How do I time intercourse for conception?

Bottom lineTime intercourse for conception by having sex in the roughly 5 days before ovulation plus ovulation day, with the two most fertile days being the day before and the day of ovulation, since sperm survive a few days but the egg only about 12 to 24 hours; having sex every 1 to 2 days through the fertile window is reliable, and a temperature rise confirms ovulation has already passed.

The goal is to have sperm ready when you ovulate. Because sperm can survive a few days but an egg lives only about 12 to 24 hours, the best timing is the days just before and including ovulation.

Your fertile window

• The window spans roughly the 5 days before ovulation plus ovulation day
• The two most fertile days are the day before and the day of ovulation
• Having sperm present before the egg is released gives the best chance

A practical approach

1. Estimate ovulation from your cycle length (often 12 to 16 days before your next period)
2. Confirm with signs - egg-white mucus, a positive ovulation kit, or cervical changes
3. Have sex every 1 to 2 days through the fertile window
4. Don't wait for a positive temperature rise - that confirms ovulation has already happened

Helpful tips

• Frequent regular sex avoids the stress of pinpointing one perfect day
• Lubricants can affect sperm - choose a fertility-friendly one if needed

If cycles are irregular, the window is harder to predict - tracking over several months helps.

Femora predicts your fertile window from your own cycle data so you know which days to focus on.

Plan ahead: fertile window calculator