How long does it take to fertilise?
Fertilization can occur only when a viable egg and sperm combine. The time it takes is determined by whether or not the person has ovulated and how soon the sperm reaches the egg. Because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for roughly 5 days, pregnancy after intercourse can occur up to a week before ovulation.
After ovulation, an egg lives for 12–24 hours. This indicates that fertilisation can occur if intercourse occurs anywhere between several days before and one day after ovulation. When a sperm fertilises an egg, the egg begins quickly dividing. It passes via the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it must implant in the uterine wall.
About 50% of all fertilised eggs do not implant in natural cycles, which do not use reproductive technology. Fertilization does not result in pregnancy in these situations.
Penis-in-vagina sex is the most common way for people to become pregnant. However, if semen (cum) gets on the vulva or near the vaginal entrance, sperm cells can swim into the vagina and produce pregnancy – a much less likely occurrence. A pregnancy test is the only method to be certain about your pregnancy. A home pregnancy test is available at drugstores.
When should you get a pregnancy test?
HCG levels are measured during pregnancy tests. They won’t be able to achieve a beneficial effect until two things happen:
1. The egg has successfully implanted in the uterus.
2. HCG levels have grown to the point where they can be detected.
This means that the majority of women will not obtain a positive pregnancy test result until at least 10 days after ovulation. For some, a favourable outcome is only attainable on the day of their expected period or a few days later.
