Are some sexual positions better than others for conceiving?

Are some sexual positions better than others for conceiving?

There's no evidence that any particular sexual position is more likely to lead to conception. You may have heard that positions that deposit the sperm closest to the cervix – such as the missionary position (man on top) – are more promising than others. But there aren't any scientific studies to back this up.

Proper timing, on the other hand, is a crucial factor. Most women are fertile for only five to six days during each cycle, the so-called fertility window. The fertility window opens five days before ovulation and closes on the day of ovulation, with the most-fertile days just before ovulation. To make conception more likely, have sex during the days just before you expect to ovulate and then again on the day of ovulation.

By the way, there's no truth to the notion that you should have sex every other day if you're trying to conceive. If your partner's sperm is normal, it will replenish from day to day, so there's no need to wait. The main thing is to have sex close to your ovulation day.

x

My Pregnancy TodayBabycenter.comFREE - In Google Play

VIEW

Expert Advice Home

Home / Getting Pregnant / Tips for Getting Pregnant / Sex for Getting Pregnant

Sex positions for baby-making

In this article

Are some sexual positions better than others for conceiving?Will having an orgasm help my chances of conceiving?Should I stay lying down afterward?

Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

Last updated: August 2014

Share

Are some sexual positions better than others for conceiving?

There's no evidence that any particular sexual position is more likely to lead to conception. You may have heard that positions that deposit the sperm closest to the cervix – such as the missionary position (man on top) – are more promising than others. But there aren't any scientific studies to back this up.

Proper timing, on the other hand, is a crucial factor. Most women are fertile for only five to six days during each cycle, the so-called fertility window. The fertility window opens five days before ovulation and closes on the day of ovulation, with the most-fertile days just before ovulation. To make conception more likely, have sex during the days just before you expect to ovulate and then again on the day of ovulation.

By the way, there's no truth to the notion that you should have sex every other day if you're trying to conceive. If your partner's sperm is normal, it will replenish from day to day, so there's no need to wait. The main thing is to have sex close to your ovulation day.

Will having an orgasm help my chances of conceiving?

Some people believe that a woman who climaxes after her partner ejaculates is more likely to get pregnant, but there's no evidence to support this notion.

The female orgasm isn't a necessary component of conception, but it is possible that the uterine contractions of orgasm help sperm move toward the fallopian tubes. (Such painless contractions happen involuntarily even when you're not having sex, particularly around the time of ovulation.)

Should I stay lying down afterward?

There's no evidence that this makes a difference either. That sticky discharge that you may have noticed as your ovulation approaches (known as cervical mucus) captures the sperm, so even if some semen seeps out, most of the sperm will stay alive in your body. With millions of sperm in every ejaculation, there should be plenty of them making their way toward the egg even if you get up right away.

Note: If you've been trying to conceive for a year or more without success (or six months if you're 35 or older), or your periods are irregular, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a fertility specialist.