How often to have sex during fertile days?

If you want to get pregnant, you may wonder how often you should have sex during your fertile days to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Do you have to have intercourse every day, or is every other day better? And is there an optimal timing to ensure that the sperm are ready when the egg is released? In this article, we explain how you can maximise your chances of getting pregnant by having sex at the right times.

What are your fertile days?

Your fertile days are the days in your menstrual cycle when the chance of getting pregnant is greatest. This is usually a period of about six days: the five days before your ovulation and the day of your ovulation itself. This is because sperm can survive for up to five days in the female reproductive system, while an egg can only be fertilised for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

To determine your fertile period, you can use methods such as:

• The calendar method: Calculate your ovulation by counting from the first day of your period.
• Ovulation tests: Measure the luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine to accurately determine your ovulation.
• Body signals: Pay attention to changes in your body temperature and cervical mucus, which can indicate your most fertile days.

How often to have sex for a greater chance of pregnancy?

Research shows that you have the greatest chance of pregnancy if you have sex regularly during your fertile days. But what does ‘regularly’ mean?

• Sex every other day is ideal: Fertility specialists recommend having sex every other day during the fertile period. This ensures that there is always enough sperm present in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released.
• Having sex every day is also possible, but is not necessarily better: Although having sex every day has no adverse effect on sperm quality in most healthy men, having sex every other day provides similar chances of pregnancy.
• Too little sex reduces the chance of fertilisation: If you have sex less than once every three or four days, you reduce the chance that there will be enough sperm present at the right moment.

When is the best time for intercourse?

The most fertile time is the two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. This is because sperm needs some time to reach the fallopian tube and be ready for fertilisation. Studies show that the highest chance of pregnancy is with sex one to two days before ovulation.

To make the most of the most fertile time:

• Start having sex around day 10-12 of your cycle if you have a regular 28-day cycle.
• Continue having sex every other day until the day of your ovulation.
• If you use ovulation tests, plan to have sex on the day the test is positive and the day after.

Does having sex too often affect sperm quality?

Some couples worry that having sex too often can lead to a reduction in sperm quality. However, in most cases, daily intercourse has no significant negative effect on sperm quality in healthy men.

For men with lower sperm production, it can sometimes be useful to have sex every other day instead of daily, so that there is sufficient time for healthy sperm production. If you have any doubts about sperm quality, a doctor can perform a semen analysis.

Other factors that influence your chances of pregnancy

In addition to the frequency of sex, other factors play a role in increasing your fertility:

• Healthy diet and lifestyle: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and unhealthy food, as these can have a negative impact on fertility.
• Reduce stress: High stress levels can affect the menstrual cycle and reduce the chance of pregnancy.
• Exercise and a healthy weight: Both being underweight and overweight can disrupt the hormonal balance, which affects your fertility.

If you have not become pregnant after a year of unprotected sex (or after six months if you are over 35), it is wise to consult a doctor for further examination for possible fertility problems.

Conclusion: having sex every other day is the best strategy

The best approach to getting pregnant is to have sex every other day during your fertile period. This ensures that sperm is always present when the egg is released, without compromising sperm quality. By also maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying close attention to your ovulation, you increase your chances of successful fertilisation.