How long until you ovulate after period

When planning a baby, a couple needs to make sure that they are having regular intercourse and that it is at the correct time in a woman's menstrual cycle. Awareness of your fertility window increases your chances of conception.

The so called fertility window is the days in the menstrual cycle when conception is possible. This is from the day the egg is released (ovulation) and the five days prior.

The reason for this is that sperm can survive for up to five days and the egg for only 12-24 hours.  We recommend tracking your cycles and aiming for intercourse at least every second day during this time.

If you have irregular cycles, we recommend you aim for intercourse every second to third day.

How to track your cycle

Working out your fertility window can be helped by tracking your menstrual cycle. You can simply mark your periods on a calendar or try some of the many apps available online (none of which are proven or endorsed by Fertility PLUS).

The average menstrual cycle is 28-35 days. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days prior to your period starting. We recommend you track two to three cycles and work out the average length of your cycle. From this you can work out the average time you are likely to ovulate.

• If your cycle is 28 days, ovulation should occur on day 14. Therefore aim to have regular intercourse from 10 days after your period has started.
• If your period is 35 days, then ovulation should occur at 21 days and intercourse should be from 17 days after your period started.

Ovulation

There are bodily signs that change over the month that can help you to identify if you have ovulated.

Signs of ovulation

• Change in cervical mucus: Just before ovulation your cervical mucus changes to become clear and slippery, this is to allow the sperm to pass through the cervix. After ovulation the mucus becomes thicker and changes to a white/yellow colour, and hinders sperm transport.
• Changes in bodily hormones: Measuring a woman's luteinising hormone (LH) can help indicate ovulation, as the LH increases one to two days prior to ovulation. LH can be measured in the urine and is the basis of commercial ovulation kits. These are generally used for five to six days prior to your expected ovulation day. Commercial ovulation kits should be used with caution as there is limited evidence of the effectiveness in improving fertility outcomes.
• Changes in body temperature: Measuring your 'basal temperature' has been used to help identify if ovulation has occurred. Fertility PLUS does not recommend this technique as it is often inaccurate and can increase your stress levels. It is a retrospective test, so once your temperature has increased, you have already ovulated, potentially missing your fertility opportunity.

Understanding your menstrual cycle is crucial to defining when you ovulate and calculating when you are most likely to get pregnant. 

“Women should be aware that if they have an irregular period, it can make the ovulation days difficult to determine.” Said Dr. Martinelli. “When examining fertility, it’s important to realize that an egg can survive for about 24 hours after ovulation, and sperm can live inside a woman’s body for three days—though sometimes it’s possible for them to survive for five days. “

How long should a normal menstrual cycle last?

An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, defined from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the first day of bleeding of the next period. However, irregular periods are very common.  An irregular period is defined as a cycle that varies by more than seven to nine days. 

There are several reasons why women may have abnormal periods, which can include fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, and even something as common as stress. 

“If you’ve constantly had an irregular period, please contact us for an appointment to determine the underlying cause and initiate treatment,” said Dr. Martinelli. 

When does ovulation start?

If you have a normal 28-day cycle, ovulation should occur about 14 days before you start your next period.

When can I become pregnant after my period?

If you have intercourse five days before ovulation until one day after ovulation, you can become pregnant. You’re much more likely to become pregnant if there are live sperm in the fallopian tubes during ovulation.

Fertility Awareness and Family Planning

Some women use fertility awareness as a method of natural birth control. One of the tools used is something called the Standard Days method. This establishes that if you have a period that is between 26 to 32 days long, days eight through 19 will be your most fertile days. However, this method is most effective when you have regular menstrual cycles. 

If a woman has a regular period and uses the method perfectly, less than one to five women out of 100 will become pregnant. However, the key words here are “perfect use.”  The typical use rate is different. Typical use means that the methods may be done incorrectly or measured inconsistently. In the first year of this typical use, 12 to 24 women out of 100 will become pregnant. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

Infertility Treatments

For those who are struggling with the challenge of infertility, understanding your ovulation cycle can help; however, it’s important to speak with us about some of the innovative infertility treatmentsoffered at our Chapel Hill office or Durham office. We have helped hundreds of couples conceive by utilizing the latest state-of-the-art treatments and caring for both their physical and emotional needs.

We Offer Extensive Options for Both Infertility Treatment and Birth Control

We see patients at every stage of their lives. While some are trying to get pregnant, others may be looking for the most effective form of permanent birth control. Still, others may be entering menopause while some may be having their first gynecological exam. 

At any stage of your life, we offer compassionate care that has made us a leader in the area for more than 40 years. We have locations in Chapel Hill and offer Durham gynecology and  Durham obstetrics services. No matter what stage in your journey, we want to care for you throughout your life. See why our patients love our personalized approach to medicine. Schedule an appointment today.

For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.

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