How many days should one abstain from sexual intercourse when preparing for pregnancy?

Nov 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, there is no fixed number of days during preconception when sexual intercourse must be avoided. The key is to plan intercourse appropriately based on the ovulation time, avoiding excessive frequency or timing intercourse during unfavorable periods, which may reduce the chances of conception. Additionally, intercourse should be avoided during the female partner's menstrual period to prevent the risk of infection. Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), a balanced diet, and overall good physical condition can help create an optimal environment for conception.

Generally, there is no fixed number of days during preconception preparation when couples should abstain from intercourse. The key is to plan intercourse appropriately based on ovulation timing, avoiding excessive frequency or intercourse at unsuitable times, which may reduce the chances of conception. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The core of preconception planning is having intercourse around the time of ovulation to increase the likelihood of conception, rather than deliberately abstaining for prolonged periods. Excessively limiting intercourse frequency—such as abstaining for more than seven days—may lead to decreased sperm motility and a higher proportion of aged sperm in men, which can negatively affect fertility. Conversely, overly frequent intercourse can reduce sperm count and quality, also impairing conception chances. It is generally recommended to moderately reduce intercourse frequency 3–5 days before ovulation to ensure adequate sperm reserves in men, then increase the frequency during ovulation day and the 1–2 days before and after to maximize the chance of conception during the fertile window.

In addition, intercourse during the female menstrual period should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and a balanced diet is also important to create optimal physical conditions for conception.

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