Fertility Timing Guide For Women
A lot of women do contact me saying they don’t know if they ovulate or not, some don’t even know how to check for their fertile window.
See, apart from being healthy, to get pregnant you’ll need to have intercourse (sex) at the right time.
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Timing is everything if I’m to be technical about it.
And the best time to try and conceive is during the “fertile window” of your menstrual cycle; this is not a one-size-fits-all, it differs from woman to woman.
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The Fertile Window
When we talk about the fertile window, we are referring to the days in a woman’s menstrual cycle when the possibility of getting pregnant is at its peak.
Technically speaking, pregnancy is only possible during the five days before ovulation through to the day of ovulation.
These six days are what is referred to as the “fertile window” in a woman’s cycle, and reflect the lifespan of sperm (5 days) and the lifespan of an ovum (24 hours).
So, what this means is that if a woman has sex six or more days before she ovulates, the chances she will get pregnant is virtually zero. If she has sex five days before she ovulates, her probability of getting pregnant is about 10%.
So, the probability of pregnancy increases until the two days before and including the day of ovulation.
At the end of her “fertile window”, the probability of pregnancy declines rapidly and by 12 – 24 hours after she ovulates, a woman is no longer able to get pregnant during that cycle.
If you are one of those women who are not aware of their “fertile window” or when they ovulate, sexual intercourse is recommended every 2 to 3 days to help optimise their chance of conceiving.
Adapted from data by Wilcox, A.J. et al. NEJM (1995) 333:1517
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, moves down the fallopian tube, and is available in the fallopian tube to be fertilised.
How to track your ovulation
Take note of the length of your menstrual cycle. Day one is the first day of the menstrual period and the last day is the day before the next period begins.
- Ovulation will happen about two weeks before the next expected period. So, if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14.
- Do not forget the fertile window, which is the six days leading up to and including ovulation.
So, the three days leading up to and including ovulation are the most fertile. Depending on your cycle length the most fertile days in the cycle varies:
- If you have 28 days between periods ovulation typically happens on day 14, and the most fertile days are days 12, 13, and 14.
- If you have longer cycles, say 35 days between periods, ovulation happens on day 21 and the most fertile days are days 19, 20, and 21.
- If you have shorter cycles, say 21 days between periods, ovulation happens on day 7 and the most fertile days are days 5, 6, and 7.
Fertile window calculator for different cycle lengths
Use the calculator below to know your most fertile days.
How to know if you’re ovulating:
Women’s cycles can vary and are not cast in stones, so to know if you’re ovulating and on which day of your cycle you are ovulating, take note of your fertility signs throughout your cycle and record them on a chart.
The most accurate methods of knowing when ovulation is about to occur are:
- Take note of any change in your cervical fluid (mucus). During ovulation period, you may notice your vagina mucus is clear, slick and slippery, similar to egg white. This is the best sign to note when ovulation is happening. It’s peak time for action. If you’re finding it difficult to understand your cervical fluid (discharge) or what cervical fluid means, please click here to learn more now.
- Use an ovulation prediction kit: you can begin your testing some days before your estimated day of ovulation. Subtract 17 days from your average cycle length and start testing from this day of your cycle, for example, if you have a 28-day cycle, you should start testing from day 11. Having a positive result means you are going to ovulate within the next 24 to 36 hours.
- Take a record of your basal body temperature (BBT) every day before getting out of bed. A basal thermometer will give an accurate measurement. Your BBT rises about half a degree Celsius after ovulation has occurred. By charting your temperature, it is easy to see when the rise in temperature and ovulation occurs. This can help you work out your own pattern of ovulation. More so, because at that stage ovulation has already passed, it does not help you pinpoint the fertile window but may guide you for next month.
- Make use of the ovulation calculator on this site. If you know the date of your last period, the length of your cycle and your cycle is regular, this will identify your “fertile window” and predicted ovulation date.
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Fertility Myth Conception
The myth:
“The best time to try to conceive is day 14 of your menstrual cycle.”
The truth:
The only time a woman can get pregnant is during the “fertile window” of the menstrual cycle. This window will vary depending on the individual’s cycle, nonetheless, timing intercourse in the 6 days leading up to and including ovulation is the window with the highest chance of conception. |
Best regard,
Mr. Ola
Are you having any Infertility Issue?
Leant a lot now thanks for d note my first question is how can I intal dis particular calendar on my phone most one I use are not always correct.secondly is it when I see d ovulating fluid dat I can get pregnant
At the moment, I don’t know which calculator to recommend that will give accurate results, in the meanwhile still make do with the one on this post.
As regarding your ovulation period, this is the time when your body releases an egg and the article has done justice to the fertile window (fertile days) which is the two days before your ovulation and including the ovulation day, keeping track of this can further increase your chances of conception by 33%.
It is useful to mention that sperm lives for just 5 days within you, so bringing all these together it will further make more sense and limit your trials.
Good day. I am trying to conceive a boy as I already have girls. Please how do u go about it that is effective and affordable. Is their any truth in Chinese calender to pee determine sex of a baby. Thanks
I have read about the Chinese calendar to pick the sex of a child but I’m not sure of the scientific backings. However, there are other natural and scientifically proven ways of determining the sex of a child, we do have a report on that which we give as a bonus to those who subscribe to our Fertility Preconception Program, however the version two of that material will further increase the chances up to 94%, the community will be duly informed of the release.
Have not been mesrating for some time over a year what should I do to bring it back.thanks
Undergo our Fertility Preconception program. You can reach us on WhatsApp for more info.
Thanks Dr Ola, really gaining a lot from dis lessons.👍
You’re welcome ma. I’m just Mr. Ola
Thanks so much
You’re welcome.
This wonderful thank you so much may Grace sir
You’re welcome ma.
Thank u so much
You’re welcome
Thanks a lot
You’re welcome.
Tks u’re doing a great job,Pls I need to get information on how to conscribe a baby boy
That information is solely for those that subscribe to our Fertility Preconception Program. However, should you still need it, you can reach us on WhatsApp via +2348070602372.
Pls I run a 28 days mess and sometimes I have back pain when am about to b on or weakness of d body or sometimes I will b eating a lot. Pls does that sign as an ovulation? And seriously I really want to get pregnant. Pls help me.
Tnx for sharing. I really appreciate.
You’re welcome.
My last period is on 1 of April, and this month is 2,so when will be my ovulation day pls enlight me
Make use of the calculator in the article above or better still get an ovulation prediction kit.
how can no my ovulation day,my period is on 2nd of may
Make use of the calculator or better still get an ovulation prediction kit.