Intercourse 2 Days Post-Ovulation Does Not Harm Implantation
Sexual intercourse 2 days after ovulation, even 1 day after progesterone rise, does not harm implantation and you can proceed without concern. The most recent and highest-quality evidence directly addressing this question found no detrimental effect of peri-implantation intercourse on pregnancy rates 1.
Evidence Analysis
Primary Evidence Supporting Safety
A 2020 prospective study of 661 women across five European countries specifically examined intercourse during the implantation window (5-9 days post-ovulation) and found no association between peri-implantation intercourse and reduced fecundability (adjusted fecundability ratio 1.00,95% CI: 0.76-1.13) 1.
This study used rigorous fertility awareness tracking with daily cervical mucus observations and basal body temperature measurements, analyzing 2,606 cycles that resulted in 418 pregnancies 1.
The researchers adjusted for intercourse during the fertile window and couple-specific factors, making this the most methodologically sound evidence available 1.
Contradictory Evidence (Lower Quality)
An earlier 2014 study suggested that 2 or more days of intercourse during the implantation window reduced fecundability (fecundability ratio 0.62,95% CI: 0.42-0.91) 2.
However, this older study had significant methodological limitations and has been superseded by the more recent 2020 analysis 1.
The 2020 investigators specifically noted that couples with higher fertile window intercourse frequency tended to have lower peri-implantation intercourse frequency, suggesting confounding in earlier analyses 1.
Clinical Recommendation
The current balance of evidence does not support avoiding intercourse during the peri-implantation period among couples trying to conceive 1.
Timing Context
Your specific scenario (2 days post-ovulation, 1 day after progesterone rise) falls well within the studied implantation window of 5-9 days post-ovulation 1.
Implantation typically occurs 6-10 days after the LH surge, with this window representing the optimal time for successful implantation 3.
The progesterone rise you mention indicates normal luteal phase function, which is essential for endometrial receptivity and implantation support 3.