|
Ovulation
and Fertilization
What is the best time
to conceive
In order for the woman to get pregnant,
one of her eggs needs to combine with a man's sperm (fertilisation).
The woman's body releases an egg (ovulation) roughly 14 days before her
period. She is most likely to conceive during this time. The
ovulation period is the time when the woman's ovary releases an egg (ova)
for fertilization.
The ovulation period roughly lasts
for 24-48 hours during a cycle. Sperms, on the other hand, live for
around 3 to 5 days, and sometimes even longer. Therefore, there is
only a very short time each month when you are most likely to conceive.
It may take up to a year to get pregnant, especially if your periods are
infrequent or irregular, so there is no need to worry if you are not pregnant
after a couple of months. You can use this time to enjoy yourself
without using contraception.
When does ovulation
take place during a cycle
A woman's menstruation cycle is generally
28 days long, but could last anywhere between 25 to 35 days (or even longer).
The cycle begins from the first day of menstruation and ends on the first
day of the next menstruation. Roughly 14 days before the beginning
of the next period, the woman's body releases an egg. This egg generally
lasts for 24-48 hours, known as the ovulating phase. If the egg is
not fertilized (combined with a sperm) during this period, it is discarded
by the body during menstruation. For a woman with a 28-day
menstruation cycle, the ovulation period is approximately the 14th day
of the cycle. For a woman with a 32-day cycle, ovulation will take
place on the 18th day of the cycle.
Which are the most
fertile days for a woman to conceive, and which are the safe days - Dr.
A. Sahni
The most fertile period of a woman
with a regular 28 day cycle is between day 10 (rarely 9) and day 18.
The human ovum is susceptible to fertilization for 24 hours after ovulation.
The sperm ejaculated into the vagina can live upto 5 days but can fertilize
an ovum only for about 3 days. In a 28-day cycle the unsafe period is from
day 7 to 21.the chance of conception is minimum (10/100 women a year) when
coitus is avoided during these days. The first day of menses can
be marked on a calendar for 6 months. Then by subtracting 18 days
from the shortest cycle & 11 days from the longest cycle we get the
first and last day of the fertile period, thus coitus should be avoided
during this period to avoid conception.
Does ovulation take
place every menstrual cycle
No, ovulation does not necessarily
take place in every menstrual cycle. Even if your periods are regular,
it is possible that you will not ovulate in a particular month. Painful
periods generally imply that you had ovulated during that cycle.
However, ovulation could take place even if the periods are not painful.
How often should a
couple engage in intercourse in order to conceive
Too much sex or too little sex can
cause problems in getting pregnant. In general, it is best to refrain
from intercourse a few days before the ovulation period, so that the sperm
count is high. Some doctors recommend that you have sex every alternate
day during the fertile phase. Having sex everyday may reduce the sperm
count.
To add your views on
this article or read others comments Click
Here
Back to Previous Page
More on Preconception Index
Email this Article to a Friend
|
