Understanding your reproductive health can help you feel more in control of your decisions about pregnancy. Whether you are trying to avoid pregnancy or think you might be pregnant, knowing when you’re most likely to conceive is important.
At Crossroads, we’re here to provide accurate information and compassionate support. If you have questions or concerns about a possible pregnancy, we offer free self-administered pregnancy tests and a safe place to talk about your situation.
Understanding Ovulation
You are most likely to get pregnant during ovulation. This is when one of your ovaries releases a mature egg once a month. The egg can be fertilized by sperm during the 12-24 hours after it’s released.
Sperm can survive in your reproductive system for up to five days. This means that having unprotected sex in the days leading up to ovulation can result in pregnancy, even if it doesn’t happen on the exact day you ovulate.
How Can I Tell When I’m Ovulating?
If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation often happens about 14 days before your next period starts. But cycles can vary, and it can be harder to predict ovulation if your periods are irregular.
Here are a few signs that you may be ovulating:
- Cervical mucus changes – Around ovulation, your cervical mucus may become clear, slippery, and stretchy (like egg whites).
- Basal body temperature – Your body’s resting temperature may rise slightly during ovulation. Tracking this temperature each morning before getting out of bed can help you spot a pattern over time.
Some women also choose to use over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits to help identify their most fertile days.
Can I Get Pregnant Outside of Ovulation?
Sperm can live inside your body for several days, so you can become pregnant if you have sex in the days leading up to ovulation. However, without ovulation, there’s no egg for the sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t occur.
If you’re unsure about your cycle or think you might be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test.
We’re Here to Help
If you think you might be pregnant or want to learn more about your options, Crossroads offers confidential support and resources. Our caring team is here to help you take the next step.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.