Practical guide
Fertile window guide
Understand the fertile window, LH surge, cervical mucus, and how to optimize conception chances.
This information does not replace medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for fertility or pregnancy questions.
What is the fertile window?
The fertile window is the span of days when pregnancy is possible — typically about 6 days per cycle. Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the reproductive tract; the egg lives roughly 24 hours after ovulation. Timing intercourse within this window maximizes conception chances.
How to estimate ovulation
For regular cycles, ovulation often occurs about 14 days before the next period. A 28-day cycle might ovulate around day 14; a 32-day cycle around day 18. Use our ovulation calculator as a starting point, then confirm with ovulation tests (LH strips) or temperature tracking if needed.
Body signals to watch
- Cervical mucus: becomes clear, stretchy, egg-white-like near ovulation.
- LH surge: detectable in urine 24–36 h before ovulation.
- Basal temperature: slight rise after ovulation (retroactive confirmation).
- Mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz) for some women.
Practical tips
Have intercourse every 1–2 days during the fertile window rather than focusing on a single "perfect" day. Reduce smoking and alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and start folic acid if trying to conceive. If cycles are irregular or conception doesn't occur after 12 months (6 if over 35), consult a specialist.