Eggs can be fertilized within 48 hours of discharge because they can survive for two days after discharge and are capable of fertilization within 48 hours. Sperm can survive in the vagina for 2-3 days after ejaculation, but insemination is strongest within 6 hours of egg release. If you are planning to get pregnant it is best to monitor your follicles using ultrasound, preferably every 2 hours. It is important to schedule intercourse as soon as ovulation is detected to promote pregnancy, and it takes 7-8 hours from ovulation to insemination. Once the fertilized egg is formed, it will travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterine cavity to settle, and it is best to take a blood test about 10 days after intercourse to check for HCG in the blood to determine if you are pregnant. If you are not planning to get pregnant, it is best to avoid having intercourse during ovulation, or you can use condoms to prevent pregnancy. Taking the emergency contraceptive pill after intercourse will also prevent pregnancy, and it is best to take the pill within 72 hours of intercourse for better results.