The best time to try for pregnancy is during the days surrounding ovulation, the period when a woman's ovary releases an egg. This is because pregnancy can only occur if sperm fertilizes an egg.
Understanding Ovulation
Ovulation typically happens around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, but this can vary significantly between individuals. The most fertile period is generally considered to be between days 11 and 14 of a 28-day cycle. However, you can increase your chances of conceiving by having sex up to five days before ovulation or on the day after, as sperm can survive for several days in the female reproductive tract.
Key Fertility Window:
- Days 11-14 (for a 28-day cycle): This is the peak fertility period.
- Five days before ovulation to one day after: This broader window also offers a significant chance of conception.
This information aligns with multiple sources: Your Fertility, Tommy's, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the NHS.
It's important to note that this is a general guideline. Cycle length and individual variations can influence ovulation timing. For those with irregular cycles, tracking ovulation using ovulation predictor kits or charting basal body temperature can be helpful in determining the optimal time for conception.
