Couples looking to conceive will at times question: does a sex position affect the chances of fertility? In short, there is no scientific evidence that a particular position guarantees conception, though there are theories that advocate for positions that reach the cervix more efficiently. In this blog, we will go through the various misconceptions on coital positions.
Here at Reproductive Fertility Center, we believe all questions are of great importance. That is why Dr. Peyman Saadat, MD, FACOG, has made it his mission to answer any and all inquiries to better inform couples and future parents.
Debunking the Myth: Sexual Positions and Fertility
Most fertility experts concur that no specific positions have been clinically proven to boost fertility. Here are a few common myths about sex and conception:
- Myth: Certain sex positions guarantee pregnancy.
Fact: While deeper penetration may in theory help the sperm get closer to the cervix, no sex position has been scientifically proven to improve conception rates.
- Myth: Frequent sex reduces sperm quality and harms fertility.
Fact: For most healthy men, daily or every-other-day ejaculation is fine. In fact, regular ejaculation may improve sperm quality in some cases.
- Myth: Conception always happens right after sex. If you don’t get pregnant immediately after intercourse, you missed your chance.
Fact: Sperm can live up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract. If ovulation occurs within that window, conception is still possible.
It’s worth noting that once the male has ejaculated during intercourse, sperm can be found in the cervical canal seconds after ejaculation, regardless of the couple’s position.
How Fertility Works: Factors that Really Matter
Several couples hold the common belief that sex positions enhance the chance of conception. Unfortunately, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. While coital positions may have a minor impact on chances of conceiving, the most critical elements of influencing fertility include:
- Timing: Engaging in intercourse during a fertile window, typically the five days leading up to and including ovulation.
- Frequency: Regular sexual activity throughout the menstrual cycle may enhance fertility.
- Overall Health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances.
In summary, couples should better prioritize timing, frequency, and overall reproductive health to increase chances of fertility.
The Role of Sexual Practices Beyond Position
Just as there are myths relating to sexual positions, it’s important to address the misconceptions surrounding sexual practices.
- Pregnancy is not dependent on whether the female party reaches orgasm or not; pregnancy can and will occur without orgasm. While climaxing may create uterine contractions that may help the sperm move, it is not required for fertilization.
- Most believe that lubricants are always safe when trying to conceive, though this is not always the case. Many common lubricants can impair sperm motility. It’s actually rather important for couples trying to conceive to opt for fertility-friendly lubricants specifically labeled as sperm-safe.
- As for post-coital positions, it is commonly believed that lying on one’s back for 20 minutes after insemination improves the chances of pregnancy. While lying down briefly may help reduce sperm leakage, there’s no clear evidence that supports this claim.
Again, evidence supports regular, well-timed intercourse over reliance on any particular position or aftercare routine.
Expert Insight and Evidence-Based Recommendations
Experts recommend that couples prioritize frequency of sexual intercourse. Couples should try to aim for intercourse every 1 to 2 days throughout the 6-day fertile window. This is because those who engage in intercourse every 1 to 2 days maintain optimal sperm quality without inducing stress around “perfect timing.”
Likewise, couples should strive for the most comfortable position. Multiple expert reviews and ASRM guidelines have confirmed that sperm reaches the cervical canal within seconds of ejaculation regardless of coital position.
As always, it’s imperative to nurture one’s overall health lifestyle. Work on maintaining a balanced diet and BMI, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and treating underlying issues (i.e., thyroid, PCOS) to form a foundation for fertility optimization.
We also encourage regular check-ups with a reproductive specialist such as Dr. Peyman Saadat, a double board certified expert and advocate for overall reproductive health. Seeking professional and tailored advice is worthwhile, as opposed to relying on common misconceptions. It’s better to verify with a professional rather than misinformation.
Conclusion
Though the outcome of sexual positions are widely debated, current evidence indicates that they do not affect fertility. Here at Reproductive Fertility Center, we strongly recommend that couples prioritize regular intercourse during the fertile window, comfortability, and holism.
For a more personalized experience, we highly encourage a consultation with our medical expert, Dr. Peyman Saadat, MD, FACOG. Reach out today to learn more!
