You’re most likely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex three days before you ovulate or on the actual day of ovulation. The number one mistake women make when they’re trying to get pregnant is not getting the timing right.
About your menstrual cycle
Counting day one of your period as day one of your cycle, most women ovulate about 14 days before their next period. So if your cycle varies between 24 and 30 days, you’ll ovulate somewhere between days 10 and 16. Once the egg is released from the ovary, it’s only receptive to sperm and able to be fertilized for about 12 to 24 hours, but sperm can remain viable for days after intercourse which is why you can have sex days before ovulation and still get pregnant. If your cycle is very regular you have a good idea of when you ovulate. If not, purchase an over the counter fertility monitor to help you get the timing right. Experts have concluded that sex every other day and not more than once a day is ideal for baby-making.
What is the best position for conception?
There is no best position for having sex but the man-on-top position is the commonly recommended position. This ensures that the sperm is deposited closest to where it’s supposed to be, at the top of the vagina and you don’t have to worry about sperm leaking out immediately. But sperm cells are speedy swimmers, and once they’re out of the gate they’re on their way to the fallopian tubes within seconds. The stuff that leaks out after sex is just fluid and some dead sperm.
How can I have fun while having sex?
Trying to conceive can be stressful on a relationship. So anything you can do to make it more pleasurable and fun is great. And while lubricants may make intercourse more comfortable, be careful to choose a “safe” one if you’re trying to make a baby. There are now a number of “sperm-friendly” lubricants on the market. Or you can try canola oil, which has no effect on sperm. Make conception sex fun with lots of foreplay, so you’ll get lubricated on your own.
What can I do after having sex?
After having sex, it is expected that you stay in bed anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour after intercourse to keep the sperm pooled at the top of the vagina. You can put your knees up to accentuate this position or place your feet on the wall with your hips on a small pillow. It is also fine if you do not want to lie down but try not to douche, this can increase the risk of pelvic infection and lower your risk of getting pregnant. Another thing to avoid right after intercourse is anything that will raise your core body temperature, meaning no hot tubs, or long runs.
References
- Black RE, Laxminarayan R, Temmerman M, et al., (2016). Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 2) Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361913/