A woman who is trying to conceive ovulates on day 12 of her monthly menstrual cycle. An ovum can live for up to 24 hours after it is released. Sperm can live for about three days after entering the female reproductive tract. On which days of the woman’s menstrual cycle would sexual intercourse be most effective in achieving conception?

Ovulation occurs on day 12, and the ovum can be fertilized for up to 24 hours afterward, so intercourse on days 12 or 13 may lead to conception. Sperm can survive for about three days, so intercourse on days 9–12 could also result in sperm being present when the ovum is released. Of the choices, days 11, 12, and 13 are the most effective timing.

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