Medically Reviewed by: Dr Amit Shah
Medically reviewed by Dr Amit Shah, a leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley St. clinic Fertility Plus.
If you’ve been trying to conceive, you’ve probably come across countless methods and tips for increasing your chances of pregnancy. But one lesser-known approach that’s gaining attention is the Sperm Meets Egg Plan (SMEP). This structured method focuses on timing intercourse to align with ovulation, maximising the chances of conception.
According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 7 couples experience fertility challenges, and while advanced treatments like IVF exist, many couples prefer to explore natural methods first. That’s where SMEP comes in—a straightforward, non-invasive strategy that can be implemented at home.
We spoke to Dr. Amit Shah, leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley Street clinic Fertility Plus, to break down everything you need to know about SMEP, how it works, and who can benefit most from this approach.
What is the sperm meets egg plan (SMEP)?
If you’ve been trying for a baby, the Sperm Meets Egg Plan (SMEP) is a straightforward method designed to increase your chances of conceiving. Think of it as a well-timed plan for when to have sex so that sperm and egg meet at the perfect moment.
Here’s the idea: the egg only hangs around for about 12–24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can live in the body for up to five days. SMEP makes sure sperm is already waiting when the egg is released, giving you the best shot at pregnancy.
“SMEP is a structured approach for couples trying to conceive, designed to maximise the chances of pregnancy by ensuring that sperm meets the egg at the right time,” says Dr. Amit. “It’s often recommended for couples who are looking for a more focused approach without turning to medical interventions right away.”
The plan was originally developed by Deanna Roy, a writer from Texas, after she experienced a miscarriage and wanted a method to increase her chances of conceiving again.
How does SMEP work?
SMEP revolves around timing intercourse to match your ovulation cycle. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Start on day 8 of your cycle: Begin having sex every other day from the 8th day of your cycle.
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Use an ovulation predictor kit (OPK): Starting on day 10, use an OPK daily to track ovulation.
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Positive OPK? Step it up: Once you get a positive OPK result, have intercourse three days in a row.
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Take a day off: Skip one day and then have sex one more time.
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Pregnancy test: If your period hasn’t arrived 15 days after your positive OPK, take a pregnancy test.
Dr. Amit elaborates, “The idea is to have sperm waiting for the egg once it’s released. Sperm can live for up to five days inside the reproductive tract, while the egg has a much shorter lifespan of around 12–24 hours after ovulation. Timing is crucial, and SMEP aligns intercourse with this fertile window.”
What if I don’t get a positive OPK?
It’s not uncommon for some women to miss a positive result on an OPK, especially if their ovulation timing varies. If this happens, Dr. Amit recommends continuing to have sex every other day until your period arrives or until you reach day 35 of your cycle.
Who benefits from SMEP?
SMEP is best suited for couples who:
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Have regular ovulation cycles.
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Are in good reproductive health.
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Want to optimise their chances of conceiving naturally before pursuing medical treatments.
However, SMEP may not be ideal for those with:
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Irregular or absent ovulation (e.g., due to PCOS or hormonal imbalances).
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Male factor infertility (e.g., low sperm count or motility).
In such cases, Dr. Amit advises seeking medical guidance sooner rather than later.
The benefits of SMEP
Dr. Amit highlights several advantages of SMEP:
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Structured guidance: Provides a clear and easy-to-follow plan, reducing guesswork for couples.
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Natural approach: Avoids invasive medical treatments, making it a good first step for couples trying to conceive.
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Optimises fertile window: Ensures intercourse is well-timed to ovulation, increasing the chances of sperm meeting the egg.
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Low-cost option: Requires minimal tools—just an ovulation predictor kit and a calendar.
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Ideal for regular cycles: Works well for couples with predictable ovulation cycles.
Does SMEP Work?
While individual results vary, SMEP is grounded in science. Studies showthat timed intercourse during the fertile window significantly increases the chances of conception.For couples aged 20-35 without underlying fertility issues, the odds of conceiving in a given cycle range between 15–25%, according to estimates by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. SMEP helps maximise those odds.
“SMEP works well for many couples, but it’s not a guarantee,” Dr. Shah explains. “If you’ve been trying for 12 months or longer without success—or 6 months if you’re over 35—it’s time to consult a fertility specialist.”
What are the chances of sperm meeting the egg?
During ejaculation, around 300 million sperm are released. Of these, only about 200 sperm reach the egg, and just one sperm is needed to fertilise it. While the odds may sound slim, SMEP helps create the best conditions for sperm and egg to meet.
What about scientific evidence?
“Though there aren’t specific large-scale studies on SMEP itself, the principles behind the method—timed intercourse around ovulation—are well-supported by research,” Dr Amit says. Studies confirm that regular sex during the fertile window is key to increasing conception rates.
SMEP is a practical and natural approach for couples hoping to conceive. With its clear structure and focus on timing, it’s a great starting point for those who want to optimise their chances of pregnancy without turning to medical interventions immediately.
While it requires commitment (and plenty of energy!), SMEP could be just the plan you need to welcome your little one.
About the expert
Dr Amit Shah has also provided her expert advice and medically reviewed this article. Dr Amit a leading gynaecologist and co-founder of Harley St. clinic Fertility Plus. He is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. After 25 years of commitment to the NHS, Dr. Shah now works exclusively privately and remains involved with research and development of science. He has a major interest in treating egg donor IVF, surrogacy, and sperm donation treatments in addition to fertility treatments and fertility-preserving surgeries, including the treatment of endometriosis and assisted conception and egg freezing.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.