One of the biggest concerns for those trying to conceive is the uncontrollable leakage of semen after sexual intercourse. I myself remember walking to the bathroom with my legs clamped together so nothing would drip down or out, but it’s inevitable. Seeing and feeling the semen coming out and going down the drain can cause a bit of desperation.
It’s no wonder that tricks have popped up, like putting your hips up to prevent gravity from causing the semen to leave the uterine cavity. But did you know that besides these techniques, we can give a helping hand to those wanting to get pregnant with some gadgets?
It’s a fact that semen staying put helps fertilization. Every woman who wants to get pregnant knows: the more sperm that stay inside the uterus, the higher the chances of fertilization1. However, since semen is a liquid and sexual intercourse can secrete some fluids, it’s recommended to help nature along so there isn’t a massive escape.
Even though each sperm has its own tail for swimming toward the fallopian tubes, it doesn’t hurt to give a friendly boost. Some pillows under the hips and legs up make it easier for the sperm to travel to the egg. We can also count on some sexual positions that help (depending on the position of your uterus). To make conception even easier, for example, you can use fertility-friendly lubricating gels.
But one of the greatest creative discoveries for those trying to conceive was using a particular item that may help keep the little swimmers closer to the cervix. Have you ever heard of a menstrual cup? It’s a Y-shaped cup that collects menstrual blood. It works like an internal pad and is very helpful for those allergic to pads, who don’t like them, or want a sustainable alternative2.
How to Use the Menstrual Cup for Trying to Conceive?
Right after intercourse, the important thing is to keep the sperm inside the body, right? The menstrual cup for those trying to conceive is used exactly to block the cervix and keep the semen right near the entrance for the sperm. Just insert it in the vagina as soon as intercourse ends. This doesn’t mean you should have intercourse, insert the cup, and then just walk around. It is very important to remain lying down for at least 15 minutes to help. The menstrual cup can stay inside the body for up to 12 hours for this purpose.
It’s recommended to use it at night, so you can sleep with it in place. The menstrual cup is washable and lasts about 5 years, as the material is highly durable and also sterilizable. It is anatomical and fits perfectly inside the vaginal cavity.
I’ve used it myself and was not bothered by the sensation. It’s much better than using an internal pad and works as a useful and comfortable barrier that will definitely help anyone who wants to get pregnant.
In addition to the cup, the fertile period mucus is also a big ally in this mission. It helps by nourishing and facilitating the journey of millions of sperm towards the fallopian tubes. Balancing vaginal pH is important to avoid an environment that is too acidic and kills sperm. Thus, a vaginal douche and plenty of sexual arousal are very helpful during conception. Women who have difficulty producing mucus or getting aroused should use specific products like conception-friendly intimate lubricants.
See also: When Does Ovulation Occur – Having Sex Exactly on the Fertile Day
