Sex positions for getting pregnant

When you’re trying to conceive, and want to get pregnant fast, it’s natural to wonder what the best sex positions are to improve your chances of conception. There’s limited research and no scientific proof that some sexual positions will push the odds of conception in your favour. Don't let this discourage you. While there's no foolproof, top position for getting pregnant, there are some things that are worth a try! 

Are some sex positions better than others for getting pregnant?

You may have heard that some positions, such as having the man on top (missionary position), are better than others for getting pregnant. In fact, there’s no evidence to back these theories up. Experts just haven’t done the research yet.

What experts have done, though, is use medical scanning equipment to show what’s going on inside when you’re doing the deed. The research looked at two positions: the missionary position and doggy style (Schultz et al 1999, Faix et al 2002). (Doggy style being when you’re on all fours, and your partner enters you from behind).

Common sense tells us that these positions allow for deeper penetration. This means that they’re more likely to place sperm right next to your cervix (the opening of your womb). There’s no evidence that deep penetration makes any difference to your chances of conceiving, but it seems logical that it might help.

The scans confirm that the tip of the penis reaches the areas between the cervix and vaginal walls in both of these positions. The missionary position allows the penis to reach the area at the front of the cervix. The rear entry position reaches the area at the back of the cervix (Faix et al 2002).

Other positions, such as standing up, or woman on top, may be just as good for getting sperm right next to the cervix. Or they may make no difference at all. We just don’t have enough research to be sure.

We do know that sperm can reach the cervical canal within seconds of ejaculation, regardless of sex position. From there it takes only two to 15 minutes to reach a fallopian tube (Pfeifer et al 2017). So as long as your partner ejaculates into your vagina, the position you use when having sex makes no difference to whether you’ll conceive or not (Tommy’s 2018).

Whether you stick to what you know you like or, enjoy some variety in your sex life, try to keep it relaxed and fun while you’re trying for a baby. And talk to others who are hoping to get pregnant by joining our Actively trying group.

Do I have to have an orgasm to get pregnant?

Obviously, it’s very important for your partner to reach orgasm if you are trying for a baby. His orgasm helps to propel sperm-rich semen into your vagina (Hirsch 2019). There is no evidence, however, that you need to have an orgasm to conceive.

The function of the female orgasm is much less clear. It may just be all about pleasure and satisfaction. Theories include that it strengthens the bond between partners (Lodé 2020), or that it helps the sperm along their way somehow (Wheatley and Puts 2015). Gentle uterine contractions can help the sperm along, but these happen even without you having an orgasm (Levin 2011).

So, it’s really not vital for you to reach orgasm in order to conceive.

Are there any sex positions that can help us conceive a boy or girl?

There is no evidence, but lots of tales! One claims that sex with the woman on top will lead to a girl, while sex with the man on top will produce a boy.

For more on what actually works, see our article what the scientists say about sex selection.

Should I stay lying down after sex to get pregnant?

It won’t hurt to try it. More of the semen will stay in your vagina and around your cervix than if you get up straight away. However, millions of sperm are released with every male orgasm, so there should be plenty in your vagina even if you do stand up immediately (Tommy’s 2018).

However there’s no evidence that lying still makes you more likely to conceive (Pfeifer et al 2017). Even if you and your partner are using intrauterine insemination (IUI), where healthy sperm is placed directly into your womb, there’s nothing to suggest that lying still will improve your chances of conceiving (van Rijswijk et al 2017).

If you have the time to spare, it may feel good to stay in bed for 15 minutes or so after having sex. Try lying on your back with your hips raised on a pillow to encourage the sperm to travel towards your egg. Don’t try this if your GP has advised you to empty your bladder straight after sex, though.

Another trick that some women swear by is lying on your back and raising or cycling your legs in the air for a few minutes after sex. There’s nothing to say that this helps (Tommy’s 2018), but it should give you and your partner a good giggle. And what could be better for successful baby-making than having fun in bed?

The main thing to remember when trying to conceive, is that having regular sex can really help. Having sex every two days to three days increases your chance of getting pregnant within a year, compared with having sex only once a week (NICE 2017).

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, see your GP. If you’re 36 or over or have irregular periods, you can make an appointment even sooner (NICE 2017).

Visit our community

Discuss sex positions for getting pregnant and compare notes with others who are trying to conceive in our friendly community.

• Try our ovulation calculator to find out when you ovulate, all you need is the date of your last period and your cycle length.
• Find out when in your menstrual cycle is the best time to get pregnant.
• Keep track of your basal body temperature and cervical mucus.