- Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycle of a woman is natural changes that occur in the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The cycle is required for the production of oocytes, and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Irregular periods or ovulation disorders, meaning that you ovulate infrequently or not at all, are a common reason for having difficulties in conceiving.
Most Fertile Time
If you count from the first day of your menstrual cycle, 12-14 days is mainly your ovulation period which is the most fertile days which is referred to as your fertile window, to get the best chance of conceiving you should have unprotected intercourse during your fertile window. Ovulation can vary woman to woman according to their menstrual cycle. The egg can survive for about 24 hours after ovulation, while sperm can survive for 48 hrs to 72 hrs in the fallopian tube. So the woman should be having unprotected intercourse every 2-3 days during your fertile period, so sperm is already present in the fallopian tubes.
When you ovulate ?
Every woman is different and their cycle may vary from month to month. To know your ovulation period, subtract 14 days from the number of days in your cycle. Your cycle is the number of days from the start of your period to the start of your next period. So if your cycle is 30 days you can expect to ovulate on day 16. Other symptoms of ovulation, such as vaginal mucus, tender breasts, basal-body temperature or an increased libido.
Up to 40% of all female fertility issues are ovulation related and most can be treated with lifestyle changes or simple fertility drugs.
If a couple is trying to conceive for approximately 1 year or 6 months for a woman over 35 years with irregular menstrual cycle, one should consider meeting a fertility specialist.