Can You Have Too Much Sex When Trying for a Baby?

Medically Reviewed on 1/13/2022
Can You Have Too Much Sex When Trying for a Baby
Having sex 2-3 times a week when trying to conceive can maximize your chances of succeeding. But having sex more often than that certainly won’t hurt

When it comes to trying for a baby, there is no such thing as having too much sex. While some couples believe that they need to put their love making on a schedule, studies show that the more you have sex, the better your chances are of conceiving. 

Having sex 2-3 times a week when trying to conceive can maximize your chances of succeeding. But having sex more often than that certainly won’t hurt.

When should you have sex to increase the chances of conceiving?

Your best chances of conceiving is during the woman’s most fertile window, which starts 5 days before ovulation. Having sex 2 days before ovulation and on ovulation day can increase your chances of conception

During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. The egg remains there for 12-24 hours. 

Once the sperm enters the fallopian tube, it can survive there for 5 days. In order for fertilization to occur, sperm must be in the fallopian tube when the egg is released.

How do you know if you are ovulating?

You can calculate your ovulation day by figuring out the midpoint of your menstrual cycle. For example, if your cycle is 28 days, your ovulation day would be around day 14. However, keep in mind that each person’s cycle may be different. Also, not all women ovulate in the middle of their cycle.

So, you can look for the following signs that may indicate ovulation:

  • Change in vaginal discharge: Just before ovulation, you may notice an increase in clear, wet, and stretchy vaginal discharge. After ovulation, vaginal discharge may become thicker, cloudier, and lesser in quantity.
  • Change in basal body temperature: During ovulation, your resting or basal body temperature may be slightly higher. You can measure basal body temperature every morning immediately after waking up and monitor the pattern. You’ll be the most fertile 2-3 days before your basal body temperature rises.

You can also try an over-the-counter ovulation kit to predict when you will ovulate. These kits test your urine to identify a surge in hormones before ovulation. Ovulation may occur 36 hours after a positive result.

How to maximize your chances of getting pregnant

Here are some tips for maximizing fertility:

  • Have sex every day or every other day
  • Have during the ovulation window
  • Maintain a healthy weight 
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Limit your caffeine intake to about 1-2 cups a day
  • Avoid strenuous exercise that lasts for more than 5 hours a week
  • Eat a diet rich in vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and minerals such as zinc. This includes figs, oranges, kiwis, nuts, and lean meat.

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Medically Reviewed on 1/13/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/getting-pregnant-faster#2

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611