It’s important to know though that you can get pregnant by having sex in any position and there’s no strong scientific argument to say that you’ll be more likely to conceive by having sex in one position rather than another.  

However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence and theories that suggest some sex positions could be more effective than others – so where’s the harm in trying? 

One of the most important things when you start trying for a baby is that you enjoy the sex. Not only does the female orgasm help to draw sperm up into the uterus, but the sense of wellbeing and relaxation that a satisfying sex life brings can also improve your chances of conceiving.  

Plus, studies show that with a high level of male sexual arousal the sperm quality gets better¹, and it stands to reason that if you’re enjoying sex, you’ll probably have more of it, increasing your chances of conceiving.  

If you’re trying the same positions day-in-day-out with the sole purpose of getting pregnant, you could be putting unnecessary pressure on yourselves and, well, killing the passion while you’re at it – and stress and anxiety are known barriers to conception.  

It also makes sense that the less distance sperm have to travel, the greater the chances of more of them getting where they're supposed to be intact. For that reason, positions which allow for full penetration and that get sperm closest to the opening of the cervix are thought to be better for increasing your chances of conceiving.  

So, why not shake things up in the bedroom (or wherever you want, frankly!) by trying some of these positions, which are believed to be the most effective for getting pregnant, and spice up your sex life while you’re at it:  

Missionary position 

It might not seem very imaginative, but straightforward man-on-top does generally offer good penetration and allows the sperm to work with gravity. You can give this a helping hand by propping a pillow under the base of your spine. 

Legs by your head 

If you're quite supple, then try this twist on the missionary position. The man is on top, as per missionary, and supporting himself on his arms, but the woman pulls her legs up and backwards, so her feet are near her shoulders. In this position the man should be able to vary his movements more easily. 

Spooning 

If you haven't tried the spoon position before it's definitely worth a go. The man and woman both lie on their sides, facing in the same direction with the man entering the woman from behind. This ensures good penetration but at the same time is a very gentle position, great for if you're both tired and more interested in intimacy than making the room shake.  

Cradling 

Like spoons but this time facing each other, the woman will need to pull one knee up and wrap it around the man's upper body to allow for good penetration. 

Side entry 

The woman lies on her side with one leg raised to allow the man to kneel with one knee on either side of her lower leg and enter her completely, moving with arcing strokes. Once the man is in position the woman can turn her upper body so that she's lying more or less flat, facing her partner. For deeper entry the man can lift her upper leg slightly up and towards her chest. 

From behind 

There are plenty of variations on this full-penetration position to try:  

Lying: With the woman on her front and the man crouching above her, with his legs positioned outside hers he can enter her fully and then deepen penetration by rocking forward, higher up her back. You do need to take this gently until you work out what your limits are though, as this can be uncomfortable if the man actually hits the cervix, which is quite possible in this position. 

Sitting: You sit on your partner's knee facing away from him, so you can easily control the depth of penetration and speed. 

All fours (aka doggy style): The woman crouches on all fours and the man kneels behind her. You may find it more comfortable and pleasurable for the woman to rock forward onto her elbows, supported with a pillow. 

Standing  

This is one for the more adventurous, and, while they make it look sexy in the movies, it can be quite hard work!  

For successfully deep penetration the man will probably need to support some of the woman's weight, lifting her slightly up and onto his penis. Most couples will also need to use a wall or similar for support. Free-standing sex is only for the very strong and athletic! 

Sex positions that aren't good for conceiving

So, are there any positions that aren’t as good for conceiving? Woman-on-top is often cited as a less effective baby-making position, as the sperm need to move against gravity to reach the cervix, but if this is a position that usually gives you an orgasm then gravity may not be so important. 

Another theory you may have heard is that lying with your legs up against a wall (pelvis tilted up) for 15 – 20 minutes could help direct the sperm to the cervix, but again, there’s no scientific backing for this and the potential health risks (such as contracting UTIs) from not going to the loo after sex might outweigh the possible benefits. We’ll leave that one to you though.  

References:
1. Yamamoto Y, Sofikitis N, Mio Y, Miyagawa I. Influence of sexual stimulation on sperm parameters in semen samples collected via masturbation from normozoospermic men or cryptozoospermic men participating in an assisted reproduction programme. Andrologia. 2000 May;32(3):131-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2000.00353.x. PMID: 10863967.

2. Blight, Alysse, "The Shettles Method of Sex Selection". Embryo Project Encyclopedia (2019-04-03). ISSN: 1940-5030 https://hdl.handle.net/10776/13096

Read more:

• Ramzi Theory: how does it work and how accurately does it predict your baby's sex?
• Skull theory: can you really predict your baby's sex at 12 weeks?
• Can nub theory tell you if it's a boy or a girl?

Despite what you may have been told, it actually is possible to get pregnant after you’ve had your baby, or are breastfeeding, even before your periods come back.

So, here’s our guide to contraceptives: how they work, what you need to know, and how effective they really are – ranked from most effective to least.

Click the below link to jump to your chosen method, or keep scrolling to read about ‘em all...

• Vasectomy
• Female Sterilisation
• IUD/Non-Hormonal Coil
• IUS/Hormonal Coil
• Contraceptive Injection
• Contraceptive Implant
• Combined Pill
• Progestogen-Only Pill
• Male Condoms
• Diaphragm
• Natural Family Planning

Vasectomy/'The Snip' (Male Sterilisation)

How does it work? If you and your partner have both agreed you don’t want any more children, you may want to discuss a vasectomy - male sterilisation where two tubes are blocked or cut and sperm is stopped from entering a man's semen.

How long does it last? Vasectomies are permanent. You’ve probably heard of vasectomies being reversed. It is very difficult to do, if even possible – so you and your partner have got to be 100% sure before having one.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99% effective, says the NHS. It does not protect against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? Once your partner’s had a vasectomy, you’ll need to use another form of contraception for approximately 3 months following the op, as some sperm may still be in his tubes.

Post-op, your doc will give you 2 separate sperm tests before it’s confirmed to be successful.

Possible side effects after the op include:

• Bruising of the scrotum
• Blood in the semen
• Bleeding/blood clot in the scrotum
• Pain/discomfort
• Chronic pain
• Swelling
• Fluid build up in the testicle
• Cysts or sacs developing

What else? Keep in mind that vasectomies, though the side effects sound horrible, are actually considered low-risk procedures.

How can you get it? The first step is making an appointment with your GP, who’ll be able to refer you to the right department.

What our mums say: Members of our MadeForMums community have lots of experience with their partners getting vasectomies - we've even heard a few tales of pregnancy post-vasectomy. The procedure, they say, wasn't too hard on their other halves.

"My Hubby has recently just had it done, in and out of hospital same day, went in for 8am and was back home by 11 am.

"Few stitches and bit of swelling/bruising, was given anti-flammatory and painkillers which at first he didn’t take as he said it wasn't that painful, but I told him to take the anti-inflam ones just to help ease/aid recovery.

"He could have been back in work within 2 days but was already off for the week. He said the following day he felt a bit stiff, as in walking, but that was all," says Sarah.

"Our referral took a few weeks, I think we were told 6 weeks but he got an earlier cancellation, " says Cath. "I took him in as he was advised not to drive after and we were there about an hour I think.

"Lots of bruising so was very sore / tender for that day and achey for the next day, spectacular bruising for a week or so, but he had the procedure on Tuesday afternoon and was at work on Thursday.

"He does have a desk job though and would have had another day or so off if he needed to be active I think."

‘Getting Your Tubes Tied’ (Female Sterilisation)

How does it work? This operation sees your fallopian tubes get blocked, to prevent eggs making their way to your partner’s sperm.

How long does it last? It’s completely permanent. Once you go there, you can’t really come back.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99%. Not an option for protecting against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? It’s not immediate – you’ll need to use other protection until the operation and your next period.

In some cases, you may need other contraceptives for 3 months following the op. Check in with your doc for the best advice that’s suited to your personal situation.

Possible side effects include:

• Like any surgery, there are small risks of complications, such as internal bleeding. Small risks, we must emphasise, but risks nonetheless
• It can’t be easily reversed, and you are not likely to get a reversal op on the NHS
• Any pregnancy you do have after the op (it’s not 100%), comes with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

What else? When you get sterilised, you’re effectively kissing goodbye to the possibility of more children (or no children at all), so make sure you are 110% sure it’s what you want.

Fortunately, you won’t experience any hormonal changes, and it shouldn’t impact your sex life at all. Getting docs to agree to the op is a process in itself, though, and you may need other contraception in place while you go through it.

How can you get it? The first step is making an appointment with your GP, who’ll be able to refer you to the right department. It’s likely you’ll have to jump through a fair few hoops for this – especially if you’re a young woman, or don’t have any children.

What our mums say: Admittedly, not many mums in our MadeForMums community have had their tubes tied... many are still in the pregnancy and baby phase, or are keen to have more.

However, we do know that one of our mums, sadly, came to regret her decision and found herself wanting another child.

"I had 5 children with my ex husband.. tied my tubes 8.5 years ago... divorced and had my heart broken when he had more kids.

"Moving forward and seriously dating a new guy... never late or had a missed period...  early period last month and now I'm 3 days late... bloated to the max... nauseous... with no signs of period in site....could it be a miracle??? Or am I getting too excited and jumping to conclusions??" – Emmy.

Another member of our community reckons the burden should fall to men, adding: "I do personally think that unless having [your tubes tied during] a C-section, that it should be blokes that have it done.

"After all, their bits are just hanging around, waiting for that little nick that will sort the tubes - probably under local anaesthetic instead of a GA (women have to have GA). It is a lot more involved for a woman!" – Nicole.

Intrauterine Device/Non-Hormonal Coil (IUD)

This is the proper name for the Copper coil.

How does it work? It’s the same device as an IUS – a small, T-shaped device that sits in your womb. However, instead of releasing hormones, it releases copper, which stops you getting pregnant.

How long does it last? 5 – 10 years, depending on the type you have.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99% effective, when it’s in properly. (If it’s not fitted correctly, you’ll likely know about it sooner rather than later. You can also check it’s still in place using 2 threads that hang down – your doc/nurse will show you how.)

How soon does it start protecting you? Straight away! This is the same after you’ve given birth, too, though you will need to wait 4 weeks post-labour before getting it fitted.

Possible side effects include:

• uncomfortable/painful insertion – yep, getting the coil in’s not always pleasant
• periods may become heavier, longer or more painful vaginal bleeding
• discomfort or pain
• if the IUD shouldn’t work properly, and you do become pregnant, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy.

What else? After you’ve had it fitted, you need a check-up 3 to 6 weeks later, to check it’s all A-OK. Don’t forget to check the strings from time to time, to make sure your coil’s still in the right place.

How can you get it? Via your GP or nearest sexual health/GUM clinic.

What our MadeForMums community members say: “Most people I know didn’t like the IUD – it caused them loads of bleeding and cramps that didn’t ever calm down. But for me? I’ve had mine in for the full 5 years.

“It makes my infrequent/irregular periods 100% regular, and though I get a bit more cramping throughout the month, the trade-off is worth it for protection… and no hormones, which was the most important requirement to me, as I've felt awful on every form of hormonal contraception (and I've tried most of them!)” – Sally

Intrauterine System/Hormonal Coil (IUS)

This is the official term for the Mirena Coil, or the other most-used brand in the UK, the Jaydess.

How does it work? Essentially, an IUS is a small, t-shaped device that a trained doc or nurse will place into your womb. It’ll also release the hormone progestogen to help prevent pregnancy.

How long does it last? 3 – 5 years. So, ideal if you’re a forgetful type, or don’t want the worry of taking a pill each day.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99%, when fitted correctly. (If it’s not fitted correctly, you’ll likely know about it sooner rather than later. You can also check it’s still in place using 2 threads that hang down – your doc/nurse will show you how.) It doesn’t protect against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? Straight away, if fitted in the first 7 days of your cycle. Use condoms for 7 days in any other case, just to be safe.

Possible side effects include:

• stopped/irregular periods
• vaginal bleeding
• discomfort or pain
• mood changes
• loss or change of libido
• headaches
• breast tenderness
• an uncommon side effect could see you develop “small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment”, says the NHS
• if the IUS doesn't work properly, and you do become pregnant, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy.

What else? We know the coil – IUS or IUD – can be really uncomfortable for some women. You’ll never know until you try, but if you suffer lots of pain and heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop, don’t be afraid to get it taken out by your doc/nurse, and try something else.

How can you get it? Via your GP/nearest sexual health or GUM clinic.

What our MadeForMums community members say: We've had a real mixed bag of those who LOVED the Mirena and those who've HATED it, but here's a balanced view...

"Have had the Mirena coil in twice, for a total of 7 years and it took a few months for my periods to regulate themselves, then basically I hardly bled at all every month, to the point where I used mini tampax but most panty liners!

"I also had a copper coil after my daughter was born 13 yrs ago and that was a complete nightmare and would never recommend that... I bled so badly every month it was awful...I flooded at night and would always have to wear a tampax and a pad during the day...

"I will definitely be having a Mirena back in at my 6-week check (was going to try for 4th baby but think I will play safe for a while!!!) and yes it is uncomfortable for a few seconds, it doesn't really hurt!

"I took my baby with me, had some ibuprofen before I went and breathed through the insertion...having my belly button pierced was far worse!!!" - Carolyn

"I had Mirena fitted after birth of 2nd baby. Insertion wasn't painful at all but afterwards i felt ill and couldn't drive home for a couple of hours. Good thing I'd left baby with my mum.

"I had Mirena removed after 3 months of almost constant bleeding, it just didn't agree with me. Removal was fine, doctor said "cough" and pulled it out, lol" - Shelly

Contraceptive implant

How does it work? The implant (nexplanon) is a little plastic rod that sits in your arm, and slowly puts in the hormone progestogen into your blood.

How long does it last? The implant lasts for 3 years. Once your doc or a nurse has put it in, then you don’t need to do anything to remain protected, other than renew your contraception once the 3 years is up.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99% effective. It doesn’t protect against STIs, though.

How soon does it start protecting you? Between days 1 – 5 of your cycle, you’ll be protected straight away. Getting it done any other time? Use condoms for 7 days.

HOWEVER if you’ve just given birth, the rules are slightly different. If you get it put in up to 21 days after the birth, you’re protected straight away. Anytime after, use condoms for 7 days.

Possible side effects include (especially during the first few months):

• headaches
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• mood swings
• acne
• irregular periods.

What else? Some medications – including a number of antibiotics – can affect the implant. So, always chat to your doc before taking anything.

How can you get it? The usual suspects: your GP, or a sexual health/GUM clinic.

What our MadeForMums community members say: "I had it and I got on with it fine. Didn't notice any side effects. I'm on the injection at the minute but will have it again when I'm done having babies because it lasts 3 years so don't wanna have it taken out in a year or so when I want another!

"That was the only problem, DR took ages to get it out - it was a bit of a faff, not really a problem though" - Kelly.

"Personally I HATED it!!!! I had constant pg symptoms, bloated, boobs killed and i put on weight,I  know everyone reacts differently but it wasn't for me, really screwed up my cycle....we're trusting Mr Durex 'til we ttc again next year" - Kim.

Contraceptive injection

The most common type of birth control injection in the UK is called Depo-Provera. Some GPs may also offer Sayana Press, but it’s much less common. There’s one called the Noristerat, but it lasts for less time than the above.

How does it work? It works by releasing the hormone progestogen into your body, which works to prevent pregnant. Usually, the injection’s done in your bum cheek. You may also be able to get it in your upper arm.

How long does it last? 13 weeks, and then to remain protected you need to get another injection. Only 8 weeks for the Noristerat.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99%, when used properly (i.e. when you get your injections on time). It’s about 94% when you think about how women are actually using it.

How soon does it start protecting you? If you get your first injection during days 1 – 5 of your menstrual cycle, job’s done! Otherwise, you should use condoms for at least 7 days, as it’ll take a little while to make sure you’re protected.

HOWEVER if you’ve just given birth, the rules are slightly different. If you get it put in up to 21 days after the birth, you’re protected straight away. Anytime after, use condoms for 7 days.

Possible side effects include:

• heavy bleeding, especially in the first few weeks after giving birth
• period changes – of all kinds. If you’re happy with how your period is now, we’d suggest avoiding
• headaches
• acne
• hair loss
• decreased sex drive
• mood swings

What else? The Depo or other injections aren’t for you if you’re planning to get pregnant in the next year or so – as it could take just as long for your periods to come back, after your final injection’s stopped working.

Probably not one for needle-phobes, either, or those who are forgetful when it comes to remembering appointments.

How can you get it? Via your GP or nearest sexual health/GUM clinic.

What our MadeForMums community members say: "I did 9 months and bled constantly for 7 months (the last 7), some days just spotting but mostly a constant period, I've been on the mini pill now for a few weeks and for me it's a lot better.

"But every women is different: I had a friend whose periods completely stopped with the Depo injection" - Alison.

"I was on it too on and off for about 5 years. Never had any problems with it - no bleeding, no weight gain and didn't seem to have an effect on my sex drive whereas the pill made me gain weight and made my boobs huge (big enough already) so for me the injection was fab xx" – Holly.

“I hated the injection,” says Sally. “It did the job, and I didn't have periods at all, but after I came off it, I had a horrible experience.

"Just my hormones rebalancing, I think. It was very uncomfortable. Lots of back pain, general malaise and fatigue, extreme tiredness. I also put on weight around that time.”

Progestogen-only pill

There are 2 types of progestogen-only pill, the 3-hour pill (known as ‘traditional’ and the 12-hour pill (‘desogestrel’).

How does it work? The progestogen pill is different to the combined pill, in that it thickens your cervical mucus to stop the sperm reaching the egg and prevent pregnancy.

You have to take it within 3 hours/12 hours of the same time each day for it to work, depending on which pill you’re taking.

How long does it last? You also have to take it every day, at the same time each day, though unlike the combined pill there is no 7-day break.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99% effective – when taken correctly. Experts reckon it’s actually about 92% effective when considering how women usually take it. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? If you begin taking it during days 1 – 5 of your menstrual cycle, job’s done! Otherwise, you should use condoms for at least 2 days, as it’ll take a little while to make sure you’re protected.

Possible side effects include:

• getting spots
• feeling like your breasts are tender.

What else? You can take this one if you’re over 35 and smoke, unlike the combined pill. You may also need to check none of your other medication affects your chosen pill, before taking it.

How can you get it? Either from your GP (if they do that at your local practice), or a sexual health/GUM clinic.

• Can you get pregnant when you're on the pill? All the facts

Combined pill

There are lots of different combined pills out there, including Microgynon, Logynon and Yasmine.

How does it work? You take a small pill that contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This stops an egg from releasing from your ovary. Typically, you’ll take the pill daily for 21 days, at which point you’ll have a 7-day break, and start again.

How long does it last? You have to remember to take the pill every day, at around the same time each day, for it to work.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? More than 99% effective, IF you take it as you should. Obviously, the less you remember to take it, the more chance there is of you getting pregnant. It’s thought to be around 91% successful. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? If you begin taking it on the first day of your period, you’ll be protected straight away.

Possible side effects include:

• becoming rather moody and feeling a range of heightened emotions
• feeling like you’re going to be sick
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• weight gain, maybe? There’s no actual evidence for this, other than pill users reporting this symptom themselves.

On the plus side, if you have awful PMS or have endometriosis, the pill might actually help with those symptoms.

What else? The effectiveness of the pill can be affected by whether or vomiting or suffering severe diarrhoea – as the pill will have left your system.

It might also be affected by other meds you’re taking – just tell your doc what medication you’re on before starting the pill.

How can you get it? If you’re medically OK’d to have it (people with certain conditions or over 35s who smoke can’t), then you can get the pill from your GP, local nurse or sexual health clinic.

What our MadeForMums community members say: "I feel so much better in myself for coming off it. Not so many headaches and moods. I have lost some weight and my boobs seem to be shrinking though! I was on the pill for about 15 years." – Kate.

"I am taking Micronor whilst breastfeeding. You do have to take it at the same time each day and if you are more than 3 hours late you need to use extra protection for a week. No problems with it apart from forgetting to take it a few times x" - Laura.

Male condoms

This one might seem a bit obvious, but hear us out…

How does it work? Condoms are worn during sex, over the man’s penis, to stop sperm entering the vagina.

How long does it last? One condom per sex session, so you need to use one Every. Single. Time.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? 98% effective, according to the NHS. More like 82% considering how often they’re used quite carelessly. They DO protect against STIs, though. The only thing that does!

How soon does it start protecting you? As soon as it's put on. If it breaks or slips off, you’re not protected.

Possible side effects include:

• There aren’t any typical ‘side effects’ – though obviously condoms can break or slip. If this ever happens, you’ll need emergency contraception and possibly an STI test.

What else? Make sure you’re using the right lube for sex with condoms. Water-based is the way to go for latex condoms or polyisoprene condoms, and oil-based (like lotion or Vaseline) definitely isn’t.

We'd also argue that this is a good option for someone who isn't having sex all the time, just every once in a while.

How can you get it? They’re available free from your local sexual health/GUM clinic, or you can buy them from pharmacies and other shops like Boots.

What our MadeForMums community members say: "We used condoms before we started TTC for 2 years 'cos I'm rubbish at taking the pill and Durex seems to be the best xx" - Vicky.

Diaphragm

We don’t hear a lot about diaphragms here in the UK – though they are a popular birth control method in the US.

How does it work? A diaphragm is a soft, bendy silicone cup that you put in your vagina before you have sex, and covers your cervix – stopping your partner’s sperm getting in there. Often, it’s used with spermicide (a gel that basically kills sperm).

How long does it last? Your diaphragm itself will last a good while (approx. 2 years), but it’s only gonna work when you’ve put it in for the duration of sex, properly.

You shouldn’t put it in any earlier than 2 hours before sex (because that’s how long spermicide lasts!), and you need to leave it in for 6 hours after.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? In a perfect world where you use a diaphragm flawlessly every time, it’s 94% effective.

In real life, the way they’re actually used, you’re probably looking at a success rate of around 88%. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

How soon does it start protecting you? Straight away.

Possible side effects include:

• spermicide can irritate you down below or make your vagina sore
• Urinary Tract Infections can be quite common for diaphragm users
• it’s possible your body won’t agree with the material in the diaphragm, and that could be uncomfortable, too.

What else? The diaphragm’s not for you if:

• you gave birth in the last 6 weeks
• you’re very sensitive down there
• you’re not cool with frequently putting your fingers deep into your vagina
• you’ve ever had Toxic Shock Syndrome, or you/your partner has HIV/AIDS
• you’ve ever had an abortion in the later stages of pregnancy
• you’re allergic to silicone or spermicide.

You may also want to avoid it if your weight fluctuates a lot - every time you go up or down more than 10lbs, you'll likely need a new diaphragm to be fitted.

Finally, if you have a lot of sex, you may find putting the diaphragm in rather annoying, so may work best for someone who is having sex less frequently.

How can you get it? Talk to your GP or local sexual health/GUM clinic for info on how to get a diaphragm.

Natural family planning

Essentially, natural family planning involves knowing your cycle inside out, and avoiding sex when you know you’re ovulating.

This is often the best option for women who follow certain religions, where use of other contraceptive methods is forbidden or frowned upon.

How does it work? There a number of natural family planning methods you can try, as well as apps and products available to help – all of which involves one or more of the following:

• monitoring your periods and your menstrual cycle daily
• recording your body basal temperature (BBT)
• daily recording your cervical mucus/secretions to know exactly when in your cycle you are fertile, and when you’re not.

How long does it last? For as long as you’re willing to put in the work, really. If you slip up and have sex when you’re fertile, it may well not last very long. If you’re absolutely diligent about it, it could work wonders.

How effective is it for protecting against pregnancy? That’s a tricky one. The NHS website says it can be up to 99% effective when done correctly… but how likely is that?

We’ve seen some stats suggest that typical use (i.e. how most women are doing natural family planning) can have a 12 – 24% failure rate. That’s a 76 – 88% success rate. Not quite as promising. It doesn’t protect against STIs, either.

How soon does it start protecting you? We’d say you need to get to know your cycle, how regular it is, and practice the method before you use it as your only form of contraception. So, give it a few months, at least.

Possible side effects include:

• None. There aren’t any side effects, because, effectively, all your doing is monitoring your body and recording its every move.
• However, there are lots of things that can affect your periods, and therefore your planning, such as stress, and other lifestyle factors.

What else? There are MANY women for whom natural family planning is not the best option, says the NHS website, especially women who:

• have just given birth
• are breastfeeding
• have irregular periods
• have an STI, vaginal thrush or pelvic inflammatory disease
• are taking medication that affects cervical mucus
• recently stopped hormone-based contraception (like the pill, the injection or the IUS)
• drink a lot of alcohol
• recently miscarried
• recently terminated a pregnancy
• regularly travel through different time zones
• have used the emergency contraceptive pill in the last 2 months.

You also need to make sure you’ve had proper guidance from a medical professional – a fertility awareness teacher – before you start.

How can you get it? It’s not something you get, it’s something you do. Don’t do this without consulting your GP first, and seek guidance from them on how to learn the techniques from a professional. You can also talk to your local GUM/sexual health clinic for further advice.

What our MadeForMums community members say: "I have been doing this I have an ovulation calendar that tells me when I am fertile and when I am not, just the same as you would have if you were trying. I have been doing this for 7 months now and it has been working.

"I did this as the pill didn't seem to work with me and I did not like the coil. I will be honest, you have got to be very strict with it and very controlled.

"It sounds funny but you always seem to want [sex] on the bad days so you have to be quite strong not to. I had a couple of times after coming home from a drink and really wanting it but knowing I couldn't due to ovulation period.

"A lot of people may laugh at these methods and they are definitely not guaranteed to work, but the pill didn't work for me.

"I know that it is still a risk doing it this way, but I have been doing it for 8 months now since my youngest was born and it gets easier each month, and if I was to fall [pregnant] it would not necessarily be a problem" – Laura.

Pics: Getty Images

Read more:

• Mum pregnant with twins 6 weeks after giving birth
• When do your periods start again after having a baby?
• Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding? Erm, yes!

What are the official guidelines on drinking when you’re trying to conceive?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that:

• you avoid alcohol from 3 months before you hope to conceive, until 12 weeks into your pregnancy

Current medical guidelines also state that if you do drink:

• you should not consume more than 1-2 units, once or twice a week

How could alcohol be damaging if you are trying to get pregnant?

“The current advice is based on good medical evidence about the effects that alcohol has on fertility and the unborn child,” explains Dr Abigail Brun, a GP.

It is known that alcohol can have a damaging effect on male fertility, Dr Brun says. However, its impact on a woman’s ability to conceive are not fully known. “The effects of alcohol on the a woman’s fertility are unclear, but we think it may interfere with her menstrual cycle and possibly affect egg production,” she says.

“What we do know for sure is that couples who drink more (and regularly) are much more likely to struggle to conceive than those who drink nothing, or only drink occasionally.”

How to boost your fertility

How alcohol impacts male fertility

Dr Brun explains that alcohol affects a man’s sperm. “It can reduce the sperm count (if a man drinks heavily) and cause the sperm to have a higher chance of having defective or missing genetic information – the important bit needed to make a baby,” she says.

“Alcohol is found in the semen itself shortly after a man has been drinking. It may also affect the way the egg is fertilised and then implants (sticks) onto the walls of the womb, which is needed for it to grow.”

Could your baby be affected if you conceive after you’ve been drinking?

One member of our MadeForMums community, Lisa, shares on our boards: “My daughter was one of the ‘conceived in blind drunkness’ babies.”

It seems that conceiving after having a drink or two happens to quite a few of us.

Another community member, Sharon, says: “When I did conceive it was as a result of me getting drunk on a night out without my husband and then us having sex without a baby being on the agenda. We are now TTC #2 and so far no luck (3 cycles) - perhaps I should go out for the evening and have a few glasses of wine again?!”

Dr Brun says that we should be more focused on avoiding alcohol once we are pregnant than at the time of conception.“There is evidence that animals given high levels of alcohol at time of conception and in early pregnancy are more likely to have miscarriages and to chromosomal abnormalities (big defects).

“It's not completely clear what the effects are in humans but we think more damage is done by a mother who drinks regularly and heavily during her pregnancy, especially early on, rather than at conception itself,” she says.

The latest guidelines on drinking and pregnancy explained

So how much can you drink when you are trying to get pregnant?

Dr Brun advises avoiding alcohol in order to have the best chance of conception. “The odd small glass on a special occasion is probably ok, but don’t make a habit of it,” she says.

What about your partner?

Partners of women trying to get pregnant can still consume alcohol, but should not binge drink, says Dr Brun. “I often see people who are struggling to conceive and at that point I'd advice both sides to abstain,” she says.

Top tips for conception

What members of our MadeForMums community say about alcohol and trying to conceive

“I love wine but am not drinking because then maybe I have a better chance of getting pregnant," says Breanna.

“I am 18 on 1st August and my baby is due on 10th. I have never once thought about drinking. If I wanted to do that I wouldn't have got pregnant," says Hayley.

“Deciding to start a family is exciting… make sure you eat a good balanced diet and go easy on the alcohol or even cut it out completely. Try to stay relaxed about it all, getting stressed can delay conception,” says Zoe. 

Read more:

Tell me more about how long it takes to conceive

Tell me about the latest research on alcohol and pregnancy

There’s also the worry of an unexpected pregnancy if you’re the type to forget to take it, causing lots of panic and stress until your period arrives.

And yes, it IS true that there is a small chance that anyone could become pregnant using the pill, for a number of reasons.

However, this is true of all contraception – and then there’s the whole issue of trying to conceive after you’ve stopped taking it.

Pregnancy and the pill - what you need to know

In this piece, we’ll cover everything you need to know about your chances of getting pregnant while on the pill - and answer some of your most FAQs:

• Can you get pregnant while on the pill?
• Do I still ovulate on the pill?
• Why does the pill fail?
• If I’m still on the pill, how can I tell if I’m pregnant?
• Does the pill affect pregnancy tests?
• Can I get pregnant while switching contraceptives?
• Will the pill stop me getting pregnant longterm?

By clicking on one of the questions, you can skip ahead to read the answer – but we’d recommend giving the whole piece a read ?

Can I get pregnant while on the pill?

In a nutshell: yes, you can get pregnant while you’re on the pill.

A standard birth control pill is effective about 99.5% of the time if it is used 100% correctly.

Essentially, that means that even if you take it on time every day and follow the instructions to the letter, you still have a 0.5% chance of getting pregnant.

If you’re less diligent in following the instructions, the pill becomes less effective. Studies vary, but we’ve seen some show a user failure rate of over 5%.

That translates to 5% of women becoming pregnant while on the pill.

Do I still ovulate on the pill?

Nope, you don’t ovulate while you’re on the pill (no matter what kind of pill you’re on).

Suppressing ovulation is one of many ways the pill helps to prevent a pregnancy. The progesterone pill also does a triple whammy of pregnancy protection by thinning your uterus lining and thickening your cervical mucus.

Both of these help your chances of not becoming pregnant, should an egg get through and want to fertilise.

Why does the pill fail?

There are a number of reasons why the pill might not work. As we noted above, the most likely is that you’ve not been following the instructions and taking it daily, as instructed.

Your pill may also not be properly in your system if you’ve vomited or have severe diarrhoea, according to the NHS page on the combined pill.

(If either of these things happen to you, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions about doubling up with an alternative contraception for a period of time.)

It’s also important to make sure that the pill you’re taking works well with any other medication you’re on, such as antibiotics or migraine medication.

This is a conversation to have with your GP, when you’re initially prescribed the pill. Make sure they know what meds you’re taking.

There should also be an indication of what medications might affect the effectiveness of the pill in the instructions that come in the pill box.

Also, of course, there’s that 0.5% chance that you get pregnant anyway.

If I’m on the pill, how will I know if I’m pregnant?

Typically, you might realise that you’re pregnant when your period doesn’t arrive as usual – just as if you weren’t on the pill.

You may also experience some physical early signs and symptoms of pregnancy, even in the early weeks, such as tingling, sore or heavy breasts, and mild cramping.

Annoyingly, some of these can be symptoms of just taking the pill anyway. (Still, if you think you could be pregnant then take a home test as soon as you miss your period or arrange a test with your doctor.)

There’s no hard evidence to suggest that using the pill while pregnant could cause harm to the unborn baby – but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t, so it makes sense to stop taking the pill if you are pregnant.

Do contraceptive pills affect pregnancy tests?

You might be thinking, ‘Oh my God, it says I’m pregnant, but wait, doesn’t the pill have hormones in it that could affect test results?’

We’re afraid that the short answer is: no, the pill doesn’t impact the results of pregnancy tests.

The pill contains the hormone oestrogen and progesterone, but the pregnancy test is only looking to detect the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).

When to take your pregnancy test to get the right result is a whole other topic – which you can read about here.

Can I get pregnant straight after coming off the pill?

If you’ve come off the pill, and you're not trying to conceive, it’s likely you’re moving on to a different type of contraception.

Just know that it IS possible that you may be able to get pregnant soon after. A few of our MFMers have found themselves pregnant almost straight away, in fact.

That said, for many women it can take some time before you start ovulating again – roughly 6 months or maybe more.

If you're moving to a new kind of contraception, make sure you speak to your GP about how to remain protected during the transition.

Will the pill stop me getting pregnant longterm?

Many women start ovulating again 6 months after coming off the pill, and rest assured: there’s no evidence to suggest the pill does any affects your fertility negatively in the longterm.

"After discontinuing the pills, concerns arise about the possible negative effect of the pills on the menstrual cycle and the current ability to conceive,” says Dr Gorgy.

“These worries are not backed by scientific evidence."

The NHS backs this up, too: "It's unlikely that how long you have been on the pill will cause fertility problems. Some women conceive immediately after they stop taking the pill."

So, if you want to get pregnant in the future, just not right now, please don't worry ?

Have your say

Did you get pregnant while on the pill? Perhaps you got pregnant just after – or really struggled to conceive after using the pill for many years?

Please do share your stories in the comments below, on Instagram, or over on Facebook

Images: Getty Images

Read more:

• Male contraception - what is it and does it work?
• Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding?
• No period but negative pregnancy test? Possible reasons

Say WHAT?! ?

Mum Hollie, a hypnotherapist, told The Mirror:

"There were so many theories and old wives' tales but we dismissed those and thought we would go with science and use the Shettles Method.

"The theory is, if you have sex two to three days before you ovulate, the sperm which gives you a boy dies off quicker so gives you the chance to have a girl.

"As well as the time of having sex, they also say that if a woman enjoys the sex and has an orgasm it can release the egg early. So you basically have to have boring sex.

"So we had boring sex to give us the best chance."

More about the Shettles Method

If you read our science bit below you'll find our more about how the X and Y chromsomes work - and the sperm bit.

And we'd certainly heard this theory before at MFM - though the 'boring' sex bit was a new one to us.

Devised by Dr Shettles in the 1960s, the Shettles Method talks about the timing of sex affecting the baby's gender, but also touches on how having multiple orgasms, or no orgasm, can affect the baby's sex, too.

Waves of orgasm can help draw up the sperm quicker to the egg (according to Shettles), giving the male sperm more of a chance to ovulate the egg.

No orgasm means the egg is released slower which means the boy sperm may be more likely to die off before they reach it.

We have to say though - there is no proven, hard and fast scientific evidence that anything will ensure you have a boy or a girl - not to mention that you can of course have very 'unboring' sex without orgasm ?

However, the sperm containing the key chromosome X or Y do have very different properties, so is it possible to give nature a nudge in one direction or the other?

It's all in the chromosome

The sex of your baby is determined by the chromosome present in the sperm which fertilzes the egg. If the sperm contains a Y chromosome the baby will be a boy, if it contains an X chromosome, the baby will be a girl.

During each ejaculation the male releases sperm containing some X and some Y chromosomes, so it's understandable why being absolutely scientific about this race to the egg is pretty tough!

An egg will only live for 24 hours after it has been released during your cycle, unless it is fertilised, so although regular sex is recommended throughout the month when you are trying to conceive, sex around the two days before ovulation and within a few hours of ovulation is important.

Go Y! - the male chromosome

Sperm containing the Y chromosome swim faster than the X ones, but they do not live as long. Also, frequent sex does tend to reduce the number of Y chromosome sperm present during each ejaculation.

Although it's not scientifically proven, some people believe that by being a little more selective about when you have sex, and having sex closer to the point of ovulation might be a good idea if you want to try for a boy, because they won't survive as long as the female sperm, but they might get to the egg first.

Go X! - the female chromosome

Sperm containing the X chromosome are larger and survive for longer after ejaculation, so they will remain active for around two days (or even three). This can make it easier to hit the right moment as ovulation is not always easy to strictly predict. However, as they are not so fast as the Y chromosome sperm, they might not win the race, if you have sex closer to ovulation.

As frequent sex can reduce the number of Y sperm present at each ejaculation, some women believe that more regular sex will help them get pregnant with a girl.

Read more

• Can the Chinese gender prediction chart tell you if it's a boy or a girl?
• Could your health affect your baby's gender?
• Kinder Surprise criticised over blue and pink eggs

After having a miscarriage, when's the best time to start trying again. Some new research is now advising women to try to conceive again WITHIN 6 months of their miscarriage for the best chances of a successful pregnancy.

But this goes against the advice of the World Health Organisation, which recommends waiting at least 6 months before trying again. More confusingly, the NHS suggests waiting for 3 months.

So who's right?

There's no black and white definite answer yet, but the study is an important one and should be taken seriously.

The research was carried out by the University of Malta and the University of Aberdeen and looked at data from around 1 million women in 11 different countries. There were two main findings:

• Women who get pregnant less than 6 months after a miscarriage have no more risk of adverse outcomes compared to those who wait longer than 6 months
• More than that, there appears to be a reduced risk of miscarraige and preterm birth if you get pregnant within 6 months

One of the report's researchers told the Telegraph that their analysis on previous studies clearly demonstrated that within 6 months was the optimum time, but admitted that it was not clear why this should be.

"Contrary to WHO guidelines, recommending at least six months' wait after a miscarriage," explains Dr Sohinee Bhattacharya from the University of Aberdeen. "Our meta-analysis of all published studies on this subject to date shows definitively that less than six months is best."

"One explanation might be that if somebody has had a miscarriage they might take particularly good care of themselves, be more motivated and may be more fertile, but that is just speculation at this point."

So should you start as early as possible?

The key is to try again when you feel ready, but the research suggests you don't have to wait for a set amount of time.

Ruth Bender Atik from the The Miscarriage Association praised the new study, and said it supports couples' choice as to when they decide to try to become pregnant again.

“It confirms that couples can choose to try again whenever they feel ready to do so."

So why isn't this the new official advice?

More research is needed. But the NHS did conclude that the research indicates that "current guidelines should be reviewed, and that couples should be advised that delaying pregnancy doesn't necessarily improve outcomes".

So what do you think? Did you follow specific advice time-wise before trying again after miscarriage? Or do you think it is one of those situations where you are guided solely by your own body and how you feel?

Pic: Getty

Read more: 

• Baby loss explained - your miscarriage questions answered
• Trying again after having a miscarriage 
• Pregnancy after miscarriage - how to manage your emotions

Here's a round-up of the most popular sex selection methods around...

1 Timing of sex - Shettles theory & Billings Method

What’s the theory?
Female sperm are heavier and live longer than male sperm so if you have sex a few days before ovulation and then abstain (while the male sperm die), this should increase the chances of conceiving a girl.

Male sperm are lighter in weight and swim faster than female ones so are more likely to reach the egg. Therefore, having sex on the day of ovulation should increase the chances of conceiving a boy.

Dr Landrum Shettles developed this theory in the US in the 1960s. It’s complemented by the Billings Method, which is about timing sex around the consistency of vaginal mucus (when it’s thin and clear for boys, thicker and stickier for girls). It's said that couples using this method tend to have boys more than girls.

What’s the success rate?
Advocates claim 75% but there’s only a tiny amount of medical evidence in the UK to support it.

Confusingly, another theory exists based on observations that couples that didn’t live together before conceiving had more girls. They were thought to be less likely to have sex at the time of ovulation, backing up the idea that conceiving four or five days before ovulation was more likely to produce a boy.

2 Sexual position

What’s the theory?
Male sperm are more vulnerable and the vagina becomes less acidic closer to the cervix. So if penetration is deep (woman-on-top or man-behind positions), the male sperm will enter a more alkaline environment and are more likely to survive the short journey. Therefore, deeper positions should mean a boy is more likely.

Shallow penetration should favour your chances of conceiving a girl - the slower female sperm are hardy enough to withstand the acidic conditions at the entrance to the vagina so could make it through to the egg after the male sperm have died off.

What’s the success rate?
Not high, since the theory fails to take into account that the difference in lifespan between male and female sperm is a matter of days, not minutes.

Medical sceptics say that force of ejaculation and physics of sexual position don’t play a part in getting the sperm to their destination more quickly – that’s determined by the chemistry of cervical mucus.

3 Male sexual abstinence

What’s the theory?
Abstaining for a few days before making love increases your chances of conceiving a boy. The greater the volume of sperm, the more male sperm should be present, so theoretically there’s a greater chance that a male sperm survives and fertilises the egg before a female sperm can reach it.

What’s the success rate?
Not high. Sceptics say that with more sperm, the chances of you getting pregnant may be higher, but there’s no gender factor.

4 Changing your diet

What’s the theory?
The minerals in your diet could affect your metabolism and the environment of your eggs.
- To improve conditions for male sperm you need potassium (in meat, bananas, apricots and celery).
- To improve conditions for female sperm you need more magnesium-rich food (in nuts, soya beans and leafy green vegetables).

What’s the success rate?
There’s no scientific data on humans to support the potassium or magnesium theories, although experts say diet does seem to play some part in gender selection.

Historical events have shown that famine can result in more boys being born but also that women weighing less than 54.5kg are more likely to have girls. This could mean that the type of food and nutrients available to those people played a part, or that calorie intake has an effect - but a low-calorie diet has a very different effect to malnutrition.

5 Timing of orgasm

What’s the theory?
If you reach orgasm before your partner, your vagina becomes more alkaline, which creates a better environment for male sperm. Female sperm survive better in the naturally acidic environment of your vagina, so climaxing first would favour the conception of boys.

What’s the success rate?
Little. Prolonged foreplay has the same effect of increasing vaginal secretions, which could be just as effective at reducing its acidity – but no one has suggested female foreplay as a method for conceiving boys.

6 Douching

What’s the theory?
Male sperm favour alkaline conditions, so douching (flooding the vagina via a syringe) with a dilute alkaline solution, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) before intercourse increases the chances of conceiving a boy.

What’s the success rate?
There’s a very small amount of medical evidence that backs up this theory, but some experts warn women against putting sodium bicarbonate into their vagina because they may not know how diluted to make it, and in any case, the acid in the vagina is there for necessary protection against infections like thrush.

Read more...

• Can you predict your baby's sex in early pregnancy?
• Chinese baby gender prediction chart - will it work for you?
• The Nub Theory - what to look for