Ovulation is the time when the egg comes out of the ovary. It usually takes place about two weeks before a woman’s next period.
If the egg and sperm are to meet (this is called fertilization), it can happen on the day of ovulation. It can also happen up to five days before ovulation. This means if a woman has intercourse one to five days before ovulation, sperm can live in her body until the day ovulation takes place. Sperm can live in a woman’s body because it is making fertile mucus beginning a few days before ovulation. Fertile mucus keeps sperm alive and lets them travel.
Pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. This occurs about six days after fertilization. Up to half of all fertilized eggs never attach to the wall of the uterus so they can’t continue to grow into a healthy pregnancy. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with a woman or that she can’t have a baby in the future. No one knows why this happens. The fertilized egg comes out during menstrual bleeding but it can’t be seen because it is very, very small.
- Every woman’s body if different. If you’re interested in learning more about your body, How Pregnancy Happens, from Planned Parenthood is a great article.
- Hormonal methods of birth control are safe, effective methods of pregnancy prevention.
- If you need birth control, click TeenSource's Find a Clinic can help you find a doctor near you.
Remember, hormonal birth control methods do not protect against STDs. Always use a condom.