00:00:00 Today, I will be exploring the topic maintaining sexual desire and intimacy while trying to conceive. Hello and welcome. My name is Shazia Dadabhai. I am an internationally accredited clinical sexologist, and I'm honored to be partnering with the Copenhagen-based app Concevio to bring you this conversation. When trying to conceive, it's common for sex to become more focused on making a baby rather than on pleasure and intimacy. But this shift in focus can have some unintended negative consequences on sexual desire and the overall relationship. But this shift in focus can have some unintended negative consequences on sexual desire and the overall relationship. Research suggests that up to 40% of couples experience a decline in sexual desire when trying to conceive.
00:00:47 And this can be due to a range of factors like stress, anxiety, or overall pressure to perform. So how can you maintain your sexual spark while trying to conceive? I'm going to give you three strategies that just might help. I'm going to give you three strategies that just might help. Firstly, schedule regular non-procreative sex. What this means is setting aside time to have sex that is not focused on having a baby. And I want for you to approach this type of sex with a sense of playfulness and curiosity, rather than expectation and pressure.
00:01:22 Secondly, explore new positions, toys or fantasies. This can help keep sex exciting and help prevent it from feeling stale. This can help keep sex exciting and help prevent it from feeling stale. For example, you might want to delve into the world of sensual props and toys. You could try things like vibrators, impact toys, rope or candles. Always remember to communicate these desires and fantasies with your partner while prioritizing mutual consent and pleasure. Thirdly, prioritize intimacy and connection outside of sex.
00:01:59 Now, this might mean scheduling regular date nights. Now, this might mean scheduling regular date nights. It could mean prioritizing or practicing emotional connection and closeness. Or it could simply mean making time for each other. An example or idea for a date night could be maybe trying something new and exciting, like a vacation or staycation to spice things up. Alternatively, you could just try something like a new class together, Perhaps painting, dancing, there's so much out there that we often overlook when it comes to experiences with our partner.
00:02:22 Perhaps painting, dancing, there's so much out there that we often overlook when it comes to experiences with our partner. Remember, the goal is to connect and have fun with each other, not to add more stress or pressure. Of course, not everyone's journey to conception is straightforward. Fertility challenges can be emotionally taxing, and sexual desire and relationships can suffer as a result. If you're navigating fertility challenges, it's important to prioritize your physical, emotional, and sexual connection to your partner and yourself. If you're navigating fertility challenges, it's important to prioritize your physical, emotional, and sexual connection to your partner and yourself. This might mean seeking support from a clinical sexologist like myself, practicing self-care, or simply making time for each other. Thank you for watching and don't forget to check out the Conceivio app for more resources and support on your fertility journey.
