Should my husband avoid intercourse for days before ovulation to 'save' sperm?

This is a common belief, but long abstinence isn't helpful for natural conception. While the sperm count in a single sample rises a little after several days without ejaculation, sperm that are stored longer tend to have lower motility and more DNA damage. Studies suggest that shorter abstinence periods, about one to three days, are associated with better sperm quality. For couples trying naturally, the usual advice is intercourse every one to two days, especially in the days leading up to and including ovulation. Waiting a whole week risks missing the fertile window, which is only about six days long, and it can add pressure to have perfect timing. For a semen analysis or IUI, labs usually ask for 2 to 5 days of abstinence so results are standardised. That's specific to the test, not a rule for trying at home. If you're concerned about sperm quality, a semen analysis is the most reliable way to find out. If you've been trying for a year (or six months if the woman is 35 or older), both partners should be evaluated.