For pregnancy to occur, the woman must have ovulated and, therefore, at the time of conception and subsequent implantation of the embryo in the uterus, the woman will be in the luteal phase.
However, the ovum survives only 12-24 hours after ovulation, while the sperm can survive for 3-5 days in the female reproductive tract. Therefore, it is recommended to have sexual intercourse (every other day) during the 3-5 days prior to ovulation, the day of ovulation and the day after, as these are the woman's most fertile days.
This means that, although pregnancy as such occurs in the luteal phase, sexual intercourse should take place before or on the first day of the luteal phase.
Read the full article on: What is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and how long does it last? ( 58).
Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Graduate in Health Biology from the University of Alcalá and specialized in Clinical Genetics from the same university. Master in Assisted Reproduction by the University of Valencia in collaboration with IVI clinics.
License: 3435-CV
