Best conception positions

Are there any special conception positions when you are trying for a baby? We will discuss the best sex positions to get pregnant.

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

If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if the woman is over 35 years old) we recommend to visit your doctor to investigate further.

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

As well as practicing the best conception positions when trying for a baby, make sure you also have your ovulation timing sorted out. You don't want to miss out on your most fertile days! However, we still recommend to have regular sex throughout the whole cycle, as there can sometimes be variations with expected ovulation due dates from different factors.

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

Another thing we should mention is to have some fun!! Trying for a baby can be quite stressful as events can become a bit too routine, so try to avoid tension build up. Break the familiarity as often as possible. Perhaps have a romantic dinner out at a fancy restaurant occasionally, or a weekend away. Also you can try swapping massages with your partner beforehand, with some relaxing music playing in the background (that's free)! It's time to spark up your imagination (both guys and gals)!

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 (sperm can use all the help they are offered)! 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 examination. Normally a uterus is either vertical or tilted forwards (anteverted) towards the bladder, and slightly concaved at the anterior end - but a retroverted uterus is tilted back towards the tailbone. With a tilted uterus, the cervix position usually tends to be more directed towards the pubic bone (although some cases differ).

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

Man on top (missionary position)

This 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 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 woman with a tilted uterus avoid the pillow underneath you during intercourse or raising your legs afterwards, as the semen may not pool directly over your cervix. Instead try lying on your stomach for 15 minutes after ejaculation to help direct the semen towards your cervix opening.

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 15 minutes after ejaculation as mentioned above. Females with a tilted uterus lie on stomach instead of back. (If prone to bladder infections, go straight to the toilet).

Woman’s orgasm

While it is 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!

This website is for general knowledge purposes only. The information provided is NOT intended to prevent or cure any disease. Please visit a qualified medical expert for a proper diagnosis and treatment for any health disorder.