Fertility Meditation for Couples >
Timing
Why?
It's all in the timing.
Sperm and egg need to meet to make a baby, so timing of love-making is very important.
After it is released from the ovary (usually between days 12 and 16), the egg passes down the fallopian tube and meets sperm and, if you are lucky (and this is a very inefficient process), fertilization occurs. The egg will survive for a maximum of 24 hours and sperm for a maximum of 7 days so the timing is vital. Making love every other day gives the sperm a chance to build up again although new research (see below) suggests that it might be better to make love every day for some couples where the man's sperm is poor quality. Late ovulation (after day 21) can significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant or cause a miscarriage because the lining of the uterus is too old for implantation or the egg is of reduced quality because it has been around longer.
Ideally fresh egg needs to meet fresh sperm.
What you can do
If you haven't already, do your homework and take time to understand the biology, anatomy and timing of conception. It may feel like a Double Biology lesson, but it's worth it. There are many good books available - see our book recommendations.
Have patience and take the time to work out your pattern of ovulation by keeping a diary or chart.
Use ovulation kits (available from chemists). These help predict ovulation by measuring the LH (luteinising hormone) surge in your early morning urine sample which indicates the release of an egg 24-36 hours after the surge. This is when you should make love every other day. The test will stay positive for one or two days and a max of three.
Check your cervical mucus - fertile mucus is a sign that ovulation is about to take place. During your fertile period it will feel slippery, like raw egg white and slightly stretchy. Infertile mucus does not stretch and is thicker and more lumpy. Make love once you have noticed the presence of the fertile mucus and then every other day for 3 or 4 days. This fertile mucus can keep the sperm alive for up to 7 days.
Monitor your basal body temperature daily - a rise of 0.2 degrees indicates that ovulation has taken place. This rise then stays until your next period starts.
If you want to get techie about tracking your fertility, there are several good software titles available over the internet which will help you track all the information and tell you when to go for it.
With all the above, you need to pay attention, take accurate readings and keep good records. But don't obsess because that way leads to stress which, as we know, is counter-productive.
And don't just make love when dictated to by ovulation, do it at other times as well and listen to our Fertility Meditation for Couples to get you in the mood.
Research and Articles
- Daily sex can help to repair sperm - The Guardian Oct 2007
- The Good Fertility Guide - Timing, How to work out when - The Times Online March 2005
- Finding an egg timer - Times Online March 2005
