How often and when should you have sex to get pregnant?

Are you trying to get pregnant? Having sex every two to three days is usually enough to take advantage of your fertile window. If you know roughly when you ovulate, you can have sex every day or every other day during the days surrounding that time. The days leading up to ovulation are particularly important. So you don’t have to wait for that one specific day.

How often should you have sex per week to get pregnant?

A practical guideline is about two to three times a week, spread out over the week. Think, for example, of Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. That way, you don’t have to keep calculating whether today is exactly the right day.

This refers to sex where sperm enters the vagina. The number of times per week isn’t a mandatory minimum or a guarantee: you can get pregnant even after just one time if the timing is right. Having sex regularly makes it easier to take advantage of your fertile days.

When should you have sex to get pregnant?

The chance of pregnancy is highest when you have sex one to two days before ovulation. Ovulation is another term for the release of an egg. Sperm may already be present when the egg is released.

What are your fertile days?

Your fertile window usually includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Under favourable conditions, sperm can survive for several days. As a result, having sex before ovulation can lead to pregnancy.

Ovulation doesn’t occur on day 14 for everyone. Even with a regular cycle, the timing can shift. A calculated date is therefore only an estimate.

Should you have sex every day or every other day during your fertile days?

Both are possible. During the fertile window, the highest chances of pregnancy are seen with sex every one to two days. So having sex daily is fine, but not necessary. Every other day may be a more comfortable rhythm if daily sex feels like an obligation.

Having sex two days in a row is also fine if you both want to. You don’t need to consciously skip a day afterwards to protect your chances of pregnancy.

Is having sex every day bad for sperm quality?

For men with normal sperm quality, the number of sperm per millilitre and their motility generally remain normal with daily ejaculation. So it’s usually not necessary to “save” sperm. If a fertility issue has been diagnosed or you’re undergoing treatment, follow the personalised advice from your healthcare provider.

Sex on the day of ovulation: is it too late?

No, having sex on the day of ovulation can still lead to pregnancy. A released egg can be fertilised for about 12 to 24 hours. It’s best not to wait only for that day: having sex in the days leading up to it also offers a chance.

Also, keep in mind that an app or calculation can’t determine the exact hour you’ll ovulate. Missing a planned day doesn’t automatically mean you no longer have a chance this cycle.

How do you identify your fertile days?

You can track your cycle and watch for changes in your body:

• Track your cycle: Count from the first day of your period to the first day of your next one. Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks before your next period.
• Vaginal discharge: Around ovulation, the mucus may become clearer and more stretchy.
• Ovulation test: This test detects a surge in the LH hormone, usually one to two days before ovulation. A positive test does not determine the exact time.
• Taking your temperature: A slight rise in temperature helps you recognise, especially in hindsight, that you’ve ovulated.

Use our ovulation calculator. The result is an indication only and cannot determine your ovulation.

Want to know how to apply this to your cycle? Read how to calculate your ovulation and identify your fertile days. There, we explain the different methods and their limitations.

How can you keep sex enjoyable when you’re trying to get pregnant?

Wanting to have a baby can suddenly make sex revolve around schedules and test results. Talk together about what rhythm works for both of you. Not in the mood on a planned day? That doesn’t have to be a reason to put pressure on each other.

If you find that the waiting is causing a lot of stress, you’ll find more relatable insights and practical tips in dealing with uncertainty when trying to get pregnant.

What if you’re unable to get pregnant?

Even with regular sex on fertile days, pregnancy may take time. That doesn’t automatically mean you’re doing something wrong.

Make an appointment with your GP if you haven’t become pregnant after a year of trying. Discuss it sooner if you have irregular or absent periods, pain during sex, or known fertility issues. Starting at age 35, it’s wise to consult a doctor after six months without a pregnancy. If you have concerns, you don’t have to wait that long.

Regularity can help, but perfect timing isn’t a requirement. Choose a rhythm that feels right for both of you.