You are most fertile during the ovulation period of your menstrual cycle, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next period starts. For an average 28-day cycle, this is around day 14. The fertile window spans approximately the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, making the days around ovulation (about days 8 to 19 in cycles of 26 to 32 days) the time when pregnancy is most likely to occur. The peak fertility days are typically the three days leading up to and including ovulation (for example, days 12, 13, and 14 in a 28-day cycle). Ovulation timing and the fertile window can vary widely among individuals and cycles, so these days are approximate.

Key Details on Fertility Timing

• Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg, which lives for about 12 to 24 hours.
• Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the reproductive tract, which extends the fertile window before ovulation.
• Fertile window: roughly 6 days total — 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.
• Having intercourse one to two days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation offers the highest chance of conception.
• Ovulation probably occurs around day 14 in a 28-day cycle but shifts earlier or later depending on cycle length (e.g., day 21 in a 35-day cycle, day 7 in a 21-day cycle).

Variability and Tracking

• The exact day of ovulation can vary widely and may not always be predictable.
• Tracking menstrual cycles over multiple months can help estimate when ovulation is likely.
• Fertile window may not fall exactly mid-cycle for everyone, especially those with irregular cycles.

In summary, the most fertile time in your menstrual cycle is generally around ovulation, including the few days prior. This is when conception chances are highest.