Conception Timing Myths, Busted

Guides. Updated October 11, 2026. Calculated with the standard pregnancy dating method used by ACOG and the NHS.

There's plenty of advice about timing conception. Some of it holds up; much doesn't.

Myth: you can only conceive on ovulation day

Sperm can survive up to five days, and sex in the days before ovulation is linked with the highest pregnancy rates.

Myth: you should save up sperm

Daily or every-other-day sex in the fertile window is fine and doesn't reduce the chances.

Myth: timing can choose a baby's sex

Studies haven't found that timing sex relative to ovulation reliably affects whether the baby is a boy or a girl.

Myth: certain positions help

There's no good evidence that particular positions or staying lying down afterwards improve the chances of conceiving.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy or fertility.