How long does ovulation last?

by Kim
(Hamilton, ON)

I am trying to conceive and I would like to know how long ovulation lasts. I am following your advise and charting my fertility, which is great because now I know when I have ovulated.
What I would like to know is if ovulation can last for three days? I am asking this because it takes that long for my temperature to increase and stay high. Also I continue to have fertile mucus one day after my thermal shift. Can I still get pregnant during this time?

Thanks a lot! You have a great site!

Answer:

Ovulation is the release of the egg from the ovary. Once the egg id released, it is accepted by the fimbria-like strictures in the fallopian tubes. It is in the fallopian tubes that the egg will be fertilized. The egg will survive after being released by the ovary for 12-24 hours.
Ovulation is the process that leads up to this takes approximately 14 days.

When you measure your basal body temperature you notice the thermal shift around ovulation. The first day you notice a temperature increase above the cover-line you have ovulated. It may take 2-4 days for your temperature to go higher and stay higher depending on how efficient your body is in producing the hormone progesterone.

You can potentially still get pregnant, but the fertility levels are lower than if you had intercourse just before the thermal shift.

I hope this helps,

Maria Gioia Atzori,
BSc Hons, MS, DSHomMed Hons, DWH Hom