Understanding Ovulation & Fertile Days: A Guide for Trying to Conceive

Question

I am currently trying to conceive my first child. I have a normal cycle (28 days) but am still unsure about a few things in regards to ovulation. I was under the impression that ovulation occured on the 14th cycle day. However, doctors on other websites constantly make statements such as "you begin ovulating on______."  As if you ovualte over a period of days. Also commonly stated is that you have 5-7 fertile days. How could that be if you only ovulate once?  To be more precise. I am expecting my next period on June 7th. When will I ovulate and what days should I have sex to conceive. Does sperm live for 5-7 days? My sister says yes. She claims this is a fact backed by several doctors. I am not convinced.  

Answer
If you have a normal 28 day cycle (from the first day of your period until the first day of your next period) ovulation occurs on cycle day #14. Ovulation occurs within a few seconds, after there is an LH surge (luteinizing hormone). Sperm can remain viable for 12-24 hours (sometimes 36 hours). The ovum remains viable for 24-48 h ours. That is why  you can conceive if you have sex on cycle day #13,14,15, or 16.  When you ovulate, the egg travels across to the end of fallopian tube and stays there. Since the sperm can remain viable for 12-24 hours, if you have intercours on cycle day #13 and ovulated the next day, you can become pregnant if you have sex on cycle day #13 and #14. Since the egg can live for 24-48 hours. You can conceive if you have sex on Cycle day #13,14,15, or 16/ I hope that was clear. If you get your period on June 7, and you have normally a 28 day cycle, ovulation will be cycle day #14 (June 20) and you can become pregnant if you have sex June 19,20,21, or 22. If you do become pregnant at that time, a pregnancy test will not show a positive result until 14-21 days later. the best time to take a pregnancy test is seven days after missing  your next period. This all changes if you have a longer or shorter period thn 28 days. Then, ovulation occurs fourteen days before your next period. If you have a 30 day cycle, ovulation occurs 14 days prior to cycle Sy 30 or on cycle day #16.