Attempting to get pregnant, however following outdated intercourse myths? A fertility specialist shares info about intercourse and being pregnant each couple should know.
How regularly ought to I’ve intercourse in my fertile interval to get pregnant? Will urinating after intercourse have an effect on my probability to conceive? Planning a being pregnant could be an emotionally charged journey crammed with pleasure, nervousness, and infrequently, misinformation. One space significantly susceptible to myths and misconceptions is intercourse and conception. Many {couples} unknowingly imagine outdated or scientifically incorrect recommendation that may result in stress and disappointment. Allow us to debunk a few of the commonest intercourse myths that may hinder, quite than assist, your fertility journey.
Fantasy 1: It’s essential to have intercourse daily or twice a day throughout your fertile interval
This is likely one of the commonest intercourse myths amongst {couples} attempting to conceive. Whereas timing is vital, frequency past motive just isn’t mandatory. Science tells us that when an egg is launched throughout ovulation, it survives for about 24 hours. Alternatively, sperm can survive within the feminine reproductive tract for as much as 72 hours. Which means that having intercourse daily or each alternate day throughout your fertile window, is enough. Extra frequent intercourse gained’t essentially improve your probabilities. It could, in actual fact, result in efficiency strain and even fatigue within the relationship. Consolation, emotional connection, and low stress ranges additionally play a giant position.
Fantasy 2: Mendacity down after intercourse for an hour is obligatory
Many ladies are suggested to lie flat for a very long time after intercourse to “assist the sperm attain the egg”. Let’s inform you the intercourse fantasy vs reality. Whereas mendacity down for 10–quarter-hour could also be helpful in serving to sperm journey upward, there isn’t any scientific proof that an hour of mendacity down considerably will increase the probabilities of conception. You don’t have to remain horizontal for an prolonged interval. Simply loosen up for a couple of minutes post-intercourse after which go about your normal routine — no want to remain nonetheless or stress over semen leakage.
Fantasy 3: Semen leakage means conception gained’t occur
It’s completely pure for some semen to move out of the vagina after intercourse. This doesn’t imply the sperm has not reached its vacation spot. The sperm wanted for fertilization strikes shortly into the cervical canal, leaving the seminal fluid behind. So, for those who discover fluid leaking out after intercourse, there’s no want to fret. That is utterly regular and doesn’t scale back your probabilities of getting pregnant.
Fantasy 4: It’s essential to keep away from urinating after intercourse
Some ladies are informed to not urinate after intercourse as it’d flush out the sperm. That is one other fantasy. Urinating after intercourse doesn’t influence sperm motion or implantation. In truth, urinating helps stop urinary tract infections (UTIs), which could be widespread in ladies who’re sexually energetic. Simply keep away from washing or douching the vagina aggressively post-intercourse, as that would flush out semen and disturb the vaginal flora.
Fantasy 5: Utilizing lubricants is protected whereas attempting to conceive
Whereas lubricants may also help enhance consolation throughout intercourse, most commercially out there lubricants — together with water-based ones — should not sperm-friendly. In truth, a lot of them can scale back sperm motility or kill sperm altogether. If lubrication is required, search for fertility-friendly choices which can be particularly designed to be sperm-safe.
Fantasy 6: Sure intercourse positions improve probabilities of conception
Many imagine that missionary or doggy-style positions are greatest for conception. However no scientific research again this up. The reality is, sperm are constructed to swim and attain the egg no matter place. A very powerful issue is timing — having intercourse throughout your fertile window — not the sexual place. Select positions which can be comfy and assist keep intimacy quite than stress you out.
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Fantasy 7: Intercourse should occur at a selected time of day
Some {couples} could get pleasure from morning intercourse, however there isn’t any proof to recommend that having intercourse within the morning, afternoon, or evening considerably impacts the probabilities of getting pregnant. What’s extra vital is aligning intercourse along with your fertile window, not the time of day. Focus extra in your cycle and fewer on the clock.
What’s the fertile window for being pregnant?
A key takeaway for anybody attempting to conceive is to grasp when ovulation happens. Ovulation sometimes occurs 14 days earlier than the beginning of the subsequent menstrual interval. For a lady with a 28-day cycle, ovulation will seemingly happen round day 14. In a 35-day cycle, ovulation may occur between days 19–21.
Your fertile window normally spans 5 to 6 days earlier than ovulation and sooner or later after. Some indicators which will point out ovulation embrace:
- Clear, stretchy cervical mucus (much like egg whites)
- Delicate decrease belly ache (ovulation ache)
- Slight rise in basal physique temperature
- Optimistic ovulation predictor take a look at (LH surge)
- Monitoring these indicators or utilizing ovulation kits may also help {couples} time intercourse extra precisely.
Must you douche or clear after intercourse?
Vaginal douching just isn’t advisable at any time — and particularly not when attempting to conceive. It might probably disturb the pure steadiness of micro organism and wash away wholesome cervical mucus that aids sperm transport. Common douching can even improve the danger of infections and will even result in fertility points in the long run. Merely wiping gently or washing the exterior genitals with plain water is enough.
Each couple’s journey is exclusive
The journey to parenthood is deeply private and distinctive for each couple. Some could conceive throughout the first few months, whereas others could take longer. The hot button is endurance, correct planning, and trusting credible sources for info.
Keep away from evaluating your journey with others. Stressing over myths and misinformation can rob the enjoyment out of your intimate relationship. Open communication along with your accomplice and your physician is way simpler than counting on web rumour or anecdotal recommendation.
Intercourse is, in any case, additionally a type of intimacy and bonding. Whereas attempting to conceive can add strain to your intercourse life, don’t let myths and misconceptions dictate the way you expertise it. Follow the info, perceive your physique, and deal with wholesome way of life habits.
When to see a physician
Should you’ve been attempting to conceive for a yr (or six months for those who’re over 35) with out success, seek the advice of a fertility specialist to rule out any underlying situations. With the suitable steering, most {couples} do finally conceive — it simply takes time, endurance, and dependable info.
