Ovulation plays a major part in successful conception. The period of time that a woman is fertile and can conceive begins around four to five days before ovulation. This period then ends about 24 to 48 hours after ovulation. The timing is based on the fact that sperm from the male can stay alive in a female’s body for those four to five days after intercourse and the female’s egg lives 24 to 48 hours after being released. This time after ovulation is referred to as the “fertile window”. In theory the fertile window is considered to be the five days before ovulation and the actual day of ovulation. A couple can increase the chances of getting pregnant by having intercourse on one of three days prior to and including the day ovulation actual takes place. Therefore, the practical fertile window is only three days. See Getting Pregnant for more information.
If a woman has certain specific knowledge regarding her usual menstrual cycle, the “My Calendar” could calculate days that are most promising for conception. The purpose of “My Calendar” is to assist in performing the calculations that include a woman’s time of ovulation, the duration of the male sperm and the female egg. The sample calendar indicates the most promising days of conception with a heart symbol:
Some experts claim that it is not possible to choose the gender of their child. However, using the “My Calendar” application a couple can choose the gender of their baby with some reliability. Intercourse on certain days before, during, and after ovulation can indicate a baby’s gender. “My Calendar” calculates what days are most favorable for conceiving a girl or boy. A woman’s time of ovulation, the duration of the male sperm and the female egg calculated by “My Calendar” will indicate the gender of a baby.
During intercourse men produce two types of sperm. The y-sperm cells are will likely produce male offspring, while x-sperm cells will produce baby girls. The y-sperm are smaller and weaker, but fast swimmers. The x-sperm are stronger, bigger, and slower than the y-sperm. Having intercourse three to four days before ovulation should increase a woman’s chances of conceiving a girl because the slower y-sperm cells will die out and the stronger x-sperm will still be available to impregnate the woman when the egg is released. Having intercourse three to four days prior to ovulation increases the chances of conceiving a girl because there are more x-sperm still alive. See Getting Pregnant for more information. See Getting Pregnant for more information.
In a similar manner, having intercourse closer to the time of ovulation a woman increases her chances of conceiving a boy. This theory is based on the faster y-sperm cells and they are more likely to get to the egg first. In order to improve the chances of having a boy, it is recommended that a couple have intercourse the day before, the day after, or the day of ovulation. See Getting Pregnant for more information.