Understanding Conception: Tracking Sperm & Ovulation
Question Dr. Rappaport,
My name is Tamara and I am 24 years old and pregnant with child number one. I have regular periods that last about 5-6 days. My last period began on October 6, and I had sexual intercourse on the 15,16, and 21st of october. I am wondering which day resulted in my pregnancy. I am a regular visitor of your expert column and have noted the fact that you state sperm last only 12-24 hours (is this even when fertile cervical mucus is present?) and ovum 24-48 hours. I have commonly read the opposite information. That eggs last only 12-24 hours and sperm 24-48 hours sometimes up to 7 days according to new research supposedly. I am very confused and don't know what to believe. Please Help Me. Thank you.
AnswerWhen you have stretchy (egg white) cervical mucus, it is a sign of ovulation. It has nothing to do with the longevity of sperm or the ovum. Sperm remain viable for 12-24 hours (even though they still may be moving a few more days). The egg can remain viable (able to be fertilized) for 24-48 hours. If your last period started on October 6, and you have a normal 28 day cycle, ovulation probably occurred on October 19 and you could have conceived if you had sex on October 18,19,20, or 21.
