Does having an orgasm increase the likelihood of conception?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

While it's by no means necessary to have an orgasm to get pregnant, women who orgasm between 1 minute before and 45 minutes after their partner's ejaculation have a higher tendency to retain sperm compared to those who don't have an orgasm.

On the man's side, orgasm is required, because during orgasm fireworks in the brain cause contractions in lots of muscles in his body. Those contractions help him penetrate deeper and squeeze the prostate to eject sperm deep into the vagina.

More About this Book

YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

Can I get a cavity filled while pregnant? Will avoiding spicy foods make my kid a picky eater? Can I really increase my baby's IQ while she's in utero? Whether you're pregnant for the first time,...

Continue Learning about Orgasm

Can You Actually Live Longer If You Have More Orgasms?

Orgasm, climax, the big O—whatever you want to call it, you’re probably a big fan. But did you know that, according to a Planned Parenthood survey, 15...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Of all the sexual positions out there, one has been proven to provide women with more orgasms. I...

Jan L. Shifren, MD

When muscle tension and genital engorgement peak, a series of rhythmic contractions occurs in th...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Orgasm

What is an orgasm? An orgasm is a release of built-up sexual tension and a source of sexual pleasure for both men and women. For women, the vagina and clitoris become engorged with blood, leading to contractions of the vagina. For men, blood flow causes the penis to become erect, usually causing the release of semen at the point of climax. Orgasms are experienced differently by different people, depending on the type of stimulation used, such as masturbation, clitoral stimulation, a sense of intimacy with a partner and other factors. Learn more about orgasms with expert advice from Sharecare.

Learn More