There are many misconceptions associated with getting pregnant. Let's look at some of them and figure out if they are true.
1. You have to have sex in the morning because that’s when you have a higher chance of getting pregnant
There is no evidence to prove this. Some studies show that sperm concentration is higher in the morning than in the evening, which would mean that the probability of conception is also higher. Other works demonstrate the opposite.
Successful conception does not depend on the time of day but on the quality of the sperm and frequency of sex. For those who want to become pregnant, having sex often a few days before the expected ovulation day is the key [1].
2. After sex, you need to raise your legs so the sperm can reach your uterus faster
This practice is mostly useless. Only the strongest spermatozoa will reach the egg, and only one will fertilize it. Your position will not affect that in any way.
For fertilization to happen sperm doesn’t just have to reach the target, it must pierce the eggshell and penetrate it. Only the most agile and assertive will achieve it! [2]. A successful meeting with an egg depends on the activity and persistence of the sperm and not on much else.
3. A man can have a baby easily at any age
It is a controversial issue. After the age of 40, the quality, volume, and mobility of sperm decrease, making it more difficult for it to break through the eggshell. A man can have a child at an older age, but it may take longer than they think. In addition, older dads are at a higher risk of having children with congenital issues due to DNA mutations in sperm [3].
4. It is impossible to get pregnant during menstruation
No, it’s not! Unlike the egg, the survival rate of spermatozoa is quite high. They can remain mobile for three to five days after ejaculation.
Let’s count it out. If your cycle is 22 days long, ovulation will likely occur on day 11 (mid-cycle), and menstruation can last up to six days. If you have sexual intercourse on the last day of menstruation, then the sperm may well sit in your body for five days, “wait” for ovulation, and fertilize the released egg.
Women who have short or irregular cycles or who ovulate at different times of the month may, in fact, become pregnant during menstruation.
5. If a woman has an orgasm, she is more likely to become pregnant
There is a belief that the contracting of the uterus that happens during pleasurable intercourse accelerates the delivery of sperm to the fallopian tubes [4], thus increasing the chances of successful conception. However, other studies fail to show a connection between orgasm and pregnancy [5]. With complete intercourse, sperm will enter a woman's body regardless of arousal or climax.
Even if orgasm were to increase the likelihood of conception, fertilization can occur in its absence. So don't get hung up on it, and enjoy the process!
