Timed intercourse and fertility planning

Timed intercourse

Timed intercourse is a conservative treatment approach that uses the woman's natural menstrual cycle to time intercourse for the period with the highest probability of conception. It is not an assisted reproduction method in the strict sense, but a guided approach that may be used in selected couples as the first step of treatment before more invasive methods are indicated.

The First Step in Treatment

At our clinic, timed intercourse may be offered as the first step of treatment, especially for couples with a good prognosis and no more serious fertility disorders. The aim is to use the most natural methods of conception before proceeding to assisted reproduction methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

How timed intercourse works

Using ultrasound, the doctor monitors the growth of the follicle during the menstrual cycle, in which the egg matures. Once the follicle reaches the optimal size, the doctor determines the most suitable time interval for intercourse.

This approach is based on the biological principles of ovulation – sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, while the egg is fertilisable for approximately 12–24 hours after ovulation. Targeted timing of intercourse therefore increases the probability of natural conception.

Indications for timed intercourse

Timed intercourse may be indicated especially for:

Couples who have been trying to conceive for a shorter period of time

Women with ovulation disorders

Couples without more serious semen analysis abnormalities

Couples with a good prognosis for spontaneous conception

Including this method in treatment is always based on an individual medical assessment. The woman's age, duration of infertility, hormonal profile, sperm quality, fallopian tube patency and any other health limitations are taken into account.

Limitations of the method

Timed intercourse is not suitable for all couples, and in some cases it does not lead to pregnancy. The method does not address more serious causes of infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve, significantly reduced sperm quality or advanced female age.

If pregnancy does not occur within the recommended timeframe, it is appropriate to proceed to other treatment options corresponding to the couple's specific situation.