When are you most fertile?
Your fertile window is the roughly 6 days ending on ovulation day — the 5 days before, plus ovulation itself. Sperm can survive up to 5 days, while an egg lives about 24 hours, so the days leading up to ovulation are the most fertile.
How ovulation is estimated
Ovulation typically happens about 14 days before your next period (the luteal phase), not 14 days after your last one. So: ovulation day = last period date + cycle length − luteal phase. That's why cycle length matters so much.
Is the fertile window the same every month?
No. If your cycle length varies, so does ovulation. Track a few cycles for a better average, and consider ovulation tests for precision.
Can I use this to avoid pregnancy?
Calendar estimates alone are not a reliable form of contraception. Use a proper method if you're avoiding pregnancy.