The best time for conceiving successfully is the fertile period of a woman’s cycle, that is, the ovulation window. But is there any ideal position to improve the chances of conception? Although there is no concrete research that can strongly support any claims about the best positions, certain positions are advocated by midwives and even practicing gynaecologists to improve the chances of conception, especially for couples experiencing infertility. So, we reached out to Dr. Sujal Torgal Patil, Ayurvedic Fertility Gynaecologist at Fertility Dost, and asked her to share her expert inputs on positions that can help with conception. Read on to know all that she shared!
1. Missionary Position
Sex positions that allow for deep penetration are likely to be the best for conception as they allow the sperm to be deposited as close to the cervix as possible. The good old missionary position or the male-partner-on-top is often recommended for this reason. For additional support, after sex, the woman can place a pillow under her hips to tilt the pelvis and help the sperm “travel”.
2. Lying Down Post Coitus
Often, women mention that the semen flows out soon after sexual activity. In normal circumstances, this should not be an issue because sperms are excellent swimmers and swim across the women’s reproductive tract to their fallopian tubes rapidly post coitus. The remnant semen may flow out of the vagina, once the woman gets up or goes to the toilet.
There is no research that backs this, but 10 to 15 minutes of lying down is enough; longer than 15 minutes is absolutely unnecessary. This will help if the semen gets ejaculated immediately from the vagina post coitus or in cases of lower sperm motility. This time can also be used to communicate with your partner to build a positive bond, which becomes important to deal with the stress associated with infertility in general. Avoid putting up your legs on the wall or elevating the legs in the air, as it might cause muscle strain, especially if you don’t exercise regularly.
3. In Cases Of Retroverted Uterus
Many women also have something known as a retroverted uterus or tilted uterus, wherein the uterus faces towards the pelvis. Although there is no research that confirms it, women with tilted uterus may face issues conceiving. The anatomical position of the uterus may prove to be a hindrance for easy conception as the cervix faces backwards as opposed to the anteverted uterus where it faces forwards, and the man ejaculates right at the cervix. Additionally, women with tilted uterus may have dyspareunia or pain during sex.
In this situation, opt for a sexual position that makes you comfortable during the act, to avoid any injury to your organs. Speak with your partner and ask them to adjust the pace based on your comfort as thrusting too hard or too deep can be painful. You can also use a pillow beneath the hips to minimise any discomfort. For improving the chances of conception, penetrating from the back may be ideal with controlled speed, to avoid pain to the woman. It depends on the couple’s choice and comfort of the female partner in this case.
4. In Cases Of Erectile Dysfunction
In such cases, the issue may not be solved by going for a specific position and needs to have an integrated approach which can improve the chances of conception. The position that is comfortable for both the partners, wherein the blood flow to the penile area is better and the muscles involved perform better, is ideally the best. The emotional quotient matters more than the physical quotient here. Manage your nutrition, sleep, stress levels along with working on intimacy levels. Improve foreplay, choose a relaxing environment and go for the position that makes you feel the most comfortable and also allows deeper penetration to work up the muscles.
Dr. Sujal says,
There is no best single position that can work for everyone! In my practice, I strongly recommend couples trying to conceive to seek holistic health that helps in faster and healthy conception. Whichever position you and your partner go for, remember to relax before the activity, relax all your bodily muscles and continue breathing well throughout the act.
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