Some women get pregnant quickly, but for many, it can take a bit longer. Whether trying to conceive, trying not to conceive, or simply wanting to learn more about cyclical changes in the body, calculating the “fertility window" can help women to target heightened fertility and gain insight into how their individual reproductive system works.
What Exactly is the Fertility Window?
Ovulation is a phase of the female menstrual cycle that involves the release of an egg from one of the ovaries.¹ There are several signs of ovulation, such as mild pelvic pain, watery vaginal secretions, and a slight uptick in body temperature.
Within the average monthly cycle, there are only about six to seven days when a woman is able to get pregnant. These six days include the five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day following ovulation. Sperm can typically live in a woman's body for up to five days, but an egg will only survive about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. A woman's fertility window is commonly defined as the time during the monthly cycle when the chances of conceiving are the highest.
How to Calculate Your Fertility Window:
A woman's menstrual cycle varies from 23 to 35 days, with the average length being 28 days. Although each woman's cycle differs slightly, most ovulate around 12 to 14 days before the start of their next menstrual cycle. The length of the menstrual cycle is generally considered to be the number of days from the first day of bleeding in the first cycle to the first day of bleeding in the next cycle. Infrequent or missed periods may be a sign that the woman is not ovulating regularly and can make calculating the ovulation date a little more difficult. If periods are irregular, it is suggested to go by the shortest period cycle when attempting to calculate the ovulation date.
If you are seeking to get pregnant and have not been able to conceive even after tracking your fertility window, it would be best to seek the help of your doctor. There are many options available to help you on your journey in addition to calculating your fertility window.
To learn more, contact the experts at ReproMed Fertility Center today! We are here for all of your fertility questions and concerns!
Dr. Anil Pinto is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Pinto has a special interest in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced reproductive technologies, such as IVF.