Ovulation typically lasts about 12 to 24 hours each menstrual cycle. This is the period during which an egg is released from the ovary and remains viable for fertilization. If the egg is not fertilized within this window, it disintegrates and is reabsorbed by the body

. The entire ovulation process, including the hormonal changes leading up to the release of the egg, can take around 36 hours, but the actual release of the egg is instantaneous

. Although ovulation itself lasts only about a day, the fertile window-the time during which intercourse can lead to pregnancy-is longer, typically about six days. This includes the five days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation, because sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days

. In summary:

• Ovulation (egg release) lasts 12 to 24 hours.
• The fertile window spans about 6 days (5 days before ovulation plus ovulation day).
• The egg remains viable for fertilization for up to 24 hours after release