All about ‘SMEP’, the ‘straightforward and practical approach to help couples trying to conceive’

How SMEP works

The strategy details how you should be timing intercourse for pregnancy or “baby dance” as a couple, as shared by Gabriella Shaw, who often shares tips and tricks to beat infertility on Instagram.

*Day 8 of your cycle, start baby dancing (sexually active) every other day
*Day 10 of your cycle, start taking ovulation tests every day
*Once that test is positive (as dark or darker than the control line) the magic starts to happen
*Baby dance on the day of the positive test
*Baby dance the day after the positive test
*Baby dance again the day after the day after (yes, 3rd day in a row)
*Skip one day (no, seriously SKIP)
*Baby dance one last time after the skip day

“It involves having intercourse every other day starting from the end of the menstrual period until ovulation, and then having intercourse for three consecutive days. This timing aligns with the typical window of fertility in a woman’s menstrual cycle, maximising the chances of sperm being present when an egg is released. It’s a straightforward and often recommended approach for couples trying to get pregnant naturally,” said Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynecologist and IVF expert, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre in New Delhi and Vrindavan.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Understanding the cycle

– The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of a woman’s period.
– Around the middle of the cycle, typically day 14 in a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs. This is when an egg is released from the ovary.

Timing intercourse

“From day 8 of the cycle, couples should start having intercourse every other day. This continues until they get a positive ovulation test,” said Dr Hinduja.

Know your dates (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Once ovulation is detected, they should have intercourse for three consecutive days, skip one day, and then have intercourse once more, added Dr Hinduja.

“This approach is based on the idea that sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and the egg is viable for about 24 hours after ovulation. By timing intercourse around these fertile days, the chances of sperm meeting the egg are maximised,” elucidated Dr Hinduja.

 

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A post shared by Gabriella | Infertility | TTC + Rooted in Jesus (@thefacelessmarketinghaven)

Dr Hinduja added that doctors have long recommended this method to couples trying to conceive because it takes advantage of the most fertile days of the cycle. “It’s a simple yet effective plan that’s been used for ages,” said Dr Hinduja.

Things to note

Some couples find it helpful to take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid and other nutrients that support reproductive health, noted Dr Gupta.

If a woman under 35 has been trying this method for a year without success, or if a woman over 35 has been trying for six months without success, it’s advisable to see a fertility physician, said Dr Hinduja. “Fertility issues can have various causes, and a specialist can help identify and address any underlying problems, increasing the chances of conception,” said Dr Hinduja.

Remember, while SMEP can increase the chances of conception, it’s not guaranteed to work for everyone, added Dr Gupta.