A released egg lives for less than 24 hours. The highest pregnancy rates have been reported when the egg and sperm join together within 4 to 6 hours of ovulation.

Can an egg live for 48 hours?

Ovulation lasts anywhere from 12–24 hours. After the ovary releases an egg, it survives for about 24 hours before it dies, unless a sperm fertilizes it.

How long does an egg stay in the fallopian tube?

After the egg leaves the follicle, your body releases a hormone that helps thicken the lining of your uterus to prepare it for the egg. The egg moves through the fallopian tube, where conception takes place. The egg stays in the fallopian tube for about 24 hours waiting for fertilization by a single sperm.