This article explores the relationship between sex positions and conception, debunking common myths and providing evidence-based advice from fertility specialists and sex therapists. Discover the best practices for timing intercourse and optimizing your chances of pregnancy.
Certainly, you know what playlist to blast when you want to make a baby, but do you know which sex position is best to get pregnant? Given that most birds and bees talks narrow in on how to get pregnant, the odds are that you don’t know which position is most likely to help you conceive. Heck, at no fault of your own, unless you’ve actively sought out research on your own time, chances are you don’t know any best practices for conception.
To help fill these gaps in knowledge, we asked fertility specialists and sex therapists to help us put together this complete crib sheet (pun intended) on sex and conception. Bluntly, research doesn’t have much of anything to say about sex positions and conception. “There is no scientifically proven sexual position that has been proven to increase pregnancy outcomes over other positions,” says Dr. Needle. In part, this is because gathering data about the best sex positions for pregnancy is as hard as, well, morning wood. Most couples move through multiple positions per single-sex session, after all. But mostly, this is because “there are so many other factors that impact the likelihood of conception, such as overall reproductive health, timing of intercourse, and lifestyle choices,” Dr. Needle explains. To be sure, the only kind of sex that can result in pregnancy is penile-vaginal intercourse, says Dr. Needle. FYI, positions that allow for deeper penetration may be the way to go, though (more on this later). Specifically, P-in-V intercourse wherein ejaculation occurs inside the vagina, she says. Hand sex, anal sex, oral sex, and mutual masturbation may all also result in penile ejaculation, but because the ejaculation does not occur directly inside the vaginal canal, pregnancy won’t occur. Dr. Needle explains that “conception can only occur when sperm (the male reproductive cell) fertilizes an egg (the female reproductive cell).” When it occurs with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), this happens after penile ejaculation inside a vagina. “The sperm swim up to the fallopian tube, meet and fertilize an egg, creating a zygote that then travels to the uterus where it implants in the uterine lining, starting pregnancy,” she explains.Read on to learn the best time to have sex—plus three other strategies that may support conception. It isn’t necessarily going to bump up your odds of winding up with a baby. “The only time of the month a person can get pregnant is the ovulation window, which is the period inclusive of the five days before ovulating, the day of ovulation, and a day after ovulation,” explains Dr. Ross. Once the descended egg reaches the fallopian tubes, it is available to be fertilized by sperm for up to 24 hours, she says. Sperm, however, can live in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days after ejaculation, she adds. So, if living sperm are present in the fallopian tubes at the time of the egg release (ovulation), conception is possible. How can you use this info to increase the odds of conception? Board-certified OB/GYN Melanie Bone, MD, the U.S. medical director at the virtual women’s health clinic, suggests using ovulation predictor kits, and paying attention to changes in your cervical mucus and basal body temperature, which can help identify the most fertile days of your cycle. “Having intercourse during these fertile days significantly increases your chances of conception,” she explains.These haven’t been scientifically proven to increase the odds of conception. But “positions that allow for deeper penetration ensure the sperm is deposited closer to the cervix, which might give them the best chance of swimming to the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place,” she says. If, for whatever reason, you and your partner prefer another vaginal sex position, however, don’t feel like you need to rejigger your sex routine. “Sperm are capable of traveling through the female reproductive tract regardless of the penetration depth,” says Dr. Bone. After sex, and instead, get the most of those precious post-sex minutes. Many healthcare providers recommend lying down on your back after intercourse with a pillow under your hips for 20 to 30 minutes, according to Dr. Laino. “This is thought to support the sperm as they travel up to the fallopian tubes quicker due to gravity,” she explains. If you can orgasm from this position, Dr. Ross suggests it. “Having an orgasm will also help propel sperm in the right direction,” she says.If you are eager to become pregnant, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and frustration, especially if it’s taking longer than expected,” says Dr. Needle. If you start feeling impatient, she suggests focusing on what you can control. “Taking small steps to optimize your health, like eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress can all positively impact your fertility,” Dr. Needle advises. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the sex and post-sex practices that served you well when you weren’t trying to conceive could be cock-blocking conception now. Your go-to slippery stuff needs to be swapped out for one with a fertility-friendly formula.
Conception Sex Positions Pregnancy Fertility Ovulation Post-Sex Practices
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse and PornographyDennis Stopar, a 65-year-old man with a prior rape conviction, pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography. Dropbox's cyber tipline report led to his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices containing evidence of his crimes.
Read more »
Kraven the Hunter: A Flop From Its ConceptionThe article analyzes the reasons behind the poor reception and box office performance of the film Kraven the Hunter. It highlights the initial skepticism surrounding the project, the inconsistent marketing campaign, and the casting uncertainty that plagued the movie's development.
Read more »
The 'Weird' Sex Questions Sex Educators Get Asked All the TimeSex educators reveal the surprisingly common questions people have about topics like squirting, penis size, and masturbation frequency. They address common misconceptions and offer reassurance that many aspects of sex and sexuality are perfectly normal, even if they feel embarrassing to discuss.
Read more »
Film's Realism About Sex Work Debated By Former Sex WorkersA new film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of sex work, but a panel of former sex workers offer mixed reviews.
Read more »
Do Antibiotics Before Conception Affect Fertility?An expert cautions against misinterpretation of a meta-analysis linking preconception antibiotics to infertility and pregnancy complications.
Read more »
This Week’s Sex Story: The Man Who Found Love at a Sex PartyEvery week, the Cut’s Sex Diaries column features a new sex and dating story from an anonymous city dweller. This week, a guy visiting New York invites a woman over for takeout and cuddles.
Read more »