Timed Intercourse

Timed intercourse is one of the simplest treatment options for infertility and can be a starting point for many couples trying to conceive.

When the cause of your infertility is unexplained, a cervical factor, or irregular or absent ovulation and you desire a low intervention treatment option working with our medical team to correctly time intercourse should be considered.

Before you and your doctor are able to make the decision about whether or not this option is right for you, you will undergo standard infertility testing.

Recruitment of a Follicle
In order for timed intercourse to be an effective treatment option the recruitment of a follicle, usually containing an egg, to be ovulated must occur first. The first part of a timed intercourse treatment cycle will center around this step. Some patients will naturally develop the follicle while others may require an oral medical called Clomid. Once a follicle of the appropriate size is identified through ultrasound the patient may trigger ovulation with an injectable medication.

Timing Intercourse
The second part of treatment will address insemination of the ovulated egg. This will occur with the strategic timing of intercourse. Usually 36-40 hours after the trigger shot is administered or natural ovulation has occurred, the couple will be instructed by their medical team to have intercourse in the privacy of their home. Often times the male partner will be asked to abstain from ejaculation for two to three days prior to the timed intercourse. This allows the semen to build up an appropriate about of sperm. Following the timed intercourse, you may be instructed to take daily supplemental progesterone—usually in the form of a capsule inserted into your vagina twice a day—to support the endometrial lining of the uterus and implantation of the embryo.