation that can be seen on urine dip testing. Usually, ovulation will occur within 16-48 hours after the surge. Many kits will suggest that your abstain from intercourse until a surge is noted, however we do not suggest that. Daily intercourse in the few days prior to a positive LH test can increase the number of sperm near the egg at the time of ovulation and, as a result, increase the odds of conception.
Basal Body Temperature Charting
This is a relatively cost-free method that can be done at home. Basal body temperature (BBT) usually drops just slightly prior to ovulation and then rises after ovulation occurs. It is suggested that you track BBT for 2-3 months to help determine when ovulation typically occurs during your monthly cycle. We have complete instruction on how to do Basal Body Temperature Charting if you are interested.
Cervical Mucous Monitoring
During the 5-6 days before ovulation the cervix and uterus secrete a mucous that is thin, clear, slippery, and stretchy. This mucous causes a vaginal discharge. Because this discharge is caused by the hormone estrogen it is often called "Type E Mucous." After ovulation, the hormone progesterone causes the mucous to become thick and the vaginal discharge decreases or goes away. Most women can track cervical mucous just by paying attention when using the restroom, noting a stringy discharge on the toilet paper. The start of the "fertile window" is the day after any discharge is first noted.
Progesterone Levels
Certain hormone levels can be monitored by your physician to see if you are ovulating.
A progesterone level can be checked at a certain time during your monthly cycle to determine if ovulation has occured.
These tests can be expensive and must be ordered by your health care provider.
