There is no specific amount of time a woman needs to "hold in" sperm to increase the chances of pregnancy. Once sperm is deposited in the vagina, it quickly begins its journey to the cervix and beyond.
Here's a breakdown of relevant factors:
- Sperm viability: Sperm can survive for up to five days inside the female reproductive tract. This means that fertilization can occur if intercourse happens several days before ovulation.
- The journey of sperm: Sperm quickly travel through the cervix into the uterus and then to the fallopian tubes, where fertilization can occur.
- Factors affecting sperm: Various factors such as the woman's cervical mucus quality, sperm health, and timing of ovulation play crucial roles in fertilization success.
Therefore, attempting to "hold in" sperm after intercourse is unlikely to significantly affect the chances of pregnancy. Focus should be on having intercourse around the time of ovulation.