Can You Only Get Pregnant When You Ovulate?

The Facts

• An egg released during ovulation will live approximately 12 to 24 hours. Most women will only release a single egg during each menstrual cycle. It is thought that up to 10 percent of women release multiple eggs during a single cycle, which can lead to a twin pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized after it is released, implantation in the uterus can take place up to 12 days after ovulation has occurred. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus will reabsorb the egg. Some women will not experience ovulation during their menstrual cycle. Several factors can interfere with normal ovulation, including illness and stress.

Ovulation

• Ovulation takes place when the ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. This is considered to be the fertile time of your menstrual cycle when you are most likely to get pregnant. If the egg is fertilized, it will continue to move into the uterus, where it will implant into the uterine wall, and pregnancy will follow. If ovulation does not take place during the menstrual cycle, no egg will be released and conception will not occur.

Fertilization

• Sperm have a lifespan that ranges between three and five days. Once intercourse has taken place, the sperm will need to work their way toward the egg that was released during ovulation. In order for conception to occur, the sperm will need to find and penetrate the egg during the 12 to 24 hour period in which it was released. If no ovulation occurred, there will be no egg waiting for the sperm to fertilize. Couples trying to conceive will begin to have frequent intercourse a few days preceding the expected ovulation date in order to ensure fertilization takes place.

Symptoms

• There are several symptoms that women may notice during ovulation. Many women will notice their cervical fluid become clear and stretchy like an egg white. The cervix typically will be located in a higher position and may be softer than other times during the menstrual cycle. Twinges in the lower abdomen may be noticeable. Other symptoms include breast tenderness and bloating in the abdominal region. Some women may also notice light spotting around the time of ovulation.

Time Frame

• The length of a menstrual cycle varies for every woman. A typical cycle can last between 28 and 32 days. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. Each cycle consists of two parts called the follicular and luteal phases. The follicular phase occurs first and will continue until the body ovulates. During this phase, hormones including estrogen are produced to help the egg reach maturity. The follicular phase can vary a great deal in duration, while the luteal phases lasts an average of 14 days. During the luteal phase, a woman's body temperature may rise and hormones such as progesterone are released to support a possible pregnancy.