Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation? - Understanding Fertility (2024)

Ovulation is when your body releases an egg, and it’s the best time for conception. But what happens after? Can you get pregnant after ovulation? Well, it’s a common question for anyone who wants to know how likely they are to get pregnant. The short answer is yes, it’s possible, but timing is everything. While the egg is only viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation, sperm can live inside your body for up to five days, creating a small window for pregnancy.

In this article, we will go over all you need to know to better understand your fertility window and your chances of becoming pregnant after ovulation.

How Does Ovulation Work?

Ovulation is an important part of the menstrual cycle, and it’s how your body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Every month, on or around the fourteenth day of a 28-day cycle, your ovaries mature and release an egg. However, this is just an average. Ovulation can happen between the 11th and 21st day of the cycle, with day 1 being the first day of your period. These 10 days are known as your “fertility window” (3). Once the egg is released, it goes through the fallopian tube to meet sperm for fertilisation. Since the egg remains for 12-24 hours, the days just before and during ovulation are the most fertile. If the egg isn’t fertilised, it will break down, and your body will eventually shed the uterine lining, leading to your period (2).

Can You Become Pregnant After Ovulation?

Yes, it’s still possible to become pregnant after ovulation, but the window is short. After an egg is released during ovulation, it remains viable for about a day. If sperm is present and fertilises the egg during this time, pregnancy can occur. The chances of getting pregnant while ovulation is generally quite high, making it the most fertile time in the menstrual cycle. However, because sperm could live in the reproductive tract for up to five days if you had intercourse before ovulation, there’s also a chance that the sperm could fertilise the egg once it’s released (4). After the egg’s viability ends, the chances of pregnancy drop significantly until the next cycle. So, even though the days just before and during ovulation are the most fertile for you, there is a little window right after ovulation for conception (5).

How Many Days After Ovulation Can You Get Pregnant?

The probability of getting pregnant after ovulation declines rapidly with each passing day. Here’s a look at your chances of pregnancy before, during, and after ovulation (6):

How to Calculate Your Ovulation Days?

Tracking your ovulation can be helpful if you’re trying to conceive. Here’s how you can calculate your ovulation days (1):

1. Track Your Menstrual Cycle: Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before your next period starts. For a 28-day cycle, ovulation would be around day 14. For longer or shorter cycles, deduct 14 days from the duration of your cycle to estimate ovulation day.

2. Changes in Cervical Mucus: As ovulation approaches, your cervical mucus gets clear and stretchy, similar to raw egg whites. This is a sign that your body is preparing to ovulate.

3. Track Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your body temperature increases after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels. By tracking your BBT daily, you can identify the small spike that indicates ovulation has occurred.

4. Use an Ovulation Predictor Kit: These kits test hormone levels in your urine to detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that happens right before ovulation. If the test is positive, you will probably ovulate within the next 24-36 hours.

FAQs

1. How do I know if I’m ovulating?

Several signs can indicate ovulation. Common symptoms include changes in cervical mucus, which becomes clear and stretchy, resembling egg whites, and a rise in basal body temperature. Some women may also experience mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz) or increased libido around ovulation (8).

2. Can you ovulate more than once in a cycle?

A woman only ovulates once per cycle. While multiple eggs can be released, this happens within a short time frame (within 24 hours), which could result in fraternal twins if both eggs are fertilised. However, ovulating at two different timings within the same cycle is extremely rare and not common in humans.

3. Do you always ovulate on the same day each month?

Not necessarily. Even in women who have regular cycles, ovulation might vary from month to month. Stress, illness, or changes in routine can affect when ovulation occurs. While many women ovulate around the same time each month, tracking your cycle can help pinpoint any variations.

4. Can you get pregnant if you don’t ovulate?

No, pregnancy requires the release of an egg from the ovary, which is the process of ovulation. If you’re not ovulating, there is no egg for sperm to fertilise. Women with conditions like anovulation (absence of ovulation) may need medical assistance to stimulate ovulation if they’re trying to conceive (7).

So, when it comes to the question, “Will you get pregnant after ovulation?” the answer is yes! As long as the egg remains viable and sperm is available within that window, conception is possible. While your ovulation day might shift slightly, knowing your fertile window gives you a great advantage when it comes to planning.

References/Resources:

1. Calculating Your Monthly Fertility Window; The Johns Hopkins University; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/calculating-your-monthly-fertility-window

2. Ovulation and fertility; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/how-to-get-pregnant/ovulation-and-fertility

3. Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/

4. OVULATION: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET PREGNANT?; University of Utah Health; https://healthcare.utah.edu/fertility/patient-education/ovulation

5. Trying to Get Pregnant? Here’s When to Have Sex.; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/trying-to-get-pregnant-heres-when-to-have-sex

6. Right time for sex; Fertility Coalition; https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing

7. Understanding Anovulation: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment; Women & Infants Fertility Center; https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/services/women/anovulation

8. Mid-menstrual cycle pain (mittelschmerz); Harvard Health Publishing; https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/mid-menstrual-cycle-pain-mittelschmerz-a-to-z

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