Can you get pregnant 5 days before ovulation? Why or why not?

Yes, you can get pregnant if you have sex 5 days before ovulation, although the chances are lower compared to the days immediately leading up to and including ovulation.

Here are the key points:

Fertile Window

The fertile window, during which pregnancy is possible, includes the five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after ovulation. This period is determined by the fact that sperm can survive in the female genital tract for up to 5 days, while the egg is viable for about 1 to 2 days after ovulation234.

Probability of Pregnancy

If a woman has sex 5 days before she ovulates, the probability of pregnancy is about 10 percent. This is because sperm can live for several days and can still be present when the egg is released125.

Optimal Timing

The highest chances of getting pregnant are during the three days leading up to ovulation and on the day of ovulation itself. However, having sex 5 days before ovulation still offers a possibility, albeit a lower one, due to the longevity of sperm125.

In summary, while the chances are not as high as they are closer to ovulation, it is still possible to get pregnant if you have sex 5 days before ovulation.