How long does it take to get pregnant after séx?
Pregnancy can occur relatively quickly after sexual intercourse, but the exact timing varies based on several factors. After sex, sperm can reach the fallopian tubes within minutes, where it may encounter an egg if the woman is ovulating. However, fertilization doesn’t always happen immediately.
Ovulation: Pregnancy is most likely to occur when intercourse happens around ovulation, the time when an egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of a woman’s next menstrual period. If sperm is present in the fallopian tubes during this time, fertilization can happen within 12 to 24 hours after the egg is released.
Fertilization and Implantation: After fertilization, the fertilized egg (zygote) travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus, a journey that takes about 3 to 5 days. Once in the uterus, the zygote develops into a blastocyst and begins the process of implantation into the uterine lining, which takes about 6 to 10 days after fertilization.
Pregnancy Detection: The hormone hCG, which is produced after implantation, can be detected in the blood around 11 days after conception and in urine a few days later. Therefore, a woman might not know she’s pregnant until about 2 weeks after conception.
In summary, while fertilization can occur within minutes to a day after sex, implantation takes longer, and pregnancy can typically be confirmed about two weeks after intercourse.
Ovulation: Pregnancy is most likely to occur when intercourse happens around ovulation, the time when an egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of a woman’s next menstrual period. If sperm is present in the fallopian tubes during this time, fertilization can happen within 12 to 24 hours after the egg is released.
Fertilization and Implantation: After fertilization, the fertilized egg (zygote) travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus, a journey that takes about 3 to 5 days. Once in the uterus, the zygote develops into a blastocyst and begins the process of implantation into the uterine lining, which takes about 6 to 10 days after fertilization.
Pregnancy Detection: The hormone hCG, which is produced after implantation, can be detected in the blood around 11 days after conception and in urine a few days later. Therefore, a woman might not know she’s pregnant until about 2 weeks after conception.
In summary, while fertilization can occur within minutes to a day after sex, implantation takes longer, and pregnancy can typically be confirmed about two weeks after intercourse.