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Expert Q&A

	By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Does it matter how many times you have intercourse when you are trying to conceive?

Of course, without intercourse your chances of becoming pregnant are zero. Conversely, if you have more frequent intercourse, it's more likely that the sperm and egg timing will match. Daily intercourse, especially in the three days prior to and two days following ovulation, has been shown to have the highest rates of pregnancy (and tired husbands!).

If you have regular 28-day cycles, then you are likely ovulating around 14 days from the first day of your period. If your cycles are regular but longer or shorter than 28 days, count back 14 days from your first day of your period to determine what day of the cycle you ovulate.

You can confirm this date by noting symptoms of ovulation: pelvic pain, a change in cervical mucous and a change in your basal body temperature (BBT). If your menstrual cycles are irregular, you may not be ovulating, and should be evaluated by your physician.

If you have regular cycles, use Preconception.com's Ovulation Calculator to find our when you will be fertile over the next three cycles. If your cycles are not regular, the symptothermal method may work better for you -- download a chart from The Cycle Daily.

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