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Expert Q&A
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| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
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My husband and I plan to try to conceive again soon. I am wondering how long sperm can survive in the womb and how long is the window of opportunity open once I ovulate?
In general, sperm survive for 24-48 hours in the female reproductive tract and the egg is able to be fertilized for 12-24 hours after ovulation. When trying to get pregnant, it is helpful to determine the approximate time of ovulation. This can be done by taking your temperature every morning and filling out a Basal Body Temperature chart (BBT). Concentrating intercourse for the few days before and after ovulation can increase the chance of pregnancy.
You can download a BBT chart from The Cycle Daily.
Related Expert Q&A
- It has been 41 days since the first day of my last period. Is it normal to go that long in between periods?
- My cycle only lasted 2 1/2 days and is lighter than normal. Is that going to interfere with us trying to conceive? Also, will it increase our chances if he ejaculates a couple days before my fertile time?
- What is the likelihood that I have a serious fertility problem?
- I am a shift worker. Is there any way I can monitor my basal temperature?
- If you have very light spotting for two or three days before your period actually begins, which day do you count as the first day of your period?
More Answers by this Expert
- I am pregnant and planning a trip to India, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Is it OK to fly and take a 3-month-old to these countries?
- Can I get pregnant during menopause, 18 months after my last period?
- My daughter just had her second C-section and was told her uterus was still open from her first C-section. What does this mean?
- Our daughter has a negative blood type and didn't receive her second RhoGam shot until eight days after giving birth. Will this create problems with future pregnancies?
- After giving birth, my daughter's placenta failed to come out. Is this normal?