Timed intercourse

The simplest assisted reproduction technique

Timed intercourse is a fertility treatment recommended for couples with mild conception difficulties. It involves monitoring the woman’s menstrual cycle through ultrasounds and hormone tests to identify the exact moment of ovulation and recommend sexual intercourse during that fertile period. It is a simple, painless, and low-cost technique that can be the first step in assisted reproduction treatment.
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What is timed intercourse?

Timed intercourse (also known as “directed intercourse”) is a simple assisted reproduction technique that involves synchronising sexual intercourse with the exact moment of ovulation to promote natural fertilisation. This technique is particularly suitable for young couples experiencing mild fertility issues, especially in cases of ovulatory irregularities.

When is timed intercourse recommended?

This option may be suitable when:

  • The woman has a good ovarian reserve and patent fallopian tubes
  • The male partner has sperm quality within normal parameters
  • The couple has been trying to conceive for less than one year
  • No serious causes of infertility have been identified
Although it is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique, its success rates are modest (between 10% and 15%) and multiple attempts may be required.

How does the timed intercourse process work?

The objective is to accurately identify the moment of ovulation and plan sexual intercourse during the fertile window. There are three main approaches:

Timed intercourse in a natural cycle (without medication)
  • No medication is used
  • Follicular growth is monitored by ultrasound
  • LH hormone is monitored to detect its surge, which precedes ovulation
  • Once ovulation is detected, intercourse is advised for 2–3 consecutive days
  • Natural ovulation is allowed, but its release is induced with an hCG injection when the follicle reaches 17–18 mm
  • Ovulation typically occurs 36 hours later
  • Intercourse is scheduled from the recommended time
  • Hormonal medication (gonadotropins or clomiphene citrate) is administered to stimulate ovulation
  • Follicular development is monitored by ultrasound
  • Once the follicles reach a suitable size, ovulation is induced with hCG
  • Intercourse is scheduled following the induction
  • If more than three follicles develop, the cycle may be cancelled due to the risk of multiple pregnancy

If more than three follicles develop, the cycle may be cancelled due to the risk of multiple pregnancy.

What are the advantages of timed intercourse?

  • It is a natural, cost-effective technique that does not require laboratory facilities
  • It helps improve understanding of the menstrual cycle
  • It serves as a first step before considering treatments such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilisation

What is the success rate of timed intercourse?

The pregnancy rate per cycle is between 10% and 15%.

It may improve slightly when combined with ovarian stimulation.

It is recommended to attempt between 3 and 6 cycles before considering more complex treatments.

15 %

Frequently asked questions about timed intercourse

Is timed intercourse painful?

Is it painful? No. It is a completely natural technique or involves minimal medical intervention.

How many cycles should be attempted?

Usually between 3 and 6 cycles are attempted before moving on to more complex treatments.

What monitoring is performed?

Ultrasound scans and hormonal tests are used to detect the ovulation moment.

Does it require medication?

It can be done with or without medication. It depends on the clinical situation of the woman.