The Trying Part of Trying
If you've ever uttered the words "we're trying," chances are you've found yourself inundated with conception advice ranging from the scientific to the superstitious. It can be tempting to believe all of it. After all, when you're trying to conceive so many things are out of your control—your life may be about to change in a major way at any moment, and yet you don't get to decide exactly how or when. Unless, that is, you believe in these old wives' tales, which claim you can control when you conceive and even whether you'll have a boy or a girl. Here are some of the most common, compelling, and downright crazy TTC myths.
Position Parables
Conception voodoo seems to sort itself out into a couple of main categories. First, there are the position myths. Some say you should do headstands after sex, or, even more romantically, the upside-down bicycle. Others recommend the seemingly opposite though no less athletic technique of having sex while standing up. Preferably in a closet. During the full moon.
Then there are the gender-specific position suggestions. If you're dreaming of a little girl, it's as easy as seducing your husband into having sex in the missionary position with shallow penetration in the afternoon during a full moon, and having an orgasm before he does. Oh, and make sure to stay calm and cool, as that's said to increase your chances of conceiving a girl.
If, on the other hand, you're trying for a boy, you will want to first warm up your husband's testicles (gently, one assumes) before having intercourse "doggy style," with your head pointing north as your husband climaxes first. Afterwards, stay on your back and sleep to the left of your husband.
