Sexual positions for conceiving

Sexual positions for conceiving

When it comes to conception there is a lot of discussion about successful positions for ‘making babies’. Unfortunately there is no widely-accepted ‘best position’ but here are some answers to common questions surrounding the act of conceiving.
Are some sexual positions better than others for conception?
Whilst there has been little research in this area, MRI imaging has been conducted which shows researchers exactly what is happening internally during sex.

Rest assured you don’t need to have the flexibility of a contortionist to achieve the best results! Logic prevails and suggests that the “missionary position” is most likely to be successful as it allows for deep penetration with the sperm being released at the opening of your womb. Having said that, MRI studies have shown that entry from behind also allows for optimal positioning of the sperm at the back (posterior) section of the cervix, whereas missionary placed it at the front (anterior) position.

So in answer to your question, no there isn’t necessarily a best position for conception!

Should I lie down?
Some scientists say to avoid positions where the sperm has to defy gravity and swim ‘up’ – such as positions where the woman is sitting on top of the male or standing up. Although strong healthy sperm should swim, eliminating this obstacle may increase your chances.

Some people also suggest lying down after sex to assist the sperm in reaching their ‘target’. Once again, healthy sperm should have no problem reaching the womb within minutes but it can’t hurt to lie down!

How important is it to orgasm?
Whilst sperm can leak out prior to ejaculation, clearly it is important for the man to reach orgasm in the act of ‘baby-making’! Research however has recently shown that the female orgasm also plays an important role, as contractions associated with orgasm can carry the sperm further into the womb. This process however involves orgasming at a similar time.

If I want a boy or girl are some positions better than others?
While there are plenty of rumors and wives’ tales there doesn’t seem to be any conclusive evidence that positions affect gender. Timing and frequency however may play a more important role. Why not head to our gender swayers forum and discuss this with other Essential Baby members interested in influencing their gender of their next bub!

How often should I have sex?
Timing is paramount to conceiving, and more focus should be given to it than positioning. To increase your chances, ideally have sex one to two days before you expect ovulation to occur, and then again on the day of ovulation. Charting your cycle will help confirm your ovulation date and you can also buy ovulation prediction kits to assist with this.

Why not discuss ovulation in the conception forum? You can also chat to other members specifically about charting your cycle and ovulation prediction kits (OPKs).

Can having sex in certain sex position improve your chances for conception? Many couples try to do their best to get pregnant and ensure that all the conditions are right.

When it comes to sexual position, some specialists say that the best positions for conception are those that allow sperm to be closer to the cervix. This becomes especially important if you have troubles getting pregnant. So what are sex positions that will ensure the closest contact between sperm and the cervix?

Missionary position

This is one of the most widely used sex position that gives the chance to enjoy not only closest contact for both partners, but also for the sperm and the cervix. Lying with your hips up may also ensure that sperm does not leak out and sperm has enough time to reach the egg. The recent research in Amsterdam also showed that women, undergoing artificial insemination, who were lying on their back, had better chances of conceiving a baby.

Man from behind

Doggy style sex position, when a man penetrates from behind also allows deep penetration and is another variation that can be suitable for women who enjoy having sex in this position. But for those who want to let sperm do its job and prevent sperm leakage, this may not be so suitable for woman to stand on her fours after sex.

Orgasm

Some couples may also hear that if a woman has orgasm she has better chances to get pregnant. Virtually, the contractions during sex can suction sperm to the cervix and help it reach the egg faster. But it is more important to ensure your partner’s pleasure during sex so that baby making won’t turn into a burden.

Still, specialists say that sex position does not play as important role as timing of sex. To make sure you increase your odds of conception, you should have sex during a woman’s most fertile days, few days prior and during ovulation. If you find it hard to pinpoint your fertile days, you can use fertility monitors to make lovemaking even more meaningful for both of you.

Natural Methods to Increase Fertility

If you’re ready to start a family but are finding it difficult to conceive, these natural methods to increase fertility may offer the solution you seek. Learn about common causes of infertility in both partners and what natural methods you can use to get pregnant.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women. This occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus sometimes causing pelvic pain, painful periods and intercourse. Ovulation problems caused by a hormonal imbalance can be another contributing factor in the inability to conceive. Another cause of infertility in women is poor egg quality due to age. Polycystic ovarian syndrome causes unpredictable ovulation cycles which can prevent pregnancy. One to two percent of women experience a condition called sperm allergy, where the immune system produces antibodies that kill them off. A blockage in the fallopian tubes caused by a sexually transmitted disease, pelvic inflammatory condition or previous sterilization surgery can also decrease chances of getting pregnant. Undiagnosed thyroid disease is a commonly overlooked cause of infertility in women. Studies show that women cannot start or maintain a pregnancy if their thyroid stimulating hormone is higher than a 1 or 2.

Common Cause of Infertility in Men

Blockages in the ejaculatory duct can prevent the man’s sperm from reaching his partner’s egg. This can be caused by infection, physical trauma or congenital defect. Enlarged veins in the scrotum called varicocele, can raise temperature in the testes and affect sperm production. Abnormally shaped or low-motility (movement) sperm can also contribute to infertility in men. Low sperm count is another contributing factor in male infertility. When these men ejaculate, they produce only seminal fluid but no sperm so they egg cannot be fertilized. Men can also experience a sperm allergy which will cause antibodies to treat them as foreign invaders and kill them off.

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