Best Sex Positions to Conceive – a Scientific Concept or Just a Myth?

Updated 14 February 2022

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anna Targonskaya, Obstetrician and gynecologist

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In the world of ever-present selections and digests, there’s a wide belief that certain sex positions help conceive a child faster than others. Is it true, though? What do scientists have to say on the topic? And the answer is… Wait for it...

Best sex position to get pregnant might not exist at all

Even if the best position to get pregnant does exist, no one knows what it is. Scientists just don’t have enough credible data for research yet. The only thing that has been researched has to do with what’s going on inside your body during intercourse. Let’s take a look at those.

The scans have been made for two most common sex positions: missionary and doggy style. Obviously, these are the ones allowing for deep penetration, making it likely to get sperm as naturally close to your womb as possible. The scientists found out that the tip of the penis reaches the areas close to the external part of the cervix in both of these positions. The missionary position lets the penis reach the area near the front side of the cervix. The rear entry position reaches closer to the back of it.

In some other positions, such as standing up, or woman on top, the sperm flow faces an obvious obstacle — gravity trying to drag it down. However, there’s no proof it influences your chances to conceive a baby. And there are definitely examples of women starting their happy motherhood from each page of the Kamasutra.

Is there a pool of best sex positions to get pregnant? — Maybe. Does anybody know for sure? — No. If so, what can you do to actually improve your chances to conceive?

Best position to conceive is the one you’re most comfortable in

Besides sheer biology, there’s a lot that goes into making a baby. The mood and approach of both partners is key here – that’s been true in the animal world long before humans came along. Why not use it to your advantage, then?

Here’s a list of things more efficient than looking for the best position to get pregnant fast:

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1. Keep track of your cycle

This is the area science actually has a lot to tell you about. It’s been proven a long time ago that there are only six days in a cycle when a woman is likely to get pregnant – these last from five days before ovulation till 24 hours after it. Advanced AI algorithms used in Flo, for instance, are 54.2% more accurate predicting the optimal period to conceive than traditional calculations. Life gets easier!

2. Build up the right mood

Sometimes having sex on a schedule can be tiresome. But try to look at it the other way: it’s something you can look forward to. It’s a great opportunity to recreate your most passionate date night, or flirt with your partner knowing you will certainly get lucky tonight. You probably have your own tricks up the sleeve to make it special.

3. Communicate

If the important moment comes, but you don’t feel like it, don’t panic. Try having a casual talk with your partner, then slowly dive into something more intimate. Create a romantic atmosphere around yourselves, concentrate on making the other person feel special. Make the first step, and you’ll see your partner doing the same for you. Smells, lights, tastes and sounds also come in handy when it comes to switching the mood.

4. Do it more often

Sex is one of those things where appetite comes with eating. Many experts actually recommend couples to keep getting intimate when the ovulation isn’t happening. This helps keep things casual rather than obligatory and too special.

5. Experiment

Many scientists suggest creativity can be a great driver for your chances to conceive. Why not embrace it, then? Try to bring sex out of your bedroom, make it feel spontaneous even though it’s scheduled. A great idea could be booking a holiday and leaving daily routine altogether. If there are no certain sex positions to conceive a baby, there’s a great potential to shake things up and perform your own experiments.

And who knows, maybe after dozens of experiments you'll be able to share your own list of the best sex positions to get pregnant with us?

6. Don’t give up

Sticking to ovulation schedule for several months without any results can quickly spoil the mood for both partners. The important thing to realize here is that this happens to many couples all around the world. Try not to clam up, be sincere with your partner about your feelings. And remember – all the benefits of modern healthcare are now at your disposal, and the success rate for getting pregnant is the highest in recorded history. 

Best position to conceive aside, is there anything else you could do in the process to improve your chances?

There’s a variety of tricks experts may recommend to improve your chances to conceive during the intercourse or right after it. You can discuss them with you partner in advance so that the conception routine doesn’t look too weird.

First of all, orgasms. Obviously, if you’re trying to make a baby, it’s necessary for the man to reach orgasm. The same cannot be said about the woman, though.

Female orgasm is aimed at physical and psychological satisfaction. Neither does it bother the sperm to get to the egg, nor does it help. There are slight contractions in your womb helping the sperm anyway, so the female orgasm is not a vital part of conception. It can be helpful emotionally, but you don’t need to fix on it to get pregnant.

Second of all, you can help the sperm stay around your cervix a bit longer. If you have some time to spare, try to lay down for half an hour after having sex with your hips on a pillow. There should already be enough sperm inside you after the ejaculation, but this routine might slightly improve your chances. There are, however, some contraindications to this technique. If your therapist has advised you to go empty your bladder straight after sex, do it.

Third of all, you can try to cycle your legs in the air for a few minutes after the act. Try to race your partner, at the very least you’ll have some more fun. As long as you stay in a positive mood, your chances to conceive increase.

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Are there specific sex positions to conceive a boy or a girl?

There’s no scientific proof. But a lot of traditional methods! Some believe that sex with the woman on top will lead to a girl, while sex with the man on top will produce a boy.

A lot of speculation has been going on for ages about finding the best sex position to get pregnant fast. But the truth is, it’s more about how you get ready for it and when you have sex rather than what you choose as sex positions to conceive. Keep following the guidelines, be creative and sincere with your partner. And if you’ve been trying to make a baby for over a year without success, consult your GP. In case you have irregular periods or are over 36, you can make an appointment even sooner.

History of updates

Current version (14 February 2022)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anna Targonskaya, Obstetrician and gynecologist

Published (08 October 2018)