Trying to conceive
Note: This article/page may use the terms ‘male/man/men’ and/or ‘female/woman/women’. Please note, this is in reference to the sex assigned at birth. We know and understand that trans and non-binary people will equally need support and their sex assigned at birth may not match their gender identity. Please assume positive intent wherever gendered language has been used in this article.
How does pregnancy start?
The steps that lead to conception can sometimes feel unclear. Understanding how the menstrual cycle works can help you feel more empowered on your journey to parenthood. Understanding the natural process can guide you in knowing when your body is most likely to conceive.
If you have a regular cycle, here’s what usually happens and how pregnancy can begin:
- Every month, eggs start to mature inside the ovaries
- Meanwhile, the lining of the womb thickens, preparing to support a potential pregnancy
- Once an egg is fully mature, it's released from one of the ovaries in a process called ovulation
- Around this time, the cervical mucus in the cervix becomes thinner and clearer, making it easier for sperm to swim towards the egg
- If you have sex during this time, sperm can travel through the cervix, into the uterus and toward the fallopian tubes where an egg may be waiting
- If a sperm meets and fertilises the egg, which can usually happen within 24 hours of ovulation, this marks the start of conception
- The fertilised egg then makes its way to the womb, where it begins to divide and grow
- If it successfully attaches to the womb lining, a process called implantation, pregnancy officially begins
- If no fertilisation occurs, the egg is absorbed by the body, hormone levels decrease, and the womb lining sheds, leading to your next period
Getting pregnant & increasing your chances
If you're planning to start a family, you're likely wondering how long it might take to get pregnant, how often you should have sex and when the best time is to try. You're not alone in having these questions, and we're here to provide you with answers and guidance.
A common question when trying to conceive is, ‘how likely is it that I’ll get pregnant this month?’ For most people, the chance of getting pregnant in any given month is between 15% and 25%. However, various factors can influence these chances:
- Age – fertility naturally declines with age
- Irregular periods – if your periods are irregular, it may be more difficult to predict ovulation
- Frequency of sex – naturally, the less often you have sex, the lower the chances of conception
- How long you've been trying – if you've been trying for over a year without getting pregnant, make sure to speak to your GP (it’s advised to see your GP earlier if you’re 36 or over, or if you suspect you may have fertility problems)
- Certain medical conditions that can cause problems with fertility
Ovulation has to occur for pregnancy to happen. You’re most fertile around ovulation, this is known as ‘the fertile window’. When you ovulate depends on the length of your cycle, but if you have regular periods, this is usually around 12 to 16 days before your period starts.
With only a window of time each month to conceive, it’s helpful to know when you're ovulating. Here are a few things that can help to track it:
- Calendar tracking – keep note of your periods for a few months. Ovulation usually happens around 12-16 days before the next period
- Cervical mucus – as ovulation approaches, the cervical mucus can become clear and slippery, which can help make it easier for sperm to reach the egg
- Basal body temperature – your basal body temperature slightly increases by about 0.2 °C after ovulation. Using a basal body thermometer can help you track this change
- Ovulation test kits – these kits detect hormone levels that spike before ovulation, helping you identify your fertile window. If you have an irregular cycle, ovulation test kits can still help to predict ovulation, but you might need to use more test strips
A common concern is how often to have sex while trying to conceive. The key is to have sex regularly, ideally every other day during your fertile window. This helps to make sure that sperm are ready and waiting when the egg is released. Don’t worry too much about getting the timing perfect, regular sex throughout your cycle can help improve your chances of pregnancy.
If you're coming off contraception, you might wonder how long it will take for your fertility to return. While some people get pregnant right away, for others it might take a few months for the cycle to return to its natural rhythm.
Conception happens when everything aligns, ovulation, sperm meeting the egg and implantation in the uterus. Typically, implantation occurs around day 21 if you have a 28-day cycle, but it may take some time before you know you’re pregnant.
How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Trying to conceive can be an exciting journey, but it can also come with questions and uncertainties. To help give yourself the best possible chance of conceiving and to help prepare for a healthy pregnancy, it’s important to consider your overall health and wellbeing. These lifestyle changes, also known as preconception care, can make a big difference.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your body weight affects fertility, as being overweight or underweight can impact ovulation and reduce conception chances. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise supports fertility and lowers pregnancy risks. If you have a medical condition or haven't exercised in a while, consult your GP before starting new exercise.
Caffeine
While the effects of caffeine on fertility aren’t fully understood, too much caffeine in pregnancy can be linked to complications like a low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirth. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s advised to limit your caffeine intake to as little as possible, aiming for less than 200mg a day.
Exercise moderately
While exercise is helpful for overall health and fertility, too much intense exercise can sometimes affect ovulation. You should aim for regular, moderate activity like walking or swimming to maintain good health without overexerting yourself.
Medication
If you have a medical condition or take regular medication, talk to your GP before trying for a baby. They’ll ensure treatments are safe for pregnancy and suggest adjustments if needed. Never stop medication without medical advice, your GP and midwife can help you plan for a healthy pregnancy while managing existing conditions.
Vaccinations & pre-pregnancy health checks
Before trying to conceive, ensure you're up to date on key vaccinations like the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination. If you haven’t had both doses, talk to your GP, as some infections can pose risks during pregnancy. Additionally, keep cervical screenings up to date too, as pregnancy can make interpreting results harder.
Manage everyday stress
Aiming to keep everyday stress levels low is also important, as high everyday stress can affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation.
One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant is to time sex around your most fertile days. These are typically the days just before and during ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs around 12 to 16 days before the next period starts. During this time, the ovaries release a mature egg that’s ready to be fertilised. This window when the egg is released is when you're most likely to conceive. You can try using ovulation tests to monitor when you ovulate. You should aim to have sex every 2-3 days throughout your cycle, particularly during the fertile window. This increases the likelihood that sperm will be present when ovulation happens.
If you've been using contraception, you might already be thinking about how best to approach stopping it when you're ready to conceive. It’s an important step and understanding what to expect can help you feel more in control.
- Barrier methods like condoms allow you to start trying immediately
- Hormonal contraceptives like the morning after pill or patch typically have a quick return to fertility, but for some, it may take a few months for cycles to fully regulate
- The contraceptive injection may take a bit longer (up to a year for some) for fertility to return to normal
For longer-acting methods, like the implant, intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS), you’ll need to visit your healthcare professional to have them removed. This is a simple procedure that can be done at your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic. Once these devices are removed, many people find that their fertility returns quickly, but it’s always worth discussing any questions with your GP or nurse during the appointment to feel fully prepared. If you’re uncertain about the time frame for your specific method, your GP or pharmacist can provide clear guidance.
Folic acid is an important supplement that helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. It’s recommended that women trying to conceive take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting at least a few months before you start trying to conceive, and continuing during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This will help the baby’s brain and spine to develop normally. Taking folic acid may be recommended for you by your GP or midwife throughout the whole pregnancy, especially if you are at risk of anaemia or are anaemic.
If you have a higher chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect, like if you have diabetes or a family history of neural tube defects, a higher dose of 500mg may be recommended. Additionally, taking a vitamin D supplement is important, especially if you have a higher risk of deficiency due to factors like having darker skin or spending limited time outdoors.
In the UK, the government advises everyone to consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, and people who have little exposure to sun like those who cover their skin or don’t often go outside are advised to take vitamin D supplements all year round. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can take a look at our guide on what supplements could help and which ones you should avoid.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs can all affect your chances of getting pregnant and can cause serious complications during your baby’s development. Stopping smoking and cutting out alcohol before you conceive not only supports fertility but also protects your baby from risks like miscarriage and preterm birth. It’s important not to inhale second-hand smoke, so make sure to ask your family and friends to avoid smoking around you.
Partner health
When it comes to planning for a healthy pregnancy, we often focus on the health of the person who will carry the baby. But if you have sperm and you are hoping to become a parent, your health is important too. Taking care of your wellbeing can help improve your fertility and give you a healthy start for your future child. When trying to conceive, there are several things you can do to help support your fertility.
Quit smoking
Smoking can reduce sperm quality, lower count, and affect erections. Quitting can improve fertility. Avoid smoking around your partner, as second-hand smoke increases pregnancy risks.
Weight
Being overweight or obese can affect fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and activity supports fertility. If you struggle with weight management, your GP can help.
STIs
Testing and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before trying for a baby is essential, as they can affect fertility and pose health risks to your partner and baby.
Everyday stress
Everyday stress can lower your sex drive and in severe cases, affect sperm production. Try to find ways to relax, as this will benefit both you and your partner while trying to conceive.
Alcohol
Drinking over 14 units of alcohol weekly can lower testosterone, reduce sperm quality, and cause erection issues. Cutting down on alcohol can support your partner and improve conception chances.
Nutrition
A healthy, balanced diet supports sperm health, helping ensure they’re in top condition for conception. Some studies suggest walnuts may improve sperm motility, though more research is needed.
Sperm temperature
Keeping your testicles cool supports sperm health. Avoid tight clothing, hot baths, and prolonged laptop use on your lap. Wearing loose trousers and moving regularly can help.
Sickle cell disease
If you have sickle cell disease (SCD), check if your partner is affected before pregnancy. If not a carrier, your baby won’t have SCD. If they are, genetic counselling is available, inform your healthcare team.
Caffeine
While the effects of caffeine on male fertility are not fully understood, high levels of caffeine have been linked to pregnancy complications. It’s a good idea to limit caffeine intake while trying for a baby, aiming for less than 200mg a day.
Unravelling myths about trying to conceive
It’s normal to feel confused by the vast amount of information out there when trying to conceive. We’re here to clear up some common fertility myths to help you feel more informed on your journey.
Supplements aren’t necessary if I eat a healthy diet
Women should take a 400mcg folic acid supplement daily when trying to conceive and during the first 3 months, as it supports neural tube development. A conception-specific supplement can also help provide key fertility nutrients.
You need to have sex every day to increase your chances of getting pregnant
Regular sex is important for conception, but daily intercourse isn’t necessary. Sperm can survive up to 5 days, so the NHS recommends sex every 2–3 days to maximise chances.
Eating oysters will boost fertility
While oysters are high in zinc, which plays a role in fertility, there’s no magic food that will guarantee conception. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish supports health and fertility. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and staying active also helps.
You can’t get pregnant during your period
Conception during menstruation is unlikely but possible. Sperm can live up to 5 days, so early ovulation may lead to pregnancy from period sex. Cycles vary, so fertility may occur sooner than expected.
You can only conceive on the day you ovulate
Ovulation is key for conception, but sex isn’t limited to that day. Sperm can survive for days, and an egg stays viable for 24 hours, allowing conception up to 5 days before or 2 days after ovulation.
Raising your legs after sex will help you get pregnant
There’s no scientific proof that raising your legs after sex boosts conception, but it’s harmless. If it comforts you, feel free to try, but your body naturally helps sperm reach the egg.
A normal menstrual cycle is always 28 days
Not everyone has a 28-day cycle. Menstrual cycles can vary and may differ from month to month. This is perfectly normal, so don’t worry if your cycle doesn’t fit the ‘28-day’ expectation.
Mental & emotional wellbeing
Planning a pregnancy is a significant step in your life, and it can be filled with excitement, anticipation and sometimes challenges. Alongside caring for your physical health, it’s equally important to prioritise your mental wellbeing during this journey. Emotional ups and downs can be common, but being mindful of your mental health can help you feel more grounded and supported throughout the process.
Just as stress is common when trying to conceive, so is anger. You might feel frustrated by the emotional toll, timing, or financial pressures. These emotions are completely valid.
Just as stress is common when trying to conceive, so is anger. You might feel frustrated by the emotional toll, time, or financial pressures. These emotions are valid. Grief often intertwines with anger, especially when things don’t go as planned. Give yourself permission to feel rather than suppress emotions. Allowing space for them can be healing and may lighten the journey.
Physical activity supports mental wellbeing. Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can soothe the mind. If going outside isn’t possible, try progressive muscle relaxation. Tensing and releasing muscles helps identify and ease tension.
Feeling isolated is common, but you’re not alone. Talking to a partner, friend, or family member can help. For support beyond your circle, explore online forums or local groups with shared experiences. Organisations like Fertility Network UK offer communities where you can find comfort, advice and solidarity.
While trying to conceive, it’s easy to feel like much of the process is out of your hands. However, there are aspects of the journey where you have control, like how you approach each decision and how you care for your emotional wellbeing.
Pausing to acknowledge the choices you're making can empower you. Whether you decide to continue trying or explore alternative options, knowing that these decisions are in your hands can offer a sense of calm and clarity.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong path. Every step you take is part of your journey, and what feels right for you in the moment is the best decision you can make.
If you find that your anxious feelings or feelings of stress are overwhelming, make sure to get help from a professional. Therapists or counsellors who specialise in fertility can provide tailored support, helping you navigate the emotional complexities of this journey.
If you have previously diagnosed mental health issues like depression or anxiety, getting the right support early on is very important. If you're taking antidepressants or other medications, make sure to talk to your GP before you start trying for a baby. They’ll work with you to make sure that any treatments are safe for pregnancy and may suggest adjustments if needed.
As we’ve mentioned, habits like smoking and drinking can affect your physical wellbeing. It’s important to know they can affect you mentally too. These substances can not only worsen feelings of anxiety but can also lead to pregnancy complications. Stopping these habits while you're trying to conceive is a proactive way to support both your mental and physical health, as well as the development of your baby.
For many couples, the process of trying to conceive can put strain on their relationship. It's important to maintain open communication and focus on supporting each other through the ups and downs that can naturally happen. Take time to enjoy activities together outside of baby planning. This can help to support your relationship. If tensions rise, consider seeking couples counselling to work through any feelings of stress or anxious feelings that might be affecting your relationship.
Remember that trying to conceive is a personal journey. It's okay to take things day by day and it's also okay to step back and ask for help when you need it. Your mental wellbeing is essential for your overall health, and taking care of your mind can benefit you as you move forward in your fertility journey.
We’ve put together a guide on managing your mental health when trying to conceive to help you put yourself first during your fertility journey.
Trying to conceive after baby loss
Navigating trying to conceive after a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death can be emotionally and physically challenging. You might feel a mixture of grief, hope, fear and uncertainty. Each experience of loss is deeply personal and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important to give yourself time and space to heal, both emotionally and physically, before trying to conceive again.
Your body has been through an intense experience, so it’s important to wait until you feel physically ready to try again. After any kind of pregnancy loss, your midwife or GP might suggest waiting for a certain period, this could range from weeks to months depending on your individual circumstances. This can allow your body to recover and prepare for a new pregnancy.
Your GP or midwife will offer guidance tailored to your situation, considering factors such as:
- The cause of your previous loss (if known)
- Any medical conditions that may need to be addressed
- The recommended tests or treatments that might help improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy
If you have any medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, managing these effectively will be an important part of your care plan before conceiving again. You can talk openly with your GP about any concerns or questions you may have, they’re there to support you.
Grieving is an important process and you deserve time to mourn your loss. It’s okay to not feel ready right away or to have mixed feelings about trying again. Emotions like worry and fear are completely normal when considering another pregnancy. Take your time and don’t rush yourself.
Talking to your partner, a close friend or a professional counsellor can provide vital emotional support. Many people find comfort in connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, through support groups or online communities. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
When you feel ready, trying to conceive again can be filled with both hope and worry. Don’t hesitate to seek reassurance from your healthcare team as you navigate the process.
It might help to keep the following in mind:
- Tracking ovulation can give you a sense of control and can help plan the best times to try conceiving, but try to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. Feelings of stress can make the process more difficult
- Be kind to yourself
- It’s normal to have follow-up appointments, scans or tests to monitor your health closely in subsequent pregnancies. These extra check-ins may help provide reassurance
Many parents who experience pregnancy loss go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Trying to conceive if you have a mental health condition
If you’re managing a mental health condition and are planning to conceive, it’s completely natural to have concerns about how your mental health might be affected during pregnancy and beyond.
It’s important to remember that many people with mental health conditions go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies with the right support in place. Taking a proactive approach to your mental health before and during pregnancy can help make sure you feel as prepared and supported as possible.
Pregnancy, giving birth and becoming a parent are life-changing experiences and they can bring emotional highs and lows. For someone with a mental health condition, these changes may feel more intense, and pre-existing mental health challenges could potentially worsen during pregnancy or after giving birth.
That’s why it’s so important to plan and talk to your healthcare team about how to manage your mental health best while trying to conceive.
Before you start trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP or your mental health professional (if you have one) about your plans. They can help you assess your current mental health, review any medications you may be taking and discuss how best to manage your condition throughout pregnancy.
This conversation is also a chance to make sure that your medication is safe for pregnancy, as some treatments may need to be adjusted. Your healthcare team is there to support you in creating a plan that works for you. It’s perfectly natural to have concerns about managing a mental health condition while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
You’re not alone on this journey and your healthcare team is there to guide you every step of the way, making sure your mental and physical wellbeing are prioritised.
Trying to conceive if you're trans or non-binary
If you’re trans or non-binary and thinking about starting a family, it’s important to know that there are many options available to you and with the right support, you can navigate your journey to conception. The journey can be physically and emotionally challenging, but remember you’re not alone.
Understanding your fertility options
Your options for conception depend on your circumstances, including past medical transition, hormone therapy or surgery. Understanding what is available is key.
If you are not ready now, fertility preservation, like sperm or egg freezing, can offer future choices. Freezing before hormone therapy expands options. Your healthcare team can guide you.
Hormone therapy & fertility
A key concern for many trans and non-binary people is how hormone therapy affects fertility. Pausing it can often restore fertility, though time frames vary. If you have taken testosterone, your periods may return after stopping, but full recovery takes time. Similarly, stopping oestrogen may resume sperm production, though it can be slow, and quality may be affected.
Always work with your healthcare team when adjusting hormone therapy. Stopping can be difficult, especially if it affects how you feel about your body. Support from a partner, friends or a counsellor can help.
If you haven’t had surgery affecting the internal reproductive organs (like a hysterectomy) or hormone therapy, conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive technology (ART) like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be options.
If you’ve been on testosterone, stopping hormone therapy might allow your menstrual cycle to resume, though the timeline for this can vary. Always speak with your healthcare provider before stopping hormone therapy to make sure it’s done safely.
If you haven’t had surgery and still produce sperm, conceiving through sex or ART using your own sperm may be possible. If you’ve been taking feminising hormones, it may be necessary to pause hormone therapy to improve sperm production. This process can take time, and it’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist.
Fertility treatment options may include:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
A procedure where sperm is inserted directly into the uterus. This may be an option if you’re a trans man or non-binary person who has a uterus and ovaries.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
A procedure where eggs are collected, fertilised outside of the body and then implanted in the uterus. IVF may be used by trans men and non-binary people AFAB who have a uterus and ovaries, as well as trans women and non-binary people AMAB if a surrogate is involved. Your healthcare provider will help guide you through these options, making sure that you understand the process and feel supported every step of the way.
Emotions when trying to conceive
Trying to conceive can be an emotional experience for anyone, but for trans and non-binary individuals, there may be additional complexities. Stopping hormone therapy or undergoing certain treatments may bring up gender dysphoria and navigating a healthcare system that may not always be inclusive can add to the emotional toll. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and ensure you have support in place.
To help, you can:
- Reach out to a supportive network. Whether it’s friends, family, a partner or trans-affirming support groups, connecting with others who understand your experience can provide invaluable emotional support
- Take care of your mental well-being. This might include speaking to a therapist who is experienced in trans and non-binary issues or joining a peer group where you can share your experiences with others who are on similar journeys
It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement, worry and uncertainty. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Finding trans-affirming healthcare providers who understand your needs is important. You should feel safe, respected and understood by your GP, midwife or fertility specialist. All healthcare staff should involve you in decisions and treat you with kindness, dignity and respect. Your team will work with you to create a fertility and pregnancy care plan that addresses both your physical and emotional wellbeing.
When should I visit my GP?
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s normal to have questions about when to seek help from your GP. Your GP is there to support you throughout your fertility journey and knowing when to make that first appointment can help you feel more confident and prepared.
If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for 12 months without getting pregnant, it’s important to visit your GP for advice and potential next steps.
There are several reasons why you might consider seeing your GP sooner, especially if you or your partner have any known health conditions that could affect fertility.
You should see your GP sooner if you:
- Have irregular periods or no periods at all
- Have a history of miscarriages or pregnancy complications
- Have been diagnosed with a condition that can affect fertility such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or thyroid issues
- Have had pelvic surgery or previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which may affect your fertility
- If your partner has known fertility issues, such as low sperm count or motility
- You are 36 years old or over and have been actively trying to conceive for several months
Your GP may start by asking about your general health and any specific concerns you may have about trying to conceive. They’ll want to get a complete picture of your medical history, lifestyle and any other factors that might be affecting your fertility.
To help make the most of your appointment, it’s useful to be prepared to discuss:
- How long you’ve been trying to conceive and how frequently you’re having sex
- The regularity and length of your menstrual cycle, including whether you’ve noticed any changes or have experienced irregular periods, heavy bleeding or severe pain
- Your and your partner’s medical history, including any chronic conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune disorders) or surgeries
- Any medications or treatments you or your partner are currently taking, including prescription medications, supplements, or hormone treatments
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, exercise, diet or everyday stress levels
- Any concerns or questions you may have about fertility and conception
Your GP may ask some questions that might feel personal to better understand your reproductive health, but it’s important to remember, they’re there to help, not judge. Being open and honest is the best way to make sure you receive the right advice and support for your situation.
After discussing your situation, your GP may suggest some initial tests to help understand any potential fertility issues. These tests typically involve both you and your partner and might include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and thyroid function
- Ovulation tests to confirm whether you’re ovulating regularly
- A semen analysis for your partner to check sperm count, motility and quality
- Pelvic ultrasound to assess your ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes
- Checking for any infections that could affect fertility, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
These tests can provide important information about your fertility health and help your GP decide whether you might benefit from further investigations or treatment. If the results are within normal range, your GP may recommend lifestyle changes to help improve your chances of conceiving, like adjusting your diet, reducing everyday stress, or quitting smoking. If any issues are identified, your GP might refer you to a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist for more detailed investigations and treatments.
Fertility treatments can feel overwhelming, but your GP and fertility specialist will explain each step, providing you with clear guidance and support throughout the process.
It’s completely normal to have anxious feelings or feel frustrated if things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d hoped. Remember that fertility issues can be common and seeking help early can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
You can also access emotional support services like counselling or fertility support groups if you’re feeling overwhelmed. These resources can help you manage the emotional challenges of trying to conceive, offering comfort from others who understand what you're going through.
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Frequently asked questions
When trying to conceive, it is important to recognise that many factors can influence your fertility. There are several positive steps you can take to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. For further information, we’ve covered more in the ‘How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?’ section of the page.
When trying to conceive, it's natural to wonder how to improve your chances, including whether you need to do anything to help sperm stay inside after sex. Once sperm enters the vagina, they quickly begin their journey toward the egg, and many reach the cervix within minutes. Some sperm leakage afterward is normal and doesn’t affect your chances of conceiving.
That said, positions with deeper penetration, like missionary, may help ensure sperm enters the vagina more effectively. These positions can deposit sperm closer to the cervix, giving them a quicker start on their journey. There's no need to lie down for long periods after sex, as your body is naturally designed to help sperm move toward the egg.
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