How Long After LH Surge Do You Ovulate?

You’ve just had a positive ovulation test—amazing! That means your LH levels have surged, and ovulation is on the way. But exactly when does the egg release? And how do you time sex or insemination around it?

At fertie, we know the waiting (and Googling) that happens during this part of the cycle. So let’s break it down clearly—no guesswork, just real guidance.

What Is the LH Surge?

LH stands for luteinizing hormone, and it plays a starring role in ovulation. In a typical cycle:

• LH surges mid-cycle, right before ovulation

• This surge tells your ovary it’s time to release an egg

• Ovulation usually happens 12 to 36 hours after the start of the LH surge

Most ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect when this surge reaches its peak—giving you a valuable window for timing.

So, How Long After the LH Surge Do You Ovulate?

• On average, ovulation occurs 24 to 36 hours after the LH surge begins

• Some people may ovulate closer to 12 hours after the peak

• Everyone’s body is a bit different—so the key is to track a few cycles and look for patterns

The most fertile days are:

• The day of the LH surge

• The day after

That’s when you want to have sex or do insemination for your best chance of conception.

Best Timing for Intercourse or Insemination

Once you get a positive ovulation test, here’s what to do:

• Have sex the day of the positive test

• Again the next day (or two) to cover the ovulation window

• Sperm can survive up to 5 days in fertile cervical mucus, but the egg only lives about 12–24 hours

This timing ensures that sperm is already in place and waiting when ovulation happens.

Can You Miss the LH Surge?

Yes, it’s possible—especially if:

• Your LH surge is short (less than 12 hours)

• You’re testing once a day and miss the peak

• You have hormonal fluctuations or PCOS

If you’re struggling to catch your LH surge, consider testing twice a day or combining methods like BBT and cervical mucus tracking.

Personal Insight: “The Timing Wasn’t What I Thought”

“The first few months I used OPKs, I thought I was ovulating on the day of the positive test. But learning that it actually happens the next day helped me shift our timing. That small adjustment made all the difference—and I finally felt like I understood my body better.”
— fertie Community Member

Final Thoughts

Your LH surge is one of the best indicators your body gives you—but understanding the timing around it is key. Ovulation usually happens a day after your positive test, which means you have a window to act.

Whether you’re just starting to track or have been trying for a while, knowing how to interpret your LH surge puts you in the driver’s seat. And if it’s all feeling a bit confusing—don’t worry, that’s exactly why Fertie exists.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we break down how ovulation really works, how to interpret test results, and how to build a cycle strategy that aligns with your goals—without the overwhelm.

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