Couples who want to have a baby often look for ways to increase their chances of conception. While sexual positions are sometimes believed to influence pregnancy, obstetricians and gynaecologists (ob-gyns) emphasise that having regular sex during the fertile window is far more important than choosing a particular position.
Factors such as a woman’s age, general health, sperm quality and the timing of intercourse within the menstrual cycle play significant roles in conception. Scientific evidence supporting the idea that one sexual position is more effective than another remains limited.
Nevertheless, some positions are commonly suggested because they allow deeper penetration or may leave semen near the cervix after ejaculation. Here are six positions often discussed by couples trying to conceive.
1. Missionary Position
The missionary position involves the woman lying on her back while her partner is on top. Some couples choose to place a pillow beneath the woman’s hips during intercourse, believing that raising the pelvis may help semen remain near the cervix.
Although this position is comfortable and straightforward for many couples, there is no strong scientific evidence that elevating the hips significantly increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
2. Doggy Style
In this position, the woman leans forward on her hands and knees while her partner enters from behind. The angle may allow deeper penetration, which some people believe could bring semen closer to the cervix.
However, deeper penetration has not been proven to improve conception rates. The position is simply another option for couples who find it comfortable.
3. Legs on the Shoulders
This is a variation of the missionary position in which the woman rests her legs on her partner’s shoulders. The arrangement changes the angle of penetration and may allow greater depth.
Some people believe gravity could help semen move towards the cervix, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish that this position offers any fertility advantage.
4. Reverse Cowgirl
In the reverse cowgirl position, the woman sits on top of her partner while facing away from him. This allows her to control the pace, depth and angle of penetration.
Although some couples prefer this position because of the control it provides, there is no reliable evidence that it increases the chances of conception compared with other sexual positions.
5. Wheelbarrow Position
The wheelbarrow is a more physically demanding variation of rear-entry intercourse. The woman supports herself with her hands while her partner holds her legs.
The position can allow deep penetration, but it requires strength, balance and flexibility. It is not suitable for everyone, and its potential effect on fertility has not been scientifically established.
6. Scissors Position
In the scissors position, partners lie facing each other with their legs intertwined. It can provide an intimate experience without requiring as much physical effort as some other positions.
For couples trying to conceive, comfort and mutual enjoyment are important. However, there is no evidence that the scissors position directly increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
Important Things Couples Should Know When Trying to Conceive
Although sexual positions often attract attention, fertility specialists generally recommend focusing on more established ways of improving the chances of pregnancy.
1. Understand the fertile window: Pregnancy is most likely when intercourse takes place during the six-day period ending on the day of ovulation, particularly during the two days before ovulation.
2. Have regular intercourse: Couples trying to conceive can improve their chances by having sex every one to two days during the fertile window.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight can support reproductive health.
4. Do not rely on sexual positions: No particular position has been proven to guarantee pregnancy or substantially improve conception rates.
5. Do not worry about remaining in bed: Sperm can enter the cervical canal shortly after ejaculation. There is no convincing evidence that lying down for an extended period or elevating the hips increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
6. Seek medical advice when necessary: Couples should consider a fertility evaluation if pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. Women aged 35 and older are generally advised to seek evaluation after six months, while those over 40 or with known reproductive health concerns may benefit from earlier assessment.
Conclusion
While certain sexual positions may be comfortable or preferred by couples trying to conceive, no specific position has been scientifically proven to increase the chances of pregnancy.
The most important considerations remain timing intercourse around ovulation, maintaining good reproductive health and seeking professional advice when necessary. Couples should choose positions that are comfortable and enjoyable rather than feeling pressured to follow techniques that have not been scientifically established.