Sperm Retention Theory, Female Orgasm and Fertility

After trying to conceive for nearly a year, I was willing to try anything to have a baby. I went to the library and started researching natural methods of increasing fertility and found a slew of information on the sperm retention theory. According to the theory, the vagina contracts after intercourse to hold sperm in place longer. More sperm close to the cervix could mean a better chance of conception. Some researchers and doctors support the sperm retention theory, but others claim it is nothing more than an old wife's tale. I tried out the theory of sperm retention and managed to conceive within a couple of months.

Sperm Retention, the Vagina and the Uterus

The sperm retention theory claims the uterus and vagina contract after orgasm. The contraction is often felt as swelling of the vagina. The swelling holds semen in place, allowing sperm more time to swim through the opening in the cervix toward the egg. Ideally, contractions of the cervix during female orgasm would cause a suction pulling semen into the opening of the cervix. This assumes the female has an orgasm after the male has ejaculated.

Female Orgasm Timing and Fertility

What happens if the female orgasms well before the male ejaculates? The contractions needed to pull semen into the cervical opening will not occur at the right time and fertility could be reduced, based on the sperm retention theory. Cervical mucus and condition of the cervix at the time of intercourse plays an important part in fertility and conception.

During ovulation, the cervix is wide and soft. Cervical mucus is thick and sticky, keeping sperm in the vagina longer. If a couple tries to conceive in the days before ovulation, the chances of conception tend to be greater. Well before ovulation, the cervix is hard like the tip of the nose and cervical mucus is thin and watery. These conditions are not ideal for fertility and conception.

How to Increase Chances of Conception Using the Sperm Retention Theory

In order to put the sperm retention theory into action, I allowed my husband to ejaculate before I achieved orgasm. After ejaculation, I remained in a laying position and he helped me achieve orgasm. In theory, the cervix would dip into the vagina and suck up semen moving sperm closer to the egg. After orgasm, I remained in bed for one hour. Another aspect of the sperm retention theory states women are more tired after orgasm thus they tend to stay in a laying position preventing semen from leaking out of the vagina.

Couples trying to conceive have a plethora of medical and natural options. The sperm retention theory is not supported by all medical professionals, but it is a free method of increasing chances of fertility that may work in your favor. In my case, it could have been chance that caused conception just a short time after using the sperm retention theory or it could be proof it actually works.

References

Layton, Julia. Discovery Health "Sperm Retention Theory and Other Evolutionary Explanations"Discovery Health "Health Guides" Web. 06 June 2011.

Iovinelli, Beth M. "Cervical Mucus' Role in Conception." BabyZone | Baby, Pregnancy, Baby Names, and Parenting. Web. 06 June 2011.

"Introduction to The Cervix - Wellsphere." Wellsphere - Health Knowledge Made Personal. Web. 06 June 2011.

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