SMEP, the “Sperm Meets Egg Plan” is a TTC (trying to conceive) plan that helps you get pregnant faster with ovulation awareness and intercourse timing. Even if you time intercourse perfectly, you’ve only got a 25% chance to get pregnant each cycle. The SMEP method ensures you get that 1 in 4 shot by literally making sure the sperm and egg have every opportunity to meet each and every cycle.

In order to ensure sperm and egg meet, you will “try” every other day starting on the eighth day of your cycle. The timing of this is based on how long sperm live, realistically a few days under ideal conditions. On the tenth day of your cycle you will begin daily testing with OPKs (ovulation prediction kits) and upon receiving a positive OPK you will “try” 3 more days in a row. Skip one day and give it one more try.

Then the waiting begins… if your period has not arrived 15 days after your positive OPK, take a home pregnancy test. It may be tempting to test early, as some home pregnancy tests now can detect a positive as early as 8 days past ovulation.

View detailed step-by-step instructions

Sperm Meets Egg Plan/SMEP FAQ

I’m TTC after a miscarriage, is SMEP right for me?

The Sperm Meets Egg Plan method was originally designed for women trying to conceive after a miscarriage, but the answer is that SMEP is right for anyone looking to get pregnant. Of course you should contact a qualified healthcare professional with any concerns you have or if you have had difficulty conceiving.

SMEP success relies on ovulation awareness and intercourse timing. Anyone can do SMEP but it helps if you are not battling untreated infertility problems. If you do not have fertility problems, are TTC#2 or more, or are TTC after a miscarriage, the Sperm Meets Egg Plan method may be just what you’ve been looking for.

What time of day should I test with an OPK?

Read the OPK manufacturer’s instructions. Most will tell you to test in the afternoon. The reason for this is that an LH surge (the hormonal surge that happens prior to ovulation, which indicates your body is gearing up to ovulate) typically begins in the early morning hours and may not be apparent in your first morning urine (FMU). Late morning or early afternoon is considered the best test time, however some OPKs recommend FMU. If you really want to cover all possible surge times, test twice a day.

SMEP Step-by-Step
Best Pregnancy Tests
Best OPKs
SMEP Success!