Fertile Period

Ovulation occurs about halfway through the menstrual cycle(14 to 16 days before the start of a period), after which the released ovum is available for fertilization for about 2 days. Sperm can also live for approximately 2 days, so the peak fertile period is about 4 days. The possible fertile period may last seven to 12 days, due to variations in how long the ovum and sperm can survive and the timing of ovulation.