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Ovulation Eggs Women On

Even though these women were not trying to conceive, they had intercourse most frequently on their "fertile days."

The frequency of intercourse is believed to increase around the time of ovulation. To determine whether such an increase in sexual activity naturally occurs, researchers examined data on 70 women not trying to conceive -- 39 who were using nonhormonal intrauterine devices and 31 who previously had undergone tubal sterilization. All were in stable sexual relationships; none had chronic illness; and most were white, college-educated, and in their late twenties or early thirties.

The women collected daily first-void urine specimens, from which estrogen and progesterone metabolites were assayed to determine the date of ovulation. They also kept daily intercourse diaries.

The researchers found that intercourse occurred significantly more frequently during the 6 days ending in ovulation, designated as the "fertile days": Mean daily frequency was 24% higher during this period than during all other nonbleeding days in the cycle.

Comment: This study provides robust data suggesting that intercourse naturally occurs more frequently during the days when conception is most likely. The 24% increase in sexual activity could be useful knowledge in counseling certain couples trying to conceive. As an aside, about 40% more women who ovulated on Saturday or Sunday had intercourse during ovulation, compared with those who ovulated on other days of the week. Women trying to conceive who ovulate on non-weekend days can be encouraged to make a special effort to have sex on those days.

— Sandra Ann Carson, MD

Published in Journal Watch Women's Health September 21, 2004

Citation(s):

Wilcox AJ et al. On the frequency of intercourse around ovulation: Evidence for biological influences. Hum Reprod 2004 Jul; 19:1539-43.

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