Medically Reviewable Algorithm
Based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) standard cycle method.
Ovulation Calculator
Find your most fertile days to get pregnant faster
Your Personal Fertility Calendar
Peak Fertility
Ovulation DayWindow Opens
Sperm can survive 5 days
Next Period
If not pregnant
date_range Upcoming Fertile Dates
*Ideally, have intercourse every other day during the "High" and "Peak" fertility window.
When to take a pregnancy test?
Recommended date:
How to Get Pregnant Faster: Mastering Your Fertile Window
Timing is everything when trying to conceive. Unlike men who are fertile every day, women are only fertile for about 6 days per cycle. Our calculator helps you pinpoint this critical "fertile window" so you never miss an opportunity.
check_circle The Fertile Window
Sperm can live inside the female body for up to **5 days**, but the egg survives only **12-24 hours** after ovulation. Your fertile window is the 5 days *leading up to* ovulation plus the day of ovulation itself.
star The "Peak" Days
You have the highest probability of conception (20-30%) if you have intercourse in the **2 days before ovulation**. Waiting until ovulation day itself actually slightly lowers the chance compared to the days prior.
Signs of Ovulation: Listen to Your Body
While calculations are great, your body gives physical signals when it's ready to conceive. Combining our calculator with these signs increases accuracy significantly.
- Cervical Mucus Changes: As you approach ovulation, estrogen increases, causing cervical mucus to become clear, slippery, and stretchy (like raw egg whites). This "fertile mucus" helps sperm swim and survive.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your resting body temperature rises slightly (about 0.5°F) *after* ovulation occurs due to progesterone. Tracking this confirms ovulation happened but doesn't predict it in advance.
- Mittelschmerz: Some women feel a mild cramp or twinge of pain on one side of the lower abdomen when the egg is released.
- Increased Libido: Evolutionarily, many women experience a higher sex drive during their most fertile days.
The 4 Phases of Your Cycle
| Phase | Approx Days | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Menstruation | 1-5 | Uterine lining sheds. Low fertility. |
| Follicular Phase | 6-14 | Egg matures. Estrogen rises. Fertile window opens near the end. |
| Ovulation | 14 (Day 0) | Egg released. High Fertility. |
| Luteal Phase | 15-28 | Progesterone rises. Lining thickens. Fertility ends. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to have intercourse to get pregnant?
Your most fertile days are the 2 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm survives for up to 5 days, so having sex before ovulation ensures sperm is waiting for the egg.
Can I get pregnant after ovulation?
It is unlikely. The egg only survives for 12-24 hours after release. If it isn't fertilized in that window, it dissolves. This is why timing intercourse *before* ovulation is key.
How accurate is an ovulation calculator?
Calculators provide a strong estimate based on averages. For pinpoint accuracy, combine this calculator with physical signs like tracking Cervical Mucus and Basal Body Temperature.
Boy or Girl? (The Shettles Method)
While not scientifically guaranteed, the Shettles Method suggests timing can influence gender.
For a Boy: Have intercourse as close to ovulation as possible (Y sperm are
faster but die sooner).
For a Girl: Have intercourse 2-4 days before ovulation (X sperm are slower but
live longer).