What woman trying to conceive has never caught herself thinking: why can’t I get pregnant? What am I doing wrong that pregnancy just isn’t happening? The problem goes far beyond having sex at the right time. Some issues are also present at the crucial moment! Sex is fundamental, but we need to know that some things done during the fertile window can hinder conception. Let’s see the list of things that should be avoided as much as possible during sexual intercourse.
Incorrect Lubricants
Do you use lubricant every time to help get pregnant but still don’t get a positive result? Do you know what kind of lubricant you’re using? Is it the regular kind you buy at any pharmacy? The type that heats or cools? You’re using the wrong lubricant. Products bought at pharmacies tend to make the vagina a hostile environment and end up killing sperm1.
Ideally, use water-based lubricants that are designed to help fertility. The right lubricant should also have a neutral pH and egg-white consistency. These are ideal for women with issues in their cervical mucus or low lubrication. Although they are a bit more expensive than traditional lubricants, they should be used to make it easier for sperm to reach the uterus.
Oral Sex
Although it’s a favorite for many women, oral sex from the man to the woman can hinder conception. The mouth has many bacteria, but that’s not why oral sex can interfere with pregnancy. Some studies suggest that saliva can interfere with the motility of sperm. This means saliva might make it harder for them to “swim” properly. One of the most accepted hypotheses is that this is due to the pH of saliva.
This effect is much worse in men who already have difficulties. Many men don’t know they have issues with their sperm, and saliva can make things even harder. You can strengthen sperm with the right diet and healthy habits.
Even if oral sex is performed at the entrance to the vagina, saliva can enter the vaginal canal and affect the motility and survival of sperm. So, should you stop having oral sex? No! Just avoid this practice during the fertile period. Oral sex is good for the couple’s relationship and doesn’t have to be off-limits, just do it at the right time. It’s also advisable to avoid the famous “spit” on intimate parts to help with lubrication, whether on the penis or vagina, at this time.
Withdrawal Method
Although the withdrawal method does not prevent pregnancy2, it can hinder conception for those trying to get pregnant, as it reduces the amount of sperm that reach the cervix. Some women use this method to avoid pregnancy, but it’s not the best way. Nor is it a good technique for those wanting to get pregnant to try.
Before a man even ejaculates, there is a lubricating fluid that can contain sperm, and semen may also leak out during the back-and-forth motion of intercourse. But the significant volume of ejaculation and the force with which it comes out will affect the result if the couple wants pregnancy with some urgency. Depositing the semen as close as possible to the cervix is another aid so that the sperm can reach their goal. The withdrawal method is not a good idea for those trying to conceive.
Urinating After Sex
A popular trick among women trying to conceive is to stay lying down for at least an hour after intercourse ends. In fact, right after ejaculation, sperm start their marathon to reach the eggs3. However, lying on your back for a few minutes can help. One trick is to place some pillows under your buttocks to lift your hips. That way, gravity gives a little extra help so the sperm reach the right place. Urinating after sex is a good trick to avoid urinary tract infections. But for those wanting to get pregnant, wait a little before going to the bathroom.
The important thing for a woman asking herself why she can’t get pregnant is to know that everything has its time. Doing everything right will help it happen more quickly, but knowing that everything happens at the right moment is very important. Staying relaxed, not obsessing, and just letting it happen will make things much easier, especially during sex! Why still can’t I get pregnant? If you haven’t conceived within a maximum period of a year, it’s advisable to see a doctor to investigate the causes, in addition to, of course, following the four tips above.
See also: Tips for Getting Pregnant — Positions and Tricks for Those Trying
