Sperm can typically survive for 3-5 days, while an egg only has about 12-24 hours of viability after ovulation. Since sperm has a longer lifespan, the best time for conception is 2-3 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation. During this period, sperm in the reproductive tract can be ready to fertilize the egg as soon as it is released, increasing the chances of pregnancy. Therefore, understanding your ovulation cycle and having intercourse before ovulation can significantly improve the likelihood of conception.