Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from an infertility specialist
A: Pregnancy occurs after ovulation, when the egg is released into the body and then fertilized by sperm. What a lot of people don’t realize, though, is that once you’ve ovulated, you have just about a 12 hour period of time to conceive.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
That’s because the lifespan of an egg, once it has ovulated, is only about 24 hours — which means that if that egg is not fertilized within the first 12 hours after ovulation, conception is likely not going to happen.
Because of this small post-ovulation window, it’s important to have sex in advance of ovulation, if you can. Sperm can survive inside your cervix for about 72 hours, so having intercourse in the three day-span before you ovulate will give you higher chances of getting pregnant. That way, by the time the egg is released, there’s already sperm inside the cervical reservoirs waiting to fertilize it.
One of the most surefire ways to know when you’re going to ovulate is to use over-the-counter ovulation strips, which help you identify when you’re about to ovulate — and thus, when you should be having sex in order to maximize the likelihood of conception.
—Reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist Laura Detti, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Pregnancy hot flashes are normal and usually caused by hormonal changes
Fatigue is a result of hormones and the physical toll of pregnancy — eat well, stay hydrated and sleep when you can
The urge to get your home ready for baby often hits in the last trimester — but not everyone experiences it
Baby’s caregivers should be up-to-date on flu, COVID-19 and Tdap vaccines to protect the newborn in their lives
These consumer-friendly devices can’t assess male fertility nearly as well as a fertility specialist can
Ob/Gyns are trained physicians who can care for more complex medical needs than midwives, but which you choose depends on your health and comfort
Delaying baby’s first bath can encourage breastfeeding success and strengthen bonding
A breast abscess feels like a hot, hard and painful lump — seek support from a healthcare provider at first signs of an infection
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
