7 sex myths busted by a fertility specialist; says ‘outdated beliefs can delay pregnancy’
Attempting to get pregnant, however following outdated intercourse myths? A fertility specialist shares details about intercourse and being pregnant each couple should know.
How often ought to I’ve intercourse in my fertile interval to get pregnant? Will urinating after intercourse have an effect on my likelihood to conceive? Planning a being pregnant might be an emotionally charged journey crammed with pleasure, anxiousness, and infrequently, misinformation. One space significantly vulnerable to myths and misconceptions is intercourse and conception. Many {couples} unknowingly consider outdated or scientifically incorrect recommendation that may result in stress and disappointment. Allow us to debunk among the most typical intercourse myths that may hinder, quite than assist, your fertility journey.
Delusion 1: It’s essential to have intercourse daily or twice a day throughout your fertile interval
This is likely one of the most typical intercourse myths amongst {couples} making an attempt to conceive. Whereas timing is vital, frequency past purpose isn’t vital. Science tells us that when an egg is launched throughout ovulation, it survives for about 24 hours. However, 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 adequate. Extra frequent intercourse received’t essentially enhance your possibilities. It could, the truth is, result in efficiency stress and even fatigue within the relationship. Consolation, emotional connection, and low stress ranges additionally play an enormous position.
Delusion 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 delusion vs truth. Whereas mendacity down for 10–quarter-hour could also be useful in serving to sperm journey upward, there isn’t a 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 chill out for a couple of minutes post-intercourse after which go about your traditional routine — no want to remain nonetheless or stress over semen leakage.
Delusion 3: Semen leakage means conception received’t occur
It’s completely pure for some semen to circulation out of the vagina after intercourse. This doesn’t imply the sperm has not reached its vacation spot. The sperm wanted for fertilization strikes rapidly into the cervical canal, leaving the seminal fluid behind. So, in the event you 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.
Delusion 4: It’s essential to keep away from urinating after intercourse
Some ladies are instructed to not urinate after intercourse as it’d flush out the sperm. That is one other delusion. Urinating after intercourse doesn’t affect sperm motion or implantation. In reality, urinating helps forestall urinary tract infections (UTIs), which might be frequent 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.
Delusion 5: Utilizing lubricants is secure whereas making an attempt to conceive
Whereas lubricants may help enhance consolation throughout intercourse, most commercially obtainable lubricants — together with water-based ones — will not be sperm-friendly. In reality, lots of them can scale back sperm motility or kill sperm altogether. If lubrication is required, search for fertility-friendly choices which are particularly designed to be sperm-safe.
Delusion 6: Sure intercourse positions enhance probabilities of conception
Many consider 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. An important issue is timing — having intercourse throughout your fertile window — not the sexual place. Select positions which are snug and assist preserve intimacy quite than stress you out.
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Delusion 7: Intercourse should occur at a particular time of day
Some {couples} could get pleasure from morning intercourse, however there isn’t a proof to recommend that having intercourse within the morning, afternoon, or night time considerably impacts the probabilities of getting pregnant. What’s extra vital is aligning intercourse together 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 making an attempt to conceive is to know 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 possible happen round day 14. In a 35-day cycle, ovulation would possibly occur between days 19–21.
Your fertile window normally spans 5 to 6 days earlier than ovulation and someday after. Some indicators that will point out ovulation embody:
- Clear, stretchy cervical mucus (just like egg whites)
- Delicate decrease stomach ache (ovulation ache)
- Slight rise in basal physique temperature
- Constructive ovulation predictor check (LH surge)
- Monitoring these indicators or utilizing ovulation kits may help {couples} time intercourse extra precisely.
Do you have to douche or clear after intercourse?
Vaginal douching isn’t beneficial at any time — and particularly not when making an attempt to conceive. It will possibly disturb the pure stability of micro organism and wash away wholesome cervical mucus that aids sperm transport. Common douching also can enhance the danger of infections and should even result in fertility points in the long run. Merely wiping gently or washing the exterior genitals with plain water is adequate.
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 bottom line is persistence, 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 together with your companion and your physician is way more practical than counting on web rumour or anecdotal recommendation.
Intercourse is, in any case, additionally a type of intimacy and bonding. Whereas making an attempt to conceive can add stress to your intercourse life, don’t let myths and misconceptions dictate the way you expertise it. Stick with the details, perceive your physique, and concentrate on wholesome way of life habits.
When to see a physician
Should you’ve been making an attempt to conceive for a 12 months (or six months in the event you’re over 35) with out success, seek the advice of a fertility specialist to rule out any underlying circumstances. With the best steering, most {couples} do finally conceive — it simply takes time, persistence, and dependable info.
