In which position is the probability of getting pregnant the highest?
Is the position really that important for conception?
You know, of course, which playlist to turn on when you want to conceive a child, but do you know which position is most likely to get pregnant? Does it make any difference how you have sex with your partner?
MigNews has put together a little cheat sheet for you that will help you understand this issue and answer these questions.
Which position is most likely to get pregnant: what the research says
To put it bluntly, scientists have not found an answer to this question. “There is no scientifically proven sexual position that increases the likelihood of pregnancy compared to other positions,” says gynecologist Kecia Gaither.
This is partly because it's hard to gather data on the best sex positions during pregnancy. Most couples go through a variety of sexual positions during a single sex session. But it's mostly because “there are so many other factors that affect your chances of conceiving, like your overall fertility, the timing of your menstrual cycle, sperm quality, and egg health,” says sex therapist Rachel Needle.
According to Dr. Needle, the only type of sex that can lead to pregnancy is penile-vaginal intercourse. Positions that allow for deeper penetration may be best (more on that later). Specifically, she says that during P-in-V intercourse, ejaculation occurs inside the vagina. Handjobs, anal sex, oral sex, and mutual masturbation can also result in penile ejaculation. But since ejaculation doesn't occur directly in the vaginal canal, pregnancy won't occur.
Dr. Needle explains that “conception can only occur when a sperm (male gamete) fertilizes an egg (female gamete).” When this happens without the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART), it happens after the penis ejaculates into the vagina. “The sperm swims into the fallopian tube, meets the egg, and fertilizes it, forming a zygote, which then travels to the uterus, where it implants in the lining of the uterus, beginning a pregnancy,” she explains.
If you're trying to conceive, you're better off spending time figuring out when you're going to have vaginal intercourse, not how you're going to do it, says gynecologist Sherry Ross.
How to Make It Easier to Conceive: Schedule Sex During Your Ovulatory Window
If you want to do it like rabbits all month long, then do it. But it won't necessarily increase your chances of conceiving.
“The only time of the month when a vulva owner can get pregnant is during ovulation, which includes the five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after ovulation,” explains sexologist Debra Leino.
During ovulation, which occurs midway through the menstrual cycle, a mature egg is released from the ovaries. Once the released egg reaches the fallopian tubes, it can be fertilized by sperm within 24 hours. However, sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days after ejaculation. Therefore, if live sperm are present in the fallopian tubes at the time of egg release (ovulation), conception is possible.
How can you use this information to increase your chances of conceiving? Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Melanie Bone suggests tracking ovulation with a pregnancy or fertility tracking app, using ovulation predictor kits, and paying attention to changes in your cervical mucus and basal body temperature, which can help identify your most fertile days in your cycle. “Intercourse during these fertile days significantly increases the chances of conception,” she explains.
Which position is most likely to get pregnant: deeper penetration
Try doggy-style (when the man is from behind and you are on your knees), Source: freepik.com
Do you like positions that allow for deeper penetration (e.g. doggy-style, raised missionary, cowboy)? Dr. Ross recommends choosing these.
They haven't been scientifically proven to increase your chances of conception, but “positions that allow for deeper penetration help bring sperm closer to the cervix, which may give them a better chance of reaching the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs,” she says.
However, if for some reason you and your partner prefer a different vaginal position for sex, you don't have to change your sex life. “Sperm can travel through the female reproductive tract regardless of the depth of penetration,” says Dr. Bone.
How to Make It Easier to Conceive: Lie on Your Back After Making Love
Don't be tempted to jump out of bed to shower or clean your post-sex pleasure gear. Instead, make the most of those precious minutes after sex. According to Dr. Laino, many health professionals recommend lying on your back with a pillow under your hips for 20 to 30 minutes after sex. “It's thought to support sperm because gravity helps them reach the fallopian tubes more quickly,” she explains.
If you can orgasm in this position, Dr. Ross recommends doing so. “Orgasm will also help propel the sperm in the right direction,” she says.
How to Make It Easier: Be Patient with Yourself and Your Partner
“If you're really trying to get 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're starting to feel impatient, she recommends focusing on what you can control. “Small steps to optimize your health, such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and tracking your ovulation, can help you feel more in control of the process,” she adds.
Is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy? This is a hotly debated topic. We recommend that you trust your doctor's advice.
