Making babies: You may be doing it wrong, doctors say
Think it helps to have sex more than once a day or raise hips afterward? You have made mistake. But you are not alone, survey shows. Most women know how babies are made. But a new survey suggests they are confused or misinformed on some of the fine points.
Researchers from Yale University decided to do the survey after finding some misconceptions about conception among their own patients, says study leader Jessica lluzzi, an obstetrician and gynecologist in New Haven, Conn.
"We have patients who want to get pregnant who come in saying 'We're having sex several times a day after I ovulate.
' Their survey of 1,000 women ages 18 to 40 around the country found that:
• Half wrongly believed that having sex more than once a day increases chances of conceiving. Sperm counts actually decrease with such frequent sex, the researchers say.
• About 40% wrongly believed that using certain sexual positions and lying on one's back with raised hips after sex can help. There's no scientific evidence for that. Sperm reach the cervix within minutes "regardless of coital practices or positioning afterwards," the paper says.
• Nearly two-thirds wrongly believed having sex in the two days after ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) increases chances for conception. It's actually best to time sex a day or two before ovulation. "The sperm need to be waiting in the fallopian tube for the arrival of the egg. And not the other way around," Illuzzi says.
• More than 25% did not know that sexually transmitted infections, obesity, smoking or having irregular periods could decrease pregnancy chances.
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• Half did not know folic acid can prevent birth defects and that folic acid supplements are recommended before conception.
The study also provides one possible explanation for these knowledge gaps: 50% had never discussed reproductive health with a health care provider.
The impact of such confusion is unclear: 58% of women said they had children and 7% were pregnant at the time of the survey. Also, as the study notes, nearly half of pregnancies in the USA are unintended.
"Clearly women have been getting pregnant throughout history without knowing these details," Illuzzi says. In fact, she says, the survey uncovered some undue anxiety over the difficulty of getting pregnant.
"We were very surprised that 40% of women thought they might have a problem getting pregnant. In actuality, the rates of infertility are closer to 5% to 15%." It is true that more women are delaying childbearing and that fertility declines with age. But "anxiety and lack of confidence" may be spreading to women with little reason to worry, she says.
The women in the online survey were broadly representative of women nationwide. But somewhat more educated than average, with 80% having attended college vs. 65% nationally. The study was published Monday in the journal Fertility and Sterility.
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Shop Now →How often should we have sex when trying to conceive?
Rather than having sex multiple times daily, research shows that frequent intercourse actually decreases sperm count and reduces fertility chances. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends having sex every 2-3 days throughout your cycle, or daily during your fertile window (the 5 days before and day of ovulation). Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to conception.
What's the best time to have sex to get pregnant?
The ideal time is 1-2 days before ovulation, not after, since sperm need time to travel to the fallopian tube to meet the egg. Sperm can survive for up to 5 days in the reproductive tract, so timing intercourse before ovulation allows them to be in position when the egg is released. If you ovulate on day 14 of your cycle, aim for intercourse on days 12-13 for the best chance of conception.
Does body position after sex affect pregnancy chances?
No, scientific evidence does not support the claim that raising your hips or lying on your back after intercourse improves conception odds. Sperm reach the cervix within minutes regardless of body position or sexual technique, according to fertility research. You can resume normal activities immediately after sex without affecting your chances of getting pregnant.
Why is folic acid important when trying to get pregnant?
Folic acid reduces the risk of serious birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube defects) by up t
Can smoking, obesity, and STIs really affect my fertility?
Yes—smoking reduces fertility in both men and women, obesity can disrupt ovulation and hormone balance, and untreated sexually transmitted infections can cause scarring that blocks the fallopian tubes. These factors are well-documented by the FDA and fertility specialists as significant barriers to conception. Addressing these health concerns before attempting pregnancy can substantially improve your chances of success.
How do irregular periods affect pregnancy chances?
Irregular periods make it harder to predict ovulation, which complicates timing intercourse during your fertile window. Irregular cycles can indicate hormonal imbalances or underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that may reduce fertility. If your cycles are irregular, tracking basal body temperature or using ovulation predictor kits can help identify your fertile window, or consult a fertility specialist for evaluation.
Should I talk to my doctor before trying to get pregnant?
Yes—a preconception visit with your healthcare provider is highly recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Your doctor can assess your health, review medications, discuss family history, and ensure you're up-to-date on vaccinations and screenings. This conversation also provides an opportunity to discuss realistic timelines, lifestyle factors, and when to seek fertility specialist care if needed.
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