When is the best time to Have Sex for Pregnancy ?

Timing is everything, especially when having sex for pregnancy . Recent studies indicate that its most likely to achieve pregnancy when having sex two days before ovulation day, and on the ovulation day itself. Since sperm can survive for up to 6 days in the cervical mucus, the highest chance of achieving pregnancy is when having a daily intercourse in the 5 days leading to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. The best time for a sperm to fertilize the egg is approximately 2-6 hours after ovulation, therefore having sex for pregnancy in the days after ovulation will not help to achieve pregnancy. This indicates the importance of assessing when exactly ovulation is likely to occur.

How Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant

If you have a regular cycel and can perdict your ovulation date, having daily sex over the “fertile window”(the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation) increases the chances of pregnancy. This is preferable to having sex every other day or even less often, because having daily sex increases the chances of achieving pregnancy. Although total sperm count per ejaculate decreases with an increase in sexual intercourse frequency, for most men this decline in sperm count does not reach the threshold which overcomes the benefits of having daily sex. There is no clear answer to the question whether men with poor sperm data should have intercourse less often when having sex for pregnancy.

Since sperm count reaches its peak after five days of abstinence, there is logic in recommending couples to avoid sex in the five days leading to the “fertile window”(the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself). Theoretically, it should improve semen data during sexual relations in the days before ovulation, although this theory is yet to be proven.

Ovulation Date is Unknown

Even when ovulation date is unknown and can’t be predicted, having sex at regular intervals, every two or three days throughout the month, should provide high chances to concieve. However, many couples preffer having sex around a more narrow “fertile window” and ovulation date, than to have sex over a period of weeks at regular intervals.

Menstrual bleeding appears quite regularly about 14 days after ovulation. Therefore, women with a regular cycle, ie the cycle appears every 28 to 35 days, can estimate cycle date by calculating the average cycle length of the last three months, and subtracting 14 days.

For example, a woman who had her cycles during the last three months, every 26 days, 30 days and 28 days, has an average cycle length of 28 days and can estimate her ovulation to occur around day 14 of the cycle.

However, studies show that this statistical calculation of an “average” date, often fails to predict ovulation with sufficient reliability, due to the large variation occurred naturally from cycle to cycle.

To better determine your ovulation date look for ovulation signs and symptoms which should start about 5 days before ovulation date. The main signs and symptoms of ovulation are changes to your cervical mucus, increased body temperature, an ache in your belly, yout breasts feel tender and you are generally feeling more sexy than usual.

Are There any Recommended Sex Position to Get Pregnant?

There is no significanse to a speific sex position as long as the male ejaculates semen in the vagina. After intercourse its preffered for the woman to lie on her back with knees bent for about 15-20 minutes, to allow the semen good contact with the cervix so more sperm could penetrate into the uterus.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Pregnant?

There are several environmental factors that affect the chances of getting pregnant, and most important is smoking. Smoking among both partners is associated with a reduced chance of achieving a pregnancy and a higher rate of spontaneous abortions. Excess weight or extreme thinness significantly interfere with regular ovulation. Its best if both partners quit smoking, maintain a normal body weight, and drink moderate amounts of coffee and alcohol if they wish to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

How Long Should We Try to Conceive Before Applying for Treatment ?

About half of the couples achieve pregnancy within 3 months, 75% within 6 months, and over 90% a year later. Healthy couples with no risk factors for infertility, who couldnt achieve pregnancy within a year of having sex, are advised to approach a fertility specialist for advice. Its also recommend for couples who are careful to have sex during the “fertile window” to seek advice as early as six months after failing to concieve. Since a woman’s age is the single most important factor affecting her fertility, its best for women aged 35 years or more, who are having trouble conceiving, to turn for consultation and treatment earlier.