Fertilization Timing: Can You Conceive After Ovulation?

I would like to know the time of conception?

The first day of the last menstrual period was from October 12 to October 18 (the menstrual cycle lasts about 7 days).
The cycle is quite regular, approximately 28 to 30 days (from June to August: due to time zone differences and irregular schedule, the cycle was 28 to 38 days; from August to September: 28 days; from September to October: 26 days).
According to the app, ovulation is predicted to occur on October 28 (with the ovulation period from October 23 to October 29).
The expected date for the next menstrual period is November 11.
There was sexual intercourse during the ovulation period for about 2 to 3 days, with ejaculation inside without contraception (though the exact timing is not clearly remembered).
On November 3 and November 4, there was external ejaculation, and no emergency contraception was taken.
A very clear positive test was obtained on November 13.
I would like to know if it is possible to have ovulated and conceived between November 3 and November 4?

Feichang xiang zhidao shouyun qijian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The last menstrual period started on October 12 and ended on October 18 (the menstrual cycle is approximately 7 days).
The cycle is quite regular, ranging from 28 to 30 days (from June to August: due to time zone differences and irregular schedule, the cycle varied from 28 to 38 days; from August to September: 28 days; from September to October: 26 days).
According to the app, the ovulation day is indicated as October 28 (ovulation period from October 23 to October 29).
The expected date for the next menstrual period is November 11.
There was sexual intercourse during the ovulation period for about 2 to 3 days, with ejaculation inside without contraception (though the exact timing is not clearly remembered).
On November 3 and November 4, there was external ejaculation, and no emergency contraception was taken.
A pregnancy test on November 13 showed a very clear positive result.

I would like to ask if it is possible to conceive during the ovulation period on November 3 and November 4?
Answer: The last menstrual period was from October 12 to October 18, with the ovulation period from October 23 to October 29.
Given that there was sexual intercourse during the ovulation period and external ejaculation on November 3 and November 4, the likelihood of conception is relatively low.

Reply Date: 2018/11/15

More Info

Understanding the timing of fertilization and conception is crucial for those trying to conceive. Based on your menstrual cycle details, it appears that you have a fairly regular cycle, which is beneficial for predicting ovulation. Your last menstrual period started on October 12 and lasted until October 18, suggesting that your ovulation likely occurred around October 28, as indicated by your app.
In a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. Given your cycle length of around 28-30 days, ovulation would indeed be expected around the end of October. The fertile window, which is the period during which intercourse can lead to conception, generally spans from about five days before ovulation to one day after ovulation. This is because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg is viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation.

You mentioned having unprotected intercourse around November 3 and 4, which is a few days after your predicted ovulation date. While it is less likely to conceive from intercourse that occurs after ovulation, it is still possible, especially if ovulation occurred later than expected. Sperm can survive for several days, and if ovulation was delayed, it could align with the timing of your intercourse.

The positive pregnancy test you took on November 13 indicates that fertilization did occur, and it is possible that the sperm from your intercourse on November 3 or 4 could have fertilized the egg if ovulation occurred later than anticipated. The timing of ovulation can sometimes vary due to factors such as stress, illness, or changes in routine, which can affect hormone levels and ovulation timing.

In summary, while the most fertile days are typically just before and the day of ovulation, it is still possible to conceive from intercourse that occurs shortly after ovulation, depending on the timing of ovulation itself. Given your positive pregnancy test, it seems likely that conception occurred, and you should follow up with your healthcare provider for confirmation and to discuss your pregnancy moving forward.

If you are trying to conceive in the future, tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature monitoring, ovulation predictor kits, or observing changes in cervical mucus can provide additional insights into your fertile window. This information can help you time intercourse more effectively to increase your chances of conception. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support throughout your journey to conceive.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse Four Days After Ovulation?

Is there a possibility of pregnancy if intercourse with ejaculation occurs four days after ovulation before menstruation?

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If sexual intercourse occurs four days after ovulation, theoretically, pregnancy should not occur. However, if there is uncertainty about the exact day of ovulation, there is still a possibility of unintended pregnancy. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation? Understanding Your Chances

If the 15th is your ovulation day and you had intercourse today, followed by some wiping and then re-entering, the chances of pregnancy are relatively high. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, and since you are close to your ovulation period, ther...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy. I recommend considering emergency contraception (such as the morning-after pill or an IUD). If your period is more than a week late, it is important to take a urine test to check for pregnancy. Thank you! Wish...

Maximizing Your Chances: When to Conceive Before or During Ovulation?

Doctor, my menstrual cycle in November was from November 12 to November 17, and in December it was from December 14 to December 19. The app indicates that my fertile window (ovulation) is from December 26 to January 1. Today, December 26, I noticed clear discharge, and I had an e...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to engage in intercourse on the day after ovulation, approximately on December 28, 30, and January 1. However, since there is only one cycle of data, the margin of error may be larger. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr...

Understanding Ovulation and Conception Timing: Can You Get Pregnant?

After this menstrual period, I started using ovulation test strips. I had unprotected intercourse on September 18, and from September 23-24, the ovulation test showed a transition from a strong positive to a weak positive. If there is no further sexual activity afterward, could t...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, sperm can only live for 2-3 days, so pregnancy is unlikely. Wishing you good health.