Is there a best sexual position to adopt for conception?
Rear entry, when the man enters the woman from behind, either lying down or kneeling, can also deposit the sperms close to the cervix to aid conception.
Lying side-by-side can be a relaxing position and easier on a partner who is overweight or has chronic back problems.
A woman can further increase the likelihood of conception by remaining in bed for up to half an hour following intercourse, preferably on her back and with a pillow under her pelvic region. In theory, this provides the sperms with additional travel time up to the fallopian tube with the aid of gravity.
The contractions that accompany a female’s orgasm may help carry the sperms further into the cervix.
Avoid having sex while sitting, standing or with female partner on top. These positions defy gravity and may discourage the upward mobility of the sperms.
You can increase your chances of getting pregnant by timing your sexual intercourse close to your time of ovulation (releasing of your egg).
However, keep in mind that every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. Normal cycles can vary from 21 days to 35 days. We use the 28-day cycle as an average. There are several ways to predict ovulation.
You will experience a slight increase in your body temperature just after ovulation.
Measure your body temperature every morning after waking up and keep a record of your body temperature every day. After a few cycles, a pattern should emerge (Figure 3.1).
There are test kits to predict ovulation which are easy to use. The test strip is placed under a stream of urine when the woman first wakes up in the morning. The strip changes color to indicate hormonal changes related to ovulation. These kits are fairly accurate.
However, the most important factor is to have regular sexual intercourse. We suggest having sex at least three times a week if you are trying to conceive.
For women with regular 28-day menstrual cycles, your most fertile period is between Day 11 to Day 18 of your last menstrual period. And, remember, the ovulated egg only lives from 24–48 hours, sperms live for 72 hours!
Source: Dr TAN Thiam Chye, Dr TAN Kim Teng, Dr TAN Heng Hao, Dr TEE Chee Seng John, The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth, World Scientific 2008.
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This article was last reviewed on 05 Jul 2021
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