When Is The Best Time To Have Sex For Conception?
Couples trying to conceive already know that timing is everything. For success, intercourse and ovulation need to align to create the best possible opportunity for sperm and an egg to meet. Ideally, when timed correctly, the result is a fertilized egg, and ultimately, a healthy full-term pregnancy. But sometimes, eagerness to do every step just right can lead couples to unintentional mistakes. And as a result, couples are greeted with Big Fat Negatives (BFN) on pregnancy tests.
Failing to track ovulation accurately
As much as the belief is a myth, many people promote the idea that all women ovulate on the 14th day of a menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, the reality is far different than the myth. The 14th day of a process is a somewhat arbitrary figure. In truth, every woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation range is diverse. For couples trying to conceive, accurately tracking ovulation through a proven method such as an ovulation predictor kit, ovulation monitor, tracking basal body temperature, or even watching for physical cues will be necessary to properly time intercourse to coincide with ovulation.
Avoiding sex until the day of ovulation
Some couples try to avoid intercourse outside the ovulation window to ensure a man has as much sperm as possible to improve conception odds. The reality is trying to “reserve sperm” isn’t a scientifically sound method. Ovulation represents a window where a couple’s chances of conceiving are highest. And rest easy because sperm can live in a woman’s body for as long as three to five days. Therefore experts often recommend that a couple engages in sex regularly throughout the month, but especially two days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation, to increase chances of conception.
Having too much sex
Contrary to popular belief, couples can have too much sex when trying to conceive. While experts regularly encourage couples to engage in sex throughout the month, an asterisk is attached. Having sex multiple times a day can impact sperm quality and reduce the total number of healthy sperm released when a man ejaculates. Instead, fertility specialists caution that a couple should stick to having sex no more than once a day and ideally every other day during the ovulation window. According to research, taking a break between intercourse days can aid in replenishing sperm supply, especially for men struggling with low sperm counts.
Creating a conception plan that works
While many other factors can impact conception, without a doubt, accurately timing sex with ovulation is essential. Assuming no underlying fertility conditions are present, most couples can center conception goals around accurately tracking ovulation and finding an intercourse frequency that works for both partners. A physician should speak with a physician if concerned about conception, intercourse, ovulation, or other pregnancy-related issues.
