Getting pregnant can be an exciting yet stressful time for many couples. Understanding a woman’s ovulation cycle and when she is most fertile is key to maximizing the chances of conception. During ovulation, an egg is released from the ovaries and lives for 12-24 hours. This is the period when a woman is most likely to get pregnant if sperm is present. But just how likely is conception during this fertile window? Let’s take a closer look.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. The egg travels down the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized if sperm is present.
The ovulation process
During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise causing the uterine lining to thicken and follicles containing immature eggs to develop in the ovaries. Typically, one dominant follicle will mature while the rest disintegrate.
When estrogen reaches its peak, it triggers a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This LH surge causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release its mature egg into the fallopian tube – this is ovulation.
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum which produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential implantation.
When does ovulation occur?
Ovulation occurs roughly mid-cycle, although the exact timing can vary each month. On average, ovulation takes place 10-16 days before the start of the next period.
For women with a standard 28-30 day cycle, ovulation tends to occur between day 11-21 of the menstrual cycle, with day 14 being the most common.
However, cycles can range from 21-35 days. Those with shorter or longer cycles will ovulate earlier or later respectively.
Signs of ovulation
Tracking ovulation signs and symptoms can help predict your most fertile days each month. Some common ovulation indicators include:
Change in cervical mucus
Estrogen causes cervical mucus to become thinner, clearer and more slippery as you approach ovulation. This helps sperm travel through the cervix. After ovulation, mucus thickens and dries up.
Basal body temperature spike
Your basal body temperature (BBT) rises by 0.5-1°F after ovulation due to increased progesterone. Charting BBT using a special thermometer can confirm ovulation.
Mittelschmerz pain
Some women experience one-sided lower abdominal pain during ovulation due to fluid or blood being released from the rupturing follicle. This is known as mittelschmerz.
Breast tenderness
Hormone changes around ovulation can cause breasts to feel tender or swollen.
Increased libido
Estrogen surge before ovulation may increase sexual desire.
Positive OPK
Ovulation predictor kits detect the LH surge in urine signaling ovulation will occur soon.
Chances of getting pregnant when ovulating
Ovulation is the most fertile phase of your cycle. But just how likely is conception?
On the day of ovulation
You are most fertile on the day of ovulation itself. One study found women who had sex on their ovulation day had a 37% chance of getting pregnant.
Day before ovulation
Sperm can survive for several days inside the female reproductive tract. Having sex the day before ovulation will maximize chances. One study showed a 30% pregnancy rate from sex the day before ovulation.
Two days before ovulation
Conception rates are still relatively high two days before ovulation based on studies. Having sex two days prior equates to about a 23% chance of pregnancy.
Three days before ovulation
Conception chances start declining the further out from ovulation day. But sex three days before still gives about a 15% chance.
Four to five days before ovulation
Pregnancy odds drop significantly the earlier before ovulation you have sex. Four days prior is around a 10% chance, while five days is less than 5%.
Days Before Ovulation | Chance of Getting Pregnant |
---|---|
Ovulation day | 37% |
1 day before | 30% |
2 days before | 23% |
3 days before | 15% |
4 days before | 10% |
5 days before | Less than 5% |
After ovulation
Pregnancy chances after ovulation are close to zero since the egg only survives 12-24 hours. Any sperm left in the fallopian tubes will die off within a few days.
Why conception rates are highest around ovulation
There are two key reasons why the few days leading up to and on ovulation day itself are the most fertile:
Live egg
The egg is viable for 12-24 hours after ovulation. Having sex while a live egg is present maximizes the odds sperm will fertilize it.
Favorable cervical mucus
Cervical mucus before and during ovulation becomes thin, clear and slick – allowing sperm to easily survive and swim through it into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
In contrast, cervical mucus after ovulation returns to being thicker and more acidic which impedes sperm motility.
Other factors affecting conception chances
While ovulation significantly impacts fertility, other factors play a role too:
Age
Younger women have higher ovarian reserve and egg quality resulting in better ovulation and conception rates. Fertility progressively declines from the mid-30s.
Sperm health
Sperm must be healthy and abundant for conception to occur. Male fertility issues like low sperm count or motility can lessen chances.
Sex frequency
Having sex more often around ovulation will increase odds versus just once during the fertile window.
Reproductive disorders
Conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can impact ovulation and fertility.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, alcohol, stress and being overweight or underweight can negatively affect ovulation and conception ability.
How to maximize your chances of getting pregnant
To optimize your likelihood of conception each cycle:
Track ovulation signs and symptoms
Monitoring cervical mucus changes, basal body temperature, ovulation pain and using OPKs can pinpoint your fertile window.
Have sex every 1-2 days in the lead up to ovulation
Frequent sex improves your odds versus just once during the fertile period.
Stick to positions that allow deep penetration
Missionary or doggy style enable deeper cervical deposit of sperm.
Stay laying down after sex
Remaining horizontal allows more sperm to reach the cervix and beyond.
Prioritize lifestyle factors
Eat healthy, exercise, lower stress, maintain a healthy BMI, don’t smoke and limit alcohol.
Conclusion
Ovulation provides the best fertility boost each cycle. Conception chances are highest on ovulation day itself and the two days prior. Factors like age, sexual frequency and health also impact odds. While it may take normal healthy couples 6-12 cycles to conceive, focusing on ovulation can help shorten your journey to pregnancy.