Learn how ovulation and the fertile window work so you know when your chances of conception may be highest.
As eggs and sperm only live for a short time, pregnancy can only be achieved in a small window of the menstrual cycle. This is known as the “fertile window”. It is important to time intercourse (or fertility treatment) around this time to maximise your chances for a successful pregnancy, which is something our team at Create Fertility regularly helps people understand and plan for.
Sperm can live for around five days, whereas a mature egg is only viable for around 24 hours after being released from the ovary (ovulation) and entering the fallopian tube. As such, the fertile window is the day of ovulation and the five days before this.
The timing of the fertile window will depend on the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of the menstrual period until the day before the next period.
As every body is different, and the menstrual cycle doesn’t always follow the ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, this is a general guide only. Irregular, frequent, or infrequent periods may all affect your ability to fall pregnant. If this is a concern for you, our team at Create Fertility aims to help.
There are several ways you may be able to predict ovulation and determine when you are fertile, including:
Many women use a combination of methods to obtain the most accurate estimate of their fertile window.
Timing is everything when it comes to ensuring that sperm are present when an egg is released.
It is generally recommended that couples have unprotected intercourse at least every two days throughout the fertile window, and one day after expected ovulation (just in case the estimation is off). If you wait to have intercourse until after ovulation has occurred, you are likely to miss the window for that month.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, your menstrual cycle will be monitored closely to ensure that your specialist catches the day of ovulation. This is when intrauterine insemination (IUI) may occur to ensure the best chances of getting pregnant.
In some cases, ovulation may be induced via a ‘trigger injection’ to ensure that treatment occurs at precisely the right time.
If you have been trying to fall pregnant naturally without success, it may be time to see a specialist.
You may consider seeing a fertility specialist if:
Understanding the fertile window is an important first step when trying to conceive, but timing is not always the whole picture.
If you are unsure about your menstrual cycle, experiencing irregular periods, or finding it difficult to conceive, the specialists at Create Fertility aim to help. We offer personalised assessments and evidence-based treatment options tailored to your individual fertility needs. Contact us today to find out more.
Planning for a baby, or already trying? Learn what can influence your fertility.
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: 7:00 PM AEDT
Location: Live via Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free