When a couple decides it’s time to grow their family, the desire for it to happen as quickly as possible is inevitable. Initially, it’s believed to be an easy process and that a positive test will happen in the very first month, but that’s not always the case. Because of this, the frequency and amount of sex tend to increase to achieve the goal. But in the end, does too much sex actually make it harder to get pregnant?
Some experts believe that it does, and that excessive sex can weaken the semen and reduce its effectiveness, further decreasing the chances of pregnancy since the sperm will be too weak to reach the egg.
They also point out that semen takes time to replenish and recommend having intercourse on average 3 to 4 times a week, leaving intervals between the days—especially during the fertile window between the 10th and 16th day of the menstrual cycle.
However, more recent studies believe that too much sex does not interfere with pregnancy and that semen should not be “saved up” with the intention of making it stronger. The more often a couple has intercourse, the greater their chances of conceiving, especially during the fertile period.
They add one more important piece of information, stating that the more often a man ejaculates, the stronger his sperm will become! Another detail is that when sperm comes in contact with the cervix, it releases substances that “prepare the ground” for the next sperm, further increasing the chances of getting pregnant.
Some couples believe that abstaining from sex for a period and waiting for the week of ovulation will make them more successful, thinking the sperm will be stronger. And believe it or not, the opposite happens!!!
The longer sperm remains stored, the lower its motility1 and agility to reach the egg. So go ahead and make love whenever you feel like it and don’t hold back on pleasure!!
Tip: An extra helping hand for couples trying to conceive is the use of fertility-friendly lubricating gels, such as FamiGel. The gel mimics a woman’s natural cervical mucus and even increases sperm mobility.
Always remember that sex is good and enjoyable when it’s done for pleasure and without obligation! Forget what you’re trying to achieve and enjoy every moment!! After all, conceiving a child through a moment of pleasure and lots of love is so much better, isn’t it?
Does Anxiety Get in the Way of Conceiving?
Anxiety is such a negative feeling that I believe it affects all areas of our lives, and when it comes to getting pregnant, the situation is even worse2. Anxiety can create psychological pressure and sex, which used to be so pleasurable for the couple, ends up becoming just an obligation with the sole purpose of reproduction and all pleasure is lost.
This pressure generated by anxiety is responsible for many arguments between couples trying to conceive and can even be the reason for the end of a beautiful relationship that existed before the decision to have a child.
Beyond the discomfort between the couple, anxiety can cause a hormonal imbalance in women and completely alter the menstrual cycle, triggering irregular cycles and interfering with tracking fertile days, and in some cases even inhibiting ovulation.
Not to mention that a tense body increases the release of adrenaline and oxytocin, making it more difficult for the egg to be fertilized, and when it does happen, it causes uterine contractions that can make the fertilized egg be naturally expelled.
That’s why some women trying to conceive even feel pregnancy symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and dizziness, but soon their period comes as usual and the positive result goes down the drain again.
And in fact, the woman might even get pregnant, but with the high amount of oxytocin caused by anxiety, the fertilized egg detaches and the pregnancy doesn’t go ahead3.
Men also suffer from anxiety and from the pressure from their partner!! Anxiety primarily causes erectile dysfunction and drastically reduces both the ability and motility of sperm, as well as lowering libido and causing problems with ejaculation.
If the couple is already over 35 years old and has been trying for over 6 months, seek the help of a specialist. Additional tests and the right treatment could be the solution, and that positive test may come sooner than you think. Don’t let anxiety spoil what should be a loving time!!
See also: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant – 4 Things in Sex That Hinder Fertilization
