Trying to Get Pregnant? Learn When to Have Sex

Are you and your partner have decided to get pregnant? Congratulations on deciding to step into the journey of parenthood. Understanding ovulation and maximizing your chances of conception is important to successfully get pregnant. In fact, your partner and you have the highest chance of getting pregnant in the first three months of trying. After a year and two years of attempting, the chances of success rise to 80% and 90%, respectively. The fertility rate is lower for men and women over 50 and over 35. More than nine out of ten couples will become pregnant within two years.

Finding the right time to have sex and learning when to have sex is a good idea. So, read this article to do that.

Understanding your menstrual cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle and pinpointing when ovulation occurs is essential to increasing your chances of pregnancy. Ovulation typically happens approximately 14 days before your next period begins, regardless of the length of your menstrual cycle.

To calculate your fertile days, you must count the days of your menstrual cycle. For instance, if your cycle lasts 21 days, ovulation likely occurs around day 7 (21 - 14 = 7). For longer cycles, such as 35 days, ovulation occurs around day 21. If your cycle ranges from 26 to 28 days, ovulation typically happens between days 12 and 14.

Additionally, paying attention to changes in your body, such as changes in cervical mucus, can help. Cervical mucus undergoes distinct changes throughout the month, peaking 1 to 2 days before ovulation.

Did you know a woman's odds of getting pregnant naturally reduce with age? It's less than 5% at age 40 compared to nearly 25% at age 25.

Frequency of intercourse

Contrary to myths, you don't need to engage in intercourse daily to maximize your chances of conception. The fertile window extends approximately six days each cycle, accommodating the lifespan of both sperm and eggs. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, while an egg remains viable for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

Research suggests that having intercourse every day or every other day during this 6-day window is a good idea. However, it's crucial not to impose excessive pressure on yourselves, as stress can impede conception.

Exploring fertility tools

While numerous fertility-tracking tools, including smartphone apps and ovulation predictor kits, are available, they're not prerequisites for conception. While these tools can offer valuable insights into your menstrual cycle patterns, they're not foolproof and may induce unnecessary stress.

Consider whether these tools align with your preferences and lifestyle. While some individuals find them useful, others may feel overwhelmed by the data. Remember, your fertility journey is unique, and adopting approaches that resonate with you is essential.

Does diet affect fertility?

Extremely skinny or obese women are believed to have lower fertility, but there's little proof that common dietary fluctuations have an impact on regular-period women who weigh average amounts. The only notable exception is the link between infertility and a diet high in mercury, which is present in some seafood. Reduction in fertility has been linked to heavy drinking, smoking, high caffeine intake, and recreational drug use (including marijuana). Therefore, women (and male partners) who are considering pregnancy should cut back on their intake of alcohol and caffeine and abstain from any recreational drugs and smoking.

Knowing when to seek assistance

It's normal for pregnancy to take time, with over half of healthy couples achieving pregnancy within the first six months of trying. However, if you're under 35 and haven't conceived after a year of actively trying, it's advisable to consult with your OB-GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist.

Similarly, individuals with known fertility challenges, such as endometriosis or PCOS, should seek help early. Timely intervention can address underlying issues and enhance your chances of conceiving successfully.

Final thoughts

Getting pregnant is not difficult if you find the right time to have sex. You also have professional help from doctors if you are having difficulty, so don’t be stressed when you begin this new journey.