Do you know when your best fertility window is? It isn’t after ovulation! It’s in the days leading up to and the day of ovulation.
Sperm can live up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract. Ideally, sperm should really be waiting for the egg to enter the fallopian tube after ovulation for the best chance of fertilization and conception.
This suggests that the best window of fertility starts 4 days before ovulation and ends the day of ovulation.
Your Body Will Give You Clues In The Days Leading Up To Ovulation
- Increase in libido
- An increase in volume and change in consistency (more wet and stretchy) of your cervical fluid
- LH surge (OPK strips)
- Estrogen surge (some OPK strips)
- Energy usually peaks around the time of ovulation
- Your sleep may start to improve, meaning you may fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
- You may experience a little constipation
Check out my blog post on all things ovulation HERE if you have any questions about how to determine when ovulation is occurring!
Some Useful Tips For Timing Intercourse Or Insemination If Your Goal Is Conception
- Start having intercourse or using insemination every day or every other day starting on cycle day 7 until 3 days after ovulation. (FYI: Cycle day 1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding.)
- Frequency of ejaculation matters. After 2-3 days without ejaculation, sperm quality can decrease.
- Be careful if you’re using any type of lubricant. Several have been shown to be detrimental to fertilization. My favorites are BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant by Good Clean Love or Pre-Seed by First Response.
Sometimes what seems like infertility, is really just an issue of timing. Consider working with a provider to dig deeper if you have questions.
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone!
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant or struggling with fertility, consider working with a holistically-minded provider who can offer a thorough assessment of your whole health and provide personalized therapeutic options. You don’t have to do this alone! 🙂
I always hope that my posts are supportive of your journey. There are additional resources and references below. Leave me a comment, check back often, and reach out if you need a partner in this process! Thanks so much for reading.
If you haven’t done so already, check out my other fertility-related blog posts, sign up for my newsletter, grab my FREE fertility guide, connect with me on social media, and reach out for help if you need it!
Additional Resources
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NATUROPATHIC, INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PROVIDERS
If you’re looking for help with PCOS, Integrative Fertility Support or individualized Preconception Health Optimization, and interested in working with me I’m available via virtual consult. Schedule a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today! Alternatively, if you would like to find a practitioner in your area, see the resources below.
- Dr. Tamara Darragh
- Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- The Institute for Functional Medicine
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