How to get pregnant ?
The most common way of getting pregnant is through vaginal sex. The man ejaculates and releases the spermatozoa Which can fertilize the woman’s eggs. For many women, this happens easily, while for some, it may take time .
The timing and frequency of sex, the working of the endocrine system, and the overall health of the couple are some of the factors that affect the possiblity of pregnancy
In this post we will tell you when and how often to have sex for pregnancy, and do sex positions play a role in increasing your chances of getting pregnant . However, if you are facing any fertility issues, you are suggested see a specialist doctor for advice.
When To Have Sex To Get Pregnant?
Having unprotected intercourse around the time of ovulation (when the egg releases from the ovary and is available for the sperm to meet) might increase chances of getting pregnant. For women, who have a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation is expected to happen around the 14th day after their last period.
The day of ovulation varies with the length of the menstrual cycle and from cycle to cycle. So, experts usually recommend having sex every 2 to 3 days throughout the month rather than waiting for ovulation.
How does ovulation play a role in conception?
A released egg usually survives for 12 to 24 hours. The sperm must fertilize the egg within this time for you to conceive.After being released into the woman’s body, the sperm can live for up to 7 days.
So even if you have had sex just a few days before ovulation, you might have a chance to conceive. The possiblity of conception is highest when you have sexual intercourse during the 5 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation
How to know when You Are Ovulating (To Get Pregnant)?
You may track your ovulation by counting the days in your menstrual cycle. Use a calendar or the ovulation calculator to track the fertile days. The cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends a day before the next period starts.
During ovulation, you may also notice certain symptoms such as a rise in basal body temperature, changes in vaginal discharge, tenderness in breasts, and light cramping in the lower abdomen
Ovulation predictor kits can also be used to detect the luteinizing hormone (an important hormone that controls the reproductive system and increases just before ovulation) in the urine .
This should help you determine your ovulation time and the ideal time for intercourse to improve your odds of getting pregnant.
However, calculators, symptoms, or kits alone are not always be accurate. Therefore, you may regularly have sex throughout the month to increase your chances of conception.
Does A Sex Position Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant?
Some experts believe that specific sex positions, such as the missionary position or doggie style, may be more effective than other positions (such as woman on top or standing) in aiding conception. But there are no definitive studies to support these claims
A single ejaculation can release millions of sperm that swim into the vagina to meet the egg. The deposited sperm can reach the fallopian tube within minutes and meet the egg. So, logically no matter what the sex position is, there is a chance of pregnancy when the man ejaculates into the vagina.
Pregnancy sex positions: Common Belief
These positions are believed to provide better penetration and are more likely to help a woman get pregnant. However, remember that whichever position you try, it needs to be pleasurable and not painful. It is important to enjoy sexual intercourse with your partner without the pressure of getting pregnant.
Missionary position:
Some believe this position could help a couple get pregnant faster or easily. With the man on top and woman lying on the back, the sperms could possibly get an easy path to the cervix and may help you conceive.
Doggy style:
This position is likely to help in deeper penetration and open the cervix more than other positions. It might make it easier for the sperm to make its way inside.
Glowing triangle:
Just like the missionary, in the glowing triangle the woman is on the back with her partner on top on his all fours with his legs extended out. With the pelvis slightly raised, the woman may wrap her legs around her partner. It is said that this position allows deeper penetration and keeps the pelvis tilted upwards, increasing the chance of conception.
The anvil:
In this position, the man is again on top, but the woman has to raise her legs above the head before he penetrates. It might allow deep penetration and help hit the G-spot, both of which could help conceive.
Magic mountain:
This is other variant of the doggy style pose where the man bends over the woman in such a way that his chest is on her back. It is assumed that this pose allows the sperm to move deeper and faster. It might also hit the G-spot and help the woman orgasm.
Spooning:
In this position , the woman lies on the side with her partner spooning from behind. The woman’s pelvis is tilted at a 90-degree angle, and it is believed to provide a better reach for sperm.
Plough:
The woman is positioned like a wheel burrow with legs in the air. The partner will hold onto her legs as he penetrates. It is believed that the gravity works to pull the sperm further down the cervix.
Butterfly:
The woman lies on her back, on a table. The partner moves between her legs and lifts her hips (or she may put pillows under her hips). It is thought to help the sperm stay in the vagina longer, ensuring better possiblity of preganancy .
The splitting bamboo:
The splitting bamboo is one of the Kamasutra poses, where woman raises one of her legs over the partner’s shoulders while he straddles over her thigh and uses her leg for support. Apart from hitting the G-spot, this position is beleived to to provide deeper penetration and a better chance of conception.
The union of the wolf:
In this pose, woman stands her back to her partner. The partner holds her waist and penetrates. Some believe that it helps the sperms find a better way to the cervix, ensuring quicker conception.
The union of the oyster:
This pose is also thought to help conceive, apart from making sex more pleasurable. The woman lies on her back while bending her knees and the partner will be in the kneeling position during intercourse.
The padlock:
The woman sits on the edge of a high furniture, supporting herself with arms, behind her and legs wrapped around her partner. It is beleived to give the sperm that extra space and motion for easier conception.
The peg:
In this position, the man lies on his back, with the woman on top. This position is believed to help women with heavier partners.
The sphinx:
The woman needs to lie on her tummy, with weight on the forearms. One of the legs should be bent to the side while the other should be straight behind. The partner will then straddle her, with his weight on his arms. This position is likely to allow deeper penetration and conception.
How Often Should You Have Sex To Conceive?
There is no fixed number of times you should have sex in order to get pregnant. The likelihood of getting pregnant will depend on the age, genetics, and the overall health of the couple.
According to a statistical study lead by David Dunson of Duke University, who examined the chances of conception among 770 European women, 92% of women aged between 19 and 26 years, 86% of women of aged between 27 and 34 years, and 82% of women between the ages 35 and 39 years, conceived within a year of having sex at least twice a week
Studies also suggest that around 10% to 15% of couples might have difficulty in conceiving within a year, even if they have frequent sex without using birth control, due to infertility
the other factors that may influence your chances of getting pregnant are detailed below
Does A Lubricant Affect The Chances Of Getting Pregnant?
Lubricants are used to make intercourse more comfortable but may affect fertility. In vitro studies suggest that the use of lubricants may damage the sperm, but in vivo studies did not find any proof of reduced fertility among couples who used lubricants (11). However, further studies are required to determine the effect of vaginal lubricants on the chances of getting pregnant.
Does Lying Down After Sex Help You Get Pregnant?
It is a common assumption that lying down for a few minutes right after sex increases the chances of conception, but there are no medical studies to corrobrate this belief. The theory stems from the idea that the semen has higher likelihood to stay in and around the cervix when you lie down, whereas gravity can pull it away when you get up. This may or may not be true. Medically, Millions of sperms are released with every ejaculation, and there is a chance that several of them get into the fallopian tube whether or not the woman lays down and stays on her back for a while after sex.
Tips To Increase The Chances Of Getting Pregnant
Besides regular sexual intercourse, a few lifestyle changes and practices could increase your chances of conception.
Reach orgasm:
Ejaculation by the man is essential for the woman to get pregnant, even if the woman doesn’t have an orgasm. But the orgasmic movement after ejaculation can help propel the sperm towards the egg and remove a hostile environment in the vagina
Quit smoking:
Smoking affects the estrogen levels in women and impairs ovulation. In men, it is known to affect the quality of sperm
Avoid alcohol:
Excessive alcohol consumption may alter the menstrual cycle and increase the risk of infertility Also , alcohol consumption in men is linked to reduced testosterone levels, impotence, and infertility
Maintain a average weight :Being overweight or under-weight might affect fertility. Check your BMI and try to maintain an ideal weight after consulting a nutritionist.
Do not take narcotic drugs:
Intake of narcotic drugs can lead to fertility issues in both men and women. Recreational drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, may also affect testosterone levels and impair sperm production
Get a sexual health check-up:
Sexually transmitted diseases can affect your fertility and reduce your chances of getting pregnant . So, both you and your partner may get tested for STDs or any other sex-related issues before planning for a baby.
Stay active:
Regular and moderate exercises can help maintain optimum health and may improve your chances of conception
When Should You See A Doctor for pregnancy ?
Regular sex with a healthy lifestyle might increase your chances of getting pregnant but cannot guarantee it. Consult your doctor if you:
- Are over 35 years old and have not conceived even after 6 months of regular and unprotected sex.
- Are younger than 35 years and have been trying to conceive for over a year.
- Have fertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, and your partner has a low sperm count.
- Have irregular or no periods.
- Have had prior surgeries such as a hernia.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow the doctor’s advice to increase your chances of pregnancy. That said, do not plan when or how to have sex for pregnancy. Be spontaneous and enjoy the activity rather than worry about the ideal sex positions for pregnancy, for studies suggest that they do not have a real impact on your chances of conception.
Do not worry or get stressed if you are not getting pregnant even after trying. Talk to your doctor and follow their advice. Do you have any experiences to share or suggestions to give? Tell us about it in the comments section below.