Fertility: Optimal Conception Timing and Sperm Longevity

Duration of pregnancy

I apologize for the confusion.
The period during which conception is most likely to occur is typically around the time of ovulation, which is usually about 12 to 24 hours after the ovary releases an egg.
Sperm can remain viable in the female reproductive tract for approximately 3 to 5 days.
If your wife started experiencing cramping on the afternoon of the 12th, and she sometimes has cramping on ovulation days, it is possible that she ovulated around that time.
Regarding the use of emergency contraception (the morning-after pill), it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/12

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the lifespan of sperm and eggs according to medical research indicates that sperm can survive in a woman's body for up to 72 hours (three days) after ejaculation, while an egg can survive for 24-48 hours after ovulation.
However, there are instances where individual sperm or eggs may have longer survival times, and there is significant variability among individuals.
The likelihood of conception is highest during the three days leading up to and including ovulation.
Emergency contraceptive pills taken within 72 hours after intercourse have an effectiveness of 97%, but they are not 100% effective, with a failure rate of about 3%.
The effectiveness decreases significantly after 72 hours, but it is still considered a viable option.
It is advisable to take a pregnancy test if menstruation is delayed by more than a week.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2015/07/12

More Info

Understanding fertility and the optimal timing for conception is crucial for couples trying to conceive. The window of opportunity for conception is primarily centered around ovulation, which is when an egg is released from the ovary. This event typically occurs about 14 days before the start of a woman's next menstrual period, but it can vary depending on the individual’s cycle length.

The most fertile period is generally considered to be the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. This means that if a woman has a regular 28-day cycle, the optimal time for intercourse would be from about day 10 to day 14 of her cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, although the average lifespan is about three days. This means that having intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation can increase the chances of sperm being present when the egg is released.

Regarding your wife's symptoms, such as the dull pain she experiences around ovulation, this could be a sign of ovulation itself, known as mittelschmerz. It is not uncommon for women to feel some discomfort during this time due to the release of the egg.
As for the use of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can work up to five days after. However, its effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait. If your wife is experiencing ovulation pain and you had intercourse on the 9th, taking the emergency contraceptive may not be necessary if you are trying to conceive, as the timing aligns with her fertile window.

In summary, for optimal conception, aim for intercourse during the fertile window, which is the five days leading up to and including ovulation. Sperm can survive for several days in the female reproductive tract, so timing intercourse a few days before ovulation can be beneficial. If you have concerns about fertility or any underlying issues, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential fertility assessments.

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