Sex and fertility

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It is best not to try and time when you have sex to coincide with expected ovulation. This may cause anxiety, which can sometimes lead to sexual or relationship problems.

Sperm survive up to seven days after having sex. Therefore, even though an ovum (egg) only survives 12-24 hours, having sex two or three times a week is sufficient if you are trying to conceive. In fact, studies have shown that having sex every two to three days is likely to maximise your chance of getting pregnant. You may want to have sex more often, which is fine, but it probably will not increase your chance of conceiving. It is thought that the more relaxed and spontaneous your sex life is, the more likely you will conceive.

The idea behind using temperature charts and ovulation kits to help predict when you are most fertile is that this can help you time when to have sex. However, using methods like this has not been shown to improve your chance of conceiving in studies. It can also cause a lot of stress within a relationship. But, there may be some people who find such techniques useful, for example couples who find it difficult to have frequent sex.

Doctors are used to talking about sexual problems. Any worries or concerns in this area are best talked over with your GP.

What are the treatments for infertility?

Sometimes a cause can be found for a couple's infertility. Some causes are treatable and normal fertility can be restored. For example, some cases of ovarian failure can be treated with medicines. Hormone problems can also often be treated.

If no cause is found, or the cause is not treatable, then 'assisted conception' is often possible. The number of techniques and success of treatments has increased in recent years. See separate leaflet called 'Infertility: a Summary of Treatments' which gives a brief overview of these treatments. However, you should see a specialist for a full discussion about the various treatment options.

Further help and advice

Infertility Network UK (I N UK) Charter House, 43 St Leonards Road, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN40 1JA. Tel: 08701 188088 Web: www.infertilitynetworkuk.com Provides advice and information for the public and for professionals on all aspects of infertility.

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority HFEA 21 Bloomsbury Street London WC1B 3HF Tel: 020 7291 8200 Web: www.hfea.gov.uk The HFEA produces a wide range of information on a range of different infertility treatments, as well as on legal issues, consent procedures, success rates of treatments, what you should expect from fertility treatment centres, how to make a complaint, etc. Their "Guide to Infertility and Directory of Clinics" is a comprehensive guide to infertility treatments and clinics in the UK and can be downloaded from their website.

Patient UK The infertility section - www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/380/ - provides a large set of links to organisations and patient groups concerned with infertility and it's treatment.

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