Ovulation is a brief moment
Ovulation itself — the actual release of the egg — is a single event that happens over a matter of hours. Once released, the egg can only be fertilised for about 12 to 24 hours before it's no longer viable. So in one sense, ovulation 'lasts' less than a day.
This short egg lifespan is why people worry about getting the timing exactly right — but the fertile window is more forgiving than that.
Your fertile window is longer
The reason you don't have to hit that single day precisely is sperm. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to about five days. So sex in the days before ovulation can still lead to conception, because sperm are waiting when the egg is released.
Combining sperm survival (up to five days) with the egg's lifespan (about a day) gives a fertile window of roughly six days ending on ovulation day.
What this means for conceiving
The practical takeaway: aim for regular sex (every one to two days) across your fertile window, especially in the two to three days before you expect to ovulate. You don't need to obsess over a single day.
If you're not sure when you ovulate, ovulation predictor kits, cervical mucus changes and cycle tracking can help. And if you've been trying for a while without success, a GP can check whether you're ovulating and guide next steps. A telehealth consult makes this simple.
Related condition
Fertility & trying to conceive →References & sources
- 1.Ovulation and fertility — Pregnancy Birth & Baby
- 2.Fertility — Pregnancy Birth & Baby
- 3.Planning for pregnancy — Pregnancy Birth & Baby
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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