9 myths about getting pregnant – what’s really true?

There are countless myths about getting pregnant – from the “best” sex position to the “right” timing. Many of them are stubbornly persistent and often cause unnecessary uncertainty for couples trying to conceive. But what is actually true? We clear up the most common myths and explain what really matters when it comes to getting pregnant.

1. Women can only get pregnant on the day of ovulation

Not true! There are 6 days per cycle on which women can get pregnant. These fertile days include the 4 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation itself and the day after. This is because sperm can survive for up to 5 days after sex. However, the probability of becoming pregnant is highest in the two days before ovulation. OvulaRing shows you your fertile and highly fertile days very precisely. This can help you get pregnant faster.

2. Women can’t get pregnant without an orgasm

Not true! Women can become pregnant even without an orgasm. For a long time, however, it was assumed that women could not get pregnant without an orgasm. This idea is based on the assumption that uterine contractions during orgasm are essential for transporting sperm to the egg cell. That’s a myth. You can find out what else you should know about the female orgasm here.

3. Staying lying down after sex increases your chances

Not true! This myth arose from the misconception that all sperm would flow out when you stand up. But semen consists mostly of secretions from various glands (prostate, seminal vesicles and epididymis) and only about 1% sperm. Immediately after ejaculation, about three quarters of the sperm separate from the semen and travel straight to the cervix. By the time you get up to, for example, go to the bathroom, the sperm have long since arrived. The fluid that flows from the vulva consists largely of water, proteins and vitamins. It has even been found that walking around after sex can increase the likelihood of fertilization. Important: going to the bathroom after sex can also help prevent a urinary tract infection.

4. Sex every day reduces male fertility

Not true! Sperm can fully recover within 24 hours and are then just as fast and agile as before. But be careful: having sex multiple times a day is not recommended when trying to conceive. In that case, sperm would lose speed.

5. Men are still fertile at an advanced age

Not entirely true! It’s true that men – unlike women – can father children even at an advanced age. However, fertility also declines with the years for them. The reason is a decreasing testosterone level. This can lead to anomalies in sperm. In addition, sperm lose speed and motility with age. In other words: sperm quality tends to be better in younger men than in older men.

6. You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period

That’s not true either! If you have early ovulations, your fertile days can begin as your period is tapering off. For example, if you ovulate on cycle day 9, your fertile phase already begins on cycle day 5. So if your period lasts 6 days, you can become pregnant from unprotected sex during your period. In this case, your period and fertile phase overlap. Learn more here: Can you get pregnant during your period?

7. Smoking harms fertility

True! In men, smoking drastically reduces sperm production and quality. In women who smoke a lot, smoking primarily affects ovarian function and can harm fertility. For smokers, it can therefore take significantly longer for pregnancy to happen. So avoid toxins such as nicotine to get pregnant faster. (The same applies to alcohol, by the way.)

8. A headstand after sex promotes fertilization

Not true. There is neither a sex position that will definitely make you pregnant, nor a routine after sex that particularly promotes fertilization. You don’t need to do a headstand, elevate your pelvis or put your legs up against the wall. Your partner’s sperm cells will find their way.

9. Lubricant can harm sperm

True! Some lubricants have a very high acidity, which kills sperm. On top of that, sperm move much more poorly in the thick consistency of lubricant. So if you want to get pregnant, it’s better not to use lubricant or to use a “fertility-friendly” lubricant that does not harm sperm.

Our tips

If you want to get pregnant, it’s important to know your cycle precisely. With OvulaRing you can track your cycle seamlessly and individually and see exactly when your fertile days are. This significantly increases your chances of pregnancy!

From our experience, we recommend having sex at least three times during the fertile phase to increase the probability. Also pay attention to a healthy lifestyle: reduce stress, exercise in moderation, eat a balanced diet and avoid nicotine and alcohol. And most importantly: don’t let myths unsettle you. Your body is unique – and with the right knowledge you are well prepared on the path to pregnancy.

Further reading: Do you already know these sperm myths? Here’s the sperm fact check!