Conception Myths
Yvette Smith, MD, MPH posted:
There are no silly questions. Feeling comfortable asking whatever comes to mind will allow us to clear myths and misperceptions. There are a couple of myths I've heard several times this week in the office that I'd like to clear up:
1. Certain positions are important for conception. Not true, so long as intercourse is vaginal, conception can occur in any position.
2. Orgasm increases the rate of conception. Orgasm is not necessary for conception.
3. You can dramatically increase the chances of having a girl or boy based on the timing of intercourse. Although there is information about the size and speed of sperm based on whether it has an X or Y chromosome, we just don't have that much ability to control the sex of our child by timed intercourse. In the end, you need to decide that you want one more child, girl or boy, instead of one girl or one boy.
4. I'm super fertile because I got pregnant the first month I tried last time — or the reverse, it took a long time to get pregnant last time so it will take a long time again. In many ways it's like rolling a dice. If you get a 5 or 6, you're pregnant this month. Well sometimes you have to roll a few times, sometimes you hit the right number the first roll. Sometimes you get two sixes in a row, sometimes you roll a few ones first. It doesn't mean your dice is extra special or that your dice is broken. About 25% of couples will get pregnant during any given month of unprotected, untimed intercourse.
Any "facts" or assumptions about conception that you'd like cleared up? Anything you forgot to ask about the last time you were in the office?
1. Certain positions are important for conception. Not true, so long as intercourse is vaginal, conception can occur in any position.
2. Orgasm increases the rate of conception. Orgasm is not necessary for conception.
3. You can dramatically increase the chances of having a girl or boy based on the timing of intercourse. Although there is information about the size and speed of sperm based on whether it has an X or Y chromosome, we just don't have that much ability to control the sex of our child by timed intercourse. In the end, you need to decide that you want one more child, girl or boy, instead of one girl or one boy.
4. I'm super fertile because I got pregnant the first month I tried last time — or the reverse, it took a long time to get pregnant last time so it will take a long time again. In many ways it's like rolling a dice. If you get a 5 or 6, you're pregnant this month. Well sometimes you have to roll a few times, sometimes you hit the right number the first roll. Sometimes you get two sixes in a row, sometimes you roll a few ones first. It doesn't mean your dice is extra special or that your dice is broken. About 25% of couples will get pregnant during any given month of unprotected, untimed intercourse.
Any "facts" or assumptions about conception that you'd like cleared up? Anything you forgot to ask about the last time you were in the office?
18 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Conception MythsThere are no silly questions. Feeling comfortable asking whatever comes to mind will allow us to clear myths and misperceptions. There are a couple of myths I've heard several times this week in the office that I'd like to clear up:<br /> <br />1. Certain positions are important for conception. Not true, so long as intercourse is vaginal, conception can occur in any position.<br /> <br />2. Orgasm increases the rate of conception. Orgasm is not necessary for conception. <br /> <br />3. You can dramatically increase the chances of having a girl or boy based on the timing of intercourse. Although there is information about the size and speed of sperm based on whether it has an X or Y chromosome, we just don't have that much ability to control the sex of our child by timed intercourse. In the end, you need to decide that you want one more child, girl or boy, instead of one girl or one boy. <br /> <br />4. I'm super fertile because I got pregnant the first month I tried last time — or the reverse, it took a long time to get pregnant last time so it will take a long time again. In many ways it's like rolling a dice. If you get a 5 or 6, you're pregnant this month. Well sometimes you have to roll a few times, sometimes you hit the right number the first roll. Sometimes you get two sixes in a row, sometimes you roll a few ones first. It doesn't mean your dice is extra special or that your dice is broken. About 25% of couples will get pregnant during any given month of unprotected, untimed intercourse.<br /> <br />Any "facts" or assumptions about conception that you'd like cleared up? Anything you forgot to ask about the last time you were in the office? <br />
NBotelho responded:
What is the exact meaning of an engorged ovary? I understand that the blood vessels are "engorged around" a ovary, but is there any significance to fertility? Or anything serious for that matter? Thanks!
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsWhat is the exact meaning of an engorged ovary? I understand that the blood vessels are "engorged around" a ovary, but is there any significance to fertility? Or anything serious for that matter? Thanks!
I would have to know the context to answer that. We sometimes refer to "swollen ovaries" when talking about fertility treatments. Usually that means an ovary that has over-responded to treatment and has formed a large cyst. They usually resolve on their own.
When you ovulate, a cyst ruptures open to allow the egg to escape. Sometimes there is bleeding from the rupture site, back into the now empty cyst space. This can also cause a blood filled cyst that will resolve on its own.
Was it found on ultrasound? Was it found as part of treating a problem with your cycles?
When you ovulate, a cyst ruptures open to allow the egg to escape. Sometimes there is bleeding from the rupture site, back into the now empty cyst space. This can also cause a blood filled cyst that will resolve on its own.
Was it found on ultrasound? Was it found as part of treating a problem with your cycles?
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI would have to know the context to answer that. We sometimes refer to "swollen ovaries" when talking about fertility treatments. Usually that means an ovary that has over-responded to treatment and has formed a large cyst. They usually resolve on their own. <br /> <br />When you ovulate, a cyst ruptures open to allow the egg to escape. Sometimes there is bleeding from the rupture site, back into the now empty cyst space. This can also cause a blood filled cyst that will resolve on its own. <br /> <br />Was it found on ultrasound? Was it found as part of treating a problem with your cycles?
NBotelho replied to Yvette Smith, MD, MPH's response:
It was found with a diagnostic laparoscopy. It looks like a lage black mass surrounding the R. ovary. My doctor just said it was the blood vessels that were engorged. After my post op, he said that it wasn't musch to worry about, he didn't know the significance, however, they used to do hysterectomies for it. That was fine, but, when I saw him about fertility, he looked back at the pictures said it was "ugly" and that he was worried about it. But silly me, I never really got that clarfied with the Dr.
He did the laparoscopy to see how my endometriosis was doing. It wasn't regarding fertility about the time. This is my first cycle trying to have a child.
He did the laparoscopy to see how my endometriosis was doing. It wasn't regarding fertility about the time. This is my first cycle trying to have a child.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsIt was found with a diagnostic laparoscopy. It looks like a lage black mass surrounding the R. ovary. My doctor just said it was the blood vessels that were engorged. After my post op, he said that it wasn't musch to worry about, he didn't know the significance, however, they used to do hysterectomies for it. That was fine, but, when I saw him about fertility, he looked back at the pictures said it was "ugly" and that he was worried about it. But silly me, I never really got that clarfied with the Dr. <br /> <br />He did the laparoscopy to see how my endometriosis was doing. It wasn't regarding fertility about the time. This is my first cycle trying to have a child.
mandy2783 responded:
the first day of my last period was oct. 11 2010 and my husband and i had sex on oct 20, 2010 what are my chances of conceiving and is it possible it may be a girl over a boy because we already have a boy and i would like one of each.
Report This| Share this:Conception Mythsthe first day of my last period was oct. 11 2010 and my husband and i had sex on oct 20, 2010 what are my chances of conceiving and is it possible it may be a girl over a boy because we already have a boy and i would like one of each.
faliensiu responded:
I've heard diet also has an impact on the sex of the child... I don't remember specifically but something along the lines of "if you eat more carbs (rice, potatoes, etc.) and protein (meats) you'll have a boy - if you consume less carbs and lean or no meats you'll have a girl"
(I don't particularly believe anything - I just want to be bless with having my own healthy kids.)
(I don't particularly believe anything - I just want to be bless with having my own healthy kids.)
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI've heard diet also has an impact on the sex of the child... I don't remember specifically but something along the lines of "if you eat more carbs (rice, potatoes, etc.) and protein (meats) you'll have a boy - if you consume less carbs and lean or no meats you'll have a girl"<br /> <br />(I don't particularly believe anything - I just want to be bless with having my own healthy kids.)
We sometimes refer to pelvic congestion syndrome where we talk about engorged blood vessels in the pelvis. This could be what they were talking about. It does not affect fertility.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsWe sometimes refer to pelvic congestion syndrome where we talk about engorged blood vessels in the pelvis. This could be what they were talking about. It does not affect fertility.
I don't believe you can significantly impact sex by the timing of intercourse. The likelihood of pregnnacy depends on how regular your cycles are and when you anticipate ovulaton.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI don't believe you can significantly impact sex by the timing of intercourse. The likelihood of pregnnacy depends on how regular your cycles are and when you anticipate ovulaton.
Isn't that the truth! Ultimately, we want healthy children.
No truth to the rumor that diet impacts sex determination. Trying to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle will always be the right answer.
No truth to the rumor that diet impacts sex determination. Trying to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle will always be the right answer.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsIsn't that the truth! Ultimately, we want healthy children.<br /> <br />No truth to the rumor that diet impacts sex determination. Trying to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle will always be the right answer.
Vulpix responded:
Okay, Hi. My name is Megan and I'm REALLY new to trying to conceive. My question is kind of the same as Mandy2783. The last day of my period was January 5th and I tend to keep track of it and the signs of fertility, since me and my husband are trying. It's January 16th now and I'm not all that sure if it's going to work. But I wake up this morning not feeling well at all and I'm thinking "Is this morning sickness?" What are my chances of being pregnant?
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsOkay, Hi. My name is Megan and I'm REALLY new to trying to conceive. My question is kind of the same as Mandy2783. The last day of my period was January 5th and I tend to keep track of it and the signs of fertility, since me and my husband are trying. It's January 16th now and I'm not all that sure if it's going to work. But I wake up this morning not feeling well at all and I'm thinking "Is this morning sickness?" What are my chances of being pregnant?
An_191584 responded:
Just wondering what the chances are of conceiving if I am using tests to predict ovulation (LH surge) and have intercourse within 12-24 hours after detection of LH surge?? Last month we had intercourse 24 hours after detection of LH surge and Im not pregnant..really hopeful that this month will work..
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsJust wondering what the chances are of conceiving if I am using tests to predict ovulation (LH surge) and have intercourse within 12-24 hours after detection of LH surge?? Last month we had intercourse 24 hours after detection of LH surge and Im not pregnant..really hopeful that this month will work..
An_191585 responded:
I have a question about charting my BBT. I know that my temperature is supposed to go up .1-.2 degrees when I ovulate, but my temperature seems to be jumping much more than that. In fact, I am running a low grade fever each month starting around the time I ovulate and getting progressively higher until I start my period. I usually end up around 101 F before dropping back down to a normal temperature (actually, usually below 98.6 F). At first, I thought it was my thermometer, but I had a fever at the doctor's office as well. Is this normal or a cause for concern? Could this contribute to problems TTC?
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI have a question about charting my BBT. I know that my temperature is supposed to go up .1-.2 degrees when I ovulate, but my temperature seems to be jumping much more than that. In fact, I am running a low grade fever each month starting around the time I ovulate and getting progressively higher until I start my period. I usually end up around 101 F before dropping back down to a normal temperature (actually, usually below 98.6 F). At first, I thought it was my thermometer, but I had a fever at the doctor's office as well. Is this normal or a cause for concern? Could this contribute to problems TTC?
nicolleindc responded:
I have been timing my ovulation for the past two months and having intercourse during what should be the right times, but with no luck. Can you please tell me what to do after intercourse in order to increase the chances that conception will occur?
I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down?
We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not.
I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down?
We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not.
I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI have been timing my ovulation for the past two months and having intercourse during what should be the right times, but with no luck. Can you please tell me what to do after intercourse in order to increase the chances that conception will occur? <br /><br />I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down? <br /><br />We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not. <br /><br />I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
nicolleindc responded:
I have been timing my ovulation for the past two months and having intercourse during what should be the right times, but with no luck. Can you please tell me what to do after intercourse in order to increase the chances that conception will occur?
I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down?
We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not.
I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down?
We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not.
I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
Report This| Share this:Conception MythsI have been timing my ovulation for the past two months and having intercourse during what should be the right times, but with no luck. Can you please tell me what to do after intercourse in order to increase the chances that conception will occur? <br /><br />I saw a suggestion on WebMD to lay flat for at least a few minutes. Does it help to lay flat as long as possible? What about turning upside down? <br /><br />We have an inversion table at home that I could use to turn upside down (or just be angled slightly with head below feet) after sex. Would this be helpful for the sperm to swim towards the egg? If you could please respond, it would let us know if I should keep doing this after intercourse or not. <br /><br />I'm not sure how the sperm knows which way to swim, so am not sure if it is beneficial to invert oneself or not.
coookie_monster responded:
i have heard that if you are stressed alot when you are pregnant it cahnges the Ph of your bod and that can affect the baby's sex. is there any truth to this
Report This| Share this:Conception Mythsi have heard that if you are stressed alot when you are pregnant it cahnges the Ph of your bod and that can affect the baby's sex. is there any truth to this
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