Sex for Conception

When it comes to conception, many couples may have questions about the most important aspect of all: sex. Are certain positions better than others for conception? Is it necessary for a woman to have an orgasm? Here are a few of the concerns about sex for conception, and the truth behind a few myths, as well.

Hit the road
Although the exact effect is unclear, stress can play a big factor in a couple’s ability to conceive. To help relax and unwind, many couples – especially those who are finding it difficult to conceive – are choosing to take a mini-vacation to increase their chances of a successful conception. In fact, the practice has become so popular, the media has given it a name: conceptionmoons. The key for success: choose a vacation spot that is most likely to help both you and your partner relax and escape the stresses of everyday life – at least for a little while.

Best sex positions for conception
One of the most popular, yet unfounded, ideas about sex positions is that the missionary position – the position where the woman lies prone and the man is positioned on top – is most likely to result in conception; however, there have been no studies to indicate that the missionary position is better for conception. In fact, because you are more likely to conceive when you are relaxed, the best advice is to use a position which is most comfortable for you and your partner.

Another popular yet unproved belief: remaining prone after sex will improve the chances of conception. Actually, no studies have shown that remaining lying down after sex will aid in conception. However, because lying down does allow more semen, and hence more sperm, to remain in your vagina longer, common sense seems to indicate that remaining lying down is a good idea. Relaxing after intercourse can also help you relax, which can aid in conception. The best advice: if you can spare an extra 15 minutes, lie back and relax.

Orgasm’s role in pregnancy
Obviously, male orgasm and the resulting ejaculation are necessary for conception. But some couples may have heard that an orgasm achieved by the female partner following the male orgasm can aid in pregnancy. While it may seem logical thagt the contractions that occur during the female orgasm may help move sperm further up the vagina, there is no scientific evidence to prove that this is so.

Timing
Much more important than positions or orgasms is the frequency and timing of sex. It’s true that it only takes one time – one act of intercourse – to achieve pregnancy. But for the vast majority of couples – even those who track fertility cycles – frequent sex during the period of time when ovulation is likely to occur is the key to conception. To truly increase your chances of conceiving, it’s a good idea to have sex often during the period of time when you’re ovulating – both before, during, and after the date when you’ve determined you’re most likely to ovulate. How can you tell when you’re ovulating? Checking your cervical mucus and tracking your basal body temperature, as well as charting your menstrual cycle, are the best methods. Ovulation predictor kits, or OPKs, can also be helpful for some couples.

Too much of a good thing?
Another popular myth: having sex too frequently can harm a couple’s chances of conceiving. In fact, the opposite is generally true. While it is essential to have sex during ovulation in order to conceive, because ovulation can be affected by many outside influences such as sickness or stress, cycles may vary, even in women who are notoriously regular. As a result, having sex often is the best way to increase the likelihood that you will conceive. Conversely, experts warn couples should not feel under pressure to have a lot of sex. Most experts agree, aiming for two to three times each week is sufficient, with perhaps additional activity when you believe you are most likely to be ovulating. Putting pressure on your partner to have sex when they are not in the mood can cause stress level to rise, and prevent conception from occurring.

Getting prepared
Birth control pills and other medications, as well as illness and stress, can have a major impact on your ability to conceive. Before trying to have sex for conception, be sure you are healthy and your system is free of birth control pills and pther medications that may have an effect on your chances of conceiving.

Don’t forget the spice
When couples begin to focus their sex life on trying to conceive, it’s easy for sex to seem more like a chore than a pleasure. Most fertility experts advise couples to work on keeping the spice in their sex lives, to decrease stress and boredom. Adding something new to your routine can dramatically improve your sex life; or, for couples who feel confident in understanding their own fertility cycle, some experts recommend skipping intercourse in days when ovulation is definitely not occurring. By abstaining during non-fertile days, couples may find their interest and desire increase during fertile days.

As is every area of conception, avoiding stress is the key to conception. Feeling obligated to have sex and obsessing over timing and positions can have a big impact on stress levels, and can actually result in the likelihood of conception decreasing. When it comes to sex for conception, perhaps the best advice is to relax, have fun, and do what comes naturally.