Does Ovulation Make You Horny? Why Timing + Sperm Quality Are Everything

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

Ovulation is a time of heightened fertility – and for many women, it also brings a surge in libido. Hormone levels (especially estrogen and the LH surge) peak just before ovulation, and research confirms that many women feel more sexual arousal at this point in their cycle [1]. In practical terms, that means people often feel “horny” when an egg is about to drop. However, sexual desire varies from person to person. Not everyone notices a big change, and that’s okay. The main takeaway is that your body is biologically primed to want sex around ovulation, because that’s the time pregnancy is most likely to happen.

The fertile window is a few days before and including the day of ovulation. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, while the egg survives only about 24 hours after ovulation [2]. So the best chances to conceive are from about two days before ovulation to the day of ovulation [2]. In other words, having sex just before and during ovulation gives sperm time to swim up and meet the egg. Timing sex this way - often called “baby dancing” – is a common strategy. But timing alone doesn’t guarantee pregnancy. Both partners’ fertility matters.

Why Male Fertility Matters

A healthy baby is the result of teamwork. About half of infertility cases involve male factors [3], so it’s important for men to pay attention, too. Sperm health – including count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology) – strongly affects the odds of fertilizing the egg. In a healthy semen sample, at least 15 million sperm per milliliter is ideal, and roughly 40% or more should be moving [5]. If you smoke or drink a lot, your count and motility tend to be lower [5]. For example, Mayo Clinic notes that “people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have low sperm counts” and heavy drinking can similarly reduce sperm numbers and testosterone [5]. Other health factors matter too: being overweight or underweight can lower count, and some illnesses or medications can hurt sperm quality.

Unlike a one-time event, male fertility is ongoing. Men make about 1,500 new sperm each second [7], so you don’t “run out” of sperm by having sex. The body constantly produces sperm from the testes, and then stores them until ejaculation. This means that frequent sex won’t permanently deplete fertility, and in fact regular ejaculation can even improve sperm health up to a point. So couples can be reassured: you don’t need to abstain for days to “save up” sperm. Instead, focus on overall sperm quality.

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Sperm Quality: Anatomy and Threats

A sperm cell has a distinct structure that reflects its job: a head with genetic material, and a tail that propels it forward. The head contains the DNA (carries the chromosomes for the baby) and is covered by the acrosome, which helps it penetrate the egg. The midpiece (see diagram above) is packed with mitochondria, which give the energy to swim. If any of these parts are abnormal – for instance a misshapen head or a short, coiled tail – the sperm may fail to reach or fertilize the egg. That’s why morphology (shape) is scored in lab tests. In general, fertility experts say that more normal-looking sperm improves the odds of conception.

Many lifestyle and environmental factors can damage sperm structure and function. Heat is a big one: the testes are outside the body for a reason – sperm need to be a few degrees cooler than core body temperature to develop normally. Studies show that wearing tight underwear or pants can raise scrotal temperature by about 0.5–0.8 °C [7]. Over time, even these small increases can stress developing sperm. Likewise, exposing your testes to heat baths, hot tubs, or laptops on the lap can contribute to testicular hyperthermia. Leading fertility societies (like ASRM and NICE) specifically warn that elevated scrotal temperature is linked to poorer semen quality [10]. So if it feels warm “down there,” it could mean fewer healthy swimmers.

Other threats are chemical and lifestyle related. Many toxic exposures in daily life have been linked to worse sperm. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates (from plastics), BPA, and certain pesticides or solvents can mimic hormones and damage sperm. For instance, research reviews note that exposure to phthalates and BPA tends to reduce sperm count and motility and increase DNA damage [8]. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium have similar effects – they can lower sperm counts, impair movement and even cause genetic damage [8]. Smoking (which exposes the body to many toxins) also significantly lowers sperm count and motility. Alcohol in excess can drop testosterone and sperm output [5]. Chronic stress, poor diet, and obesity likewise tend to impair sperm production. In short, any factor that harms cellular health can hurt sperm.

Sperm-Friendly Habits

  • Wear loose, breathable underwear: Swap tight briefs or pants for boxers or specially designed “fertility underwear” to keep testes cooler. (In fact, wearing boxers or no underwear at night showed small improvements in some sperm measures [10].) Our underwear is made of soft Bamboo Lyocell fabric and cut for breathability – its OEKO-TEX® certification means it’s been tested for harmful chemicals [6]. This design helps wick moisture and reduce heat, supporting healthy sperm motility and morphology.
  • Skip the cigarettes and limit booze: Nicotine and alcohol (especially in high amounts) are proven to reduce sperm count and quality. The CDC and fertility experts strongly recommend quitting smoking and moderating alcohol when trying to conceive [5][10].
  • Beware environmental toxins: Use fewer plastics (especially to store hot food), avoid pesticides and herbicides when possible, and choose personal-care products labeled “free of parabens” or other endocrine disruptors. Even indoor air pollution (like heavy traffic fumes) can subtly lower sperm health [8]. When you shop for clothing or linens, look for eco-friendly, certified fabrics (such as OEKO-TEX® bamboo) that minimize chemical exposure [6].
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise (avoiding excessive workouts that overheat the body), good sleep, and a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts) support sperm production. If overweight, even a modest weight loss can improve semen parameters. All told, these healthy habits also boost energy, mood, and overall well-being – a win-win for any couple.
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Timing Is Crucial, But Sperm Are Too

Ovulation and timing are half the equation – the other half is sperm quality. Many couples (and sometimes even doctors) focus so much on “tracking her cycle” that they forget the man’s contribution. But nearly 50% of infertility cases involve male factors [3], meaning a healthy sperm meeting the egg is just as essential as ovulation. Since the fertile window is brief, it’s smart to have intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation (when sperm will be waiting in the fallopian tubes) and on ovulation day itself. And while planning, men can take steps to maximize their sperm quality during this window.

Remember: both partners share responsibility for making a baby. Open communication about fertility health is good for relationships. Don’t be shy about talking with your partner or doctor if you have concerns (like a history of testicular injuries, varicocele, or other issues). It’s totally normal for men to discuss fertility openly – in fact, the CDC and ASRM now include men in preconception advice [10]. Thinking of a baby is exciting, and a positive attitude helps reduce stress.

Key Takeaway: Ovulation does tend to increase sexual desire in many women, making conception more likely, but the man’s sperm quality is equally important. Even with perfect timing, heat and toxins can sabotage conception if sperm are weak. By combining smart timing with sperm-friendly choices (looser bamboo underwear, a healthy lifestyle, and reduced exposures), couples give themselves the best shot at pregnancy. Mr. Fertyl’s fertility-focused underwear is one simple way to help – its breathable, chemical-free bamboo fabric is designed to keep things cool and gentle for your sperm. So if you and your partner are trying for a baby, talk about it, plan together, and remember: it takes two to tango.

  1. Daniels, L. (2020). Why am I hornier at certain times of the month? Medical News Today. Source.
  2. Cleveland Clinic (n.d.). Ovulation: Calculating, Timeline, Pain & Other Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. Source.
  3. Leslie, S. W., Soon-Sutton, T. L., & Khan, M. A. (2024). Male Infertility. StatPearls. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Source.
  4. Jain, M., Carlson, K., & Singh, M. (2025). Environmental Toxins and Infertility. StatPearls. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Source.
  5. Mayo Clinic (2020). Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility. Mayo Clinic. Source.
  6. OEKO-TEX® (n.d.). STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: the original safety standard. OEKO-TEX®. Source.
  7. McVean, A. (2020). Facts and myths of male fertility: Tight underwear, hot tubs, marijuana, and more. Office for Science and Society (McGill University). Source.
  8. Krzastek, S. C., Brannigan, R. E., & Agarwal, A. (2020). Impact of environmental toxin exposure on male fertility potential. Translational Andrology and Urology. Source.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). How common is male infertility, and what are its causes? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Source.
  10. Okonofua, F., et al. (2018). Causes and Risk Factors for Male Infertility: A Scoping Review of Published Studies. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Source.