Conception positions

If you're trying for a baby then you may be wondering if there are any special conception positions? Yes, some may be able to help! We'll discuss the best sex positions to get pregnant and which ones to avoid.

Although pregnancy can occur regardless of “how you do it” there are believed to be a few conception positions which may increase your odds. Likewise, there are also positions to avoid, as these may hinder your chances of conceiving.

These methods are more theory than evidential facts, but these suggestions have been passed down from decade to decade. Many medical experts even recommend using these techniques while trying to conceive! Feel free to speak to your personal physician for more advice.

*Please note - If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if the woman is over 35 years old) then we advise making a doctors appointment to investigate any possible fertility problems.

As well as practicing the best conception positions, make sure you have your ovulation timing sorted out - see here for ovulation prediction tools! This is highly important as you don't want to miss out on your most fertile days. Learning about your cycle and when ovulation occurs can make all the difference between a positive and negative pregnancy test!

Use a sperm friendly lubricant such as pre-seed as you do not want all your efforts to go amiss! Most personal lubricants can kill sperm cells which most people don't realize!

Another thing to mention is to have some fun!! Trying for a baby can be quite stressful as events can become a bit too routine. Break the familiarity up as much as possible. Perhaps have a romantic dinner out at a fancy restaurant occasionally, or a weekend away. Try swapping massages with your partner before sex, or putting on some relaxing music to play in the background. It's time to spark up your imagination!

The best conception positions

The males sperm needs to be deposited as close to the females cervix  as possible to aid with the chances of conceiving!

The cervix is positioned at the lower end of the uterus and protrudes into the vagina. The vagina's environment is acidic to sperm, so the less time it spends in there the better. It also helps to work with gravity, instead of against it! Therefore these sex positions to get pregnant are the most effective.

Important note - many women (estimated 20-30%) have a tilted uterus (also called a tipped uterus or a retroverted uterus). This is often diagnosed while having a routine pelvic examination or pap smear exam. Normally a uterus is either vertical or tilted forwards (anteverted) towards the bladder, with the anterior (front) end slightly concaved, but a retroverted uterus is tilted backwards toward the tailbone.

Ask your doctor if you would like to know more about your uterus and cervix position, as this may give you more of an insight, as every woman is different.

*Slight variations of conception positions are mentioned for woman who have this retroverted condition.

Man on top (missionary position)

Missionary position is believed to be one of the best sex positions to get pregnant. The mans penis can penetrate deeply into the woman, and the sperm is ejaculated very close to the cervix. Putting a pillow under the pelvis during intercourse may also help direct the semen to towards the cervix.

The woman should stay laying down for at least 15 minutes after ejaculation to avoid the sperm having to swim against gravity. Raising her legs (no more than 30 degrees) may also help as a conception position after sex.

Caution - if you are prone to bladder/urinary infections go to the toilet straight away after intercourse.

For women with a retroverted uterus avoid the pillow under the pelvis during sex. Instead try lying on your stomach for around 15 minutes after ejaculation. Some women even put a pillow under their hips (bum raised) to help with the flow of the semen into the uterus. 

Rear entry (doggie style)

With deep penetration, rear entry enables the sperm to be deposited right next to the cervix. This method is also thought to be one of the 'great' conception positions, in fact, people swear by it! This position is believed to be the best technique for woman who have a tilted uterus. The man enters the woman from behind with her on her hands and knees, or she can rest on her elbows. She may also lie on her stomach with the man on top (as long as the man is holding his weight off her).

Lie down for around 15 minutes after ejaculation as mentioned above. Females with a retroverted uterus lie on stomach instead of back.

If prone to bladder infections go straight to the toilet.

Woman’s orgasm

While it's not necessary for the woman to achieve an orgasm in order to conceive, some experts suggest that it may actually be an advantage, improving your chances of conception!

Some experts suggest that when a woman has an orgasm, the contractions cause the cervix to dip lower into the vagina and this may help by sucking up the sperm into the uterus and then through to the fallopian tubes (makes sense really). In order for the woman’s orgasm to be beneficial, she should orgasm either simultaneously as her partner (this is not an easy thing to do) or up to 40 minutes after the male ejaculation.

Sex positions to avoid when trying to conceive

Avoid any positions which place the woman on top, bending over or standing. While having sex in this manner may be a lot of fun, the semen is likely to leak out very quickly (you don't want any wasted do you)! Out of the hundreds of millions of sperm cells in a single ejaculate, only 1000 or less will actually make it all the way up to the fallopian tubes! Make this journey easier, so don't make them have to swim uphill, defying gravity to reach the cervix opening!  

Good luck and have a good time!

These claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We encourage both partners to read up on preconception care to optimize fertility health, and help prevent any pregnancy complications. It pays to be in "tip top” shape!

Read why you must only use sperm friendly lubricants when trying to conceive!

For men we have a page on how to increase sperm count. Sperm count and quality are especially important, so it pays to provide yourself with some knowledge on the subject. You may have heard that a mans sperm count is higher in the morning to early afternoon. Studies suggest this may be the case (even if minimal) - hey, anything to help!