How Long Do Sperm and Eggs Survive?
The lifespan of sperm and eggs is the reason the fertile window exists.
Sperm
In fertile cervical mucus, sperm can survive for up to five days. Outside the body, they survive only a short time.
Eggs
Once released, an egg can be fertilised for about 12 to 24 hours.
What it means
Sex in the days before ovulation is more effective than waiting for ovulation day, because sperm will already be waiting when the egg is released. It also means the day you had sex and the day you conceived may be several days apart.
Fertile Window Calculator: See the days you are most likely to get pregnant.
Open the calculatorThis article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy or fertility.