For fertility, have more sex

It may sound obvious that having sex more often can increase the odds of having a baby. But two new studies have found surprising new effects on women’s fertility from regular sexual activity.

While common fertility recommendations suggest to women that sex during ovulation is most important for conception, the new studies found that even when women had sex outside the timeframe for ovulation, their bodies were producing higher levels of certain cells that are believed to help prepare for pregnancy. The studies were conducted by the Kinsey Institute, according to the Huffington Post.

One of the studies followed thirty women, sixteen of whom were sexually active and fourteen who abstained from sex, through all phases of their monthly cycles. In the women who were sexually active, the Kinsey researchers found higher levels of so-called type 1 and 2 helper T cells, which boost the immune system and aid in preparing for pregnancy, respectively.

The second study showed similar changes in the T cells and also found increased levels in proteins that the cells use to communicate pregnancy readiness.

The lead researcher noted that the studies are the first to show that sexual activity may cause a boost in the bodies’ immune system that is linked to cellular changes that support conception.