Why regular sex is key to conceiving – Fertility expert

An experienced fertility expert, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, has said that couples looking forward to have babies should not only have sex two to three times a week but also should know the best times to have sex.

Ajayi, the Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, said this during a virtual media parley in Lagos titled: “A Guide to Having Your Own Baby in 2025”. According to him, “For women, understanding their menstrual cycle is crucial. They should know the best times to have sex. If a couple is having sex two to three times a week, they likely don’t have a problem.

“We recommend having sex two to three times a week. Knowing your ovulation period increases the chances of conceiving. Although we’ve discussed signs of ovulation before, younger people tend to be less patient. They have tools to help identify their ovulation time, making it easier to plan for intercourse.

“Typically, you should start tracking around the 9th day of your cycle, counting from the first day of your period. Begin testing to find out when you’re ovulating. The common advice is to have sex every other day starting on day nine to catch the right timing.

“Another important aspect is living a healthy lifestyle. After the holidays, many people indulge and might gain weight. If you’ve gained weight, now is the time to lose it, as being overweight can affect fertility for both men and women,” Ajayi stated.

Nordica Fertility Centre noted that people wishing to become parents can be divided into two groups. “The first group consists of those just beginning their journey. They might not have done any tests yet. If everything is normal and they have regular intercourse, which means two to three times a week, about 75 to 85 percent will likely conceive by the end of 2025. However, they will need some support to increase their chances.”

The second group, the fertility expert noted, includes individuals who already know they need assistance due to earlier evaluations, even as he observed that many people are confused about their need for IVF.

“Some are just starting to learn that IVF might be necessary. This second group already understands their need for IVF. Studies show that 75 to 85 percent of those trying to conceive have no medical issues but are simply beginning this journey. They need to know a few key things.”