What Are My Fertile Days?

A woman’s most fertile days occur in the window in which she is ovulating. Ovulation usually occurs between Day 11 and Day 21 of the cycle, counting from the first day of the last period. Women who have shorter menstrual cycles tend to be more likely to ovulate closer to Day 11. Women with menstrual cycles on the longer side may ovulate closer to Day 21.

Every month during a woman’s menstrual cycle ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where fertilization by sperm can occur. 

The lining of the uterus is thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining is shed during the menstrual period. 

A woman’s most fertile days occur in the window in which she is ovulating, and women who are trying to become pregnant often use ovulation prediction to determine their most fertile days and the optimal time to have intercourse.

When Do I Ovulate?

A woman’s monthly menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of the menstrual period until the first day of the next period. The average woman’s menstrual cycle is between 28 to 32 days, but some women have shorter or longer cycles.

Ovulation usually occurs between Day 11 and Day 21 of the cycle, counting from the first day of the last period. Women who have shorter menstrual cycles tend to be more likely to ovulate closer to Day 11. Women with menstrual cycles on the longer side may ovulate closer to Day 21. 

Ovulation:

• Usually lasts one day
• Can occur any time during this window
• May not always happen on the same day each month