Recommended Frequency of Intercourse for Conception
For couples trying to conceive, have intercourse every 1-2 days starting soon after menstruation ends, which maximizes the likelihood of pregnancy by ensuring coverage of the fertile window. 1
Timing Strategy
The CDC, incorporating recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), provides clear guidance on intercourse frequency:
- Begin intercourse every 1-2 days immediately after menstrual bleeding stops and continue this pattern throughout the cycle 1
- This approach is specifically recommended for women with regular menstrual cycles 1
- The fertile window spans 6 days, ending on the day of ovulation, characterized by slippery, stretchy cervical mucus 1, 2
Evidence Supporting This Frequency
The guideline-based recommendation of every 1-2 days is superior to attempting precise ovulation timing for several reasons:
- Regular intercourse (couple times per week minimum) reduces stress while ensuring coverage of the fertile window, as many couples miss peak fertility when relying solely on calendar methods, basal body temperature, or LH kits 3
- Research demonstrates that women frequently misestimate their ovulation day—only 12.7% correctly identified it, with a median error of 2 days 4
- Only 55% of self-estimated ovulation days actually fell within the fertile window 4
Optional Adjuncts to Enhance Timing
While the every 1-2 day approach is the foundation, couples may consider:
- Urinary ovulation predictor kits to detect the LH surge, then having intercourse when detected and continuing for 2-3 days 2
- These kits probably increase live birth rates (RR 1.36,95% CI 1.02-1.81) compared to intercourse without ovulation prediction 5
- Cervical mucus monitoring as the most fertile days correlate strongly with optimal mucus quality (slippery, stretchy) 6, 7
- The most fertile cycle days are typically days 8-19 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not rely exclusively on calendar day 14 or 15 for ovulation—35.5% of women assume day 14, but actual ovulation varies widely 4
- Avoid excessive focus on "timed intercourse" as this creates significant stress for couples and may hinder normal reproductive function 3
- Discontinue use of commercial vaginal lubricants, as most reduce fertility 1
- Limit caffeine to less than 5 cups daily, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs, all of which reduce fertility 1
When to Seek Further Evaluation
Healthy couples should expect approximately 85% conception rates within one year of regular unprotected intercourse 8. Consider infertility evaluation if: