Getting pregnant is often thought of as a natural process, but in reality, it’s a journey that depends on timing, biology, and sometimes a bit of luck. While some people conceive quickly, others may find it takes more time, even when everything seems fine. Knowing what affects your chances—and what you can do to improve them—can help you feel more prepared and informed.

How Likely Is Pregnancy Each Month?

For a healthy couple in their 20s or early 30s, there’s about a 20-25% chance of getting pregnant in any given cycle. Even with perfect timing, it’s normal for conception to take several months.

By age 40, the chances drop to around 5% per cycle, mostly because egg quality decreases with age.

What’s typical?

Most couples conceive within 6-12 months of regular, well-timed intercourse. If it takes longer, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, but factors like irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), certain health conditions, or sperm issues could play a role.

Why Timing Matters: The Fertile Window

The fertile window is the most important time to focus on when trying to conceive. This window includes the 5 days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after.

• Sperm survival: Sperm can live in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, waiting for the egg.
• Egg lifespan: The egg, once released, only survives for 12-24 hours.

A common misconception: Many people think the day of ovulation is the only time they can get pregnant. In reality, having sperm already present before ovulation greatly improves your chances.‍

How to Track Ovulation

• Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Detect hormonal surges signaling ovulation.
• Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Changes in mucus consistency can indicate your most fertile days.
• Apps or Period Trackers: Tools like a fertility tracker or ovulation calendar, such as the Taylor app, help pinpoint your fertile window.

What Affects Your Ability to Get Pregnant?

Conception depends on three key factors: the egg, the sperm, and the uterus. Each plays a vital role, and challenges in any area can make pregnancy harder to achieve.

1. The Egg

• Egg quality and age: Eggs are healthiest in your 20s and early 30s. After age 35, egg quality naturally declines, which can make conception harder and increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Ovulation problems: Hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can prevent ovulation, meaning no egg is released during some cycles.

What can help?

• Eating a nutrient-rich diet and managing stress to support healthy ovulation.
• Supplements like CoQ10, Omega-3 oils, and Vitamin D to improve egg health.

2. The Sperm

Sperm health is just as important as egg quality.

• Key factors: Healthy sperm need good count (how many), motility (how well they swim), and morphology (normal shape).
• What affects sperm health: Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and heat exposure (like hot baths or laptops) can reduce sperm quality.

What can help?

• Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol.
• Supplements like zinc and vitamin C to support better sperm health.

3. The Uterus (Womb)

The uterus provides the environment where the fertilised egg implants and grows.

• Healthy uterine lining: A lining of sufficient lining is crucial for implantation.
• Potential issues: Fibroids, polyps, or scarring can interfere with implantation of the fertilised egg into the womb, while hormonal imbalances may thin the lining, making it less receptive.

What can help?

• Your doctor may recommend specific medications, such as hormonal treatments, to improve the thickness and health of your uterine lining, making it more receptive to implantation.

How Can You Improve Your Chances?

While you can’t control everything, taking small steps can make a big difference:

Track Ovulation

• Identify your fertile window using ovulation kits or apps and aim for regular intercourse during this time.‍

Focus on Nutrition and Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and manage stress with activities like yoga or meditation.

Use Supplements Wisely

• Commonly recommended options include:
  • Folic acid: Essential for preventing birth defects and supporting early pregnancy.
  • CoQ10: Helps improve egg and sperm quality.
  • Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids: Support hormone regulation and uterine health.
• For best results, consult a healthcare provider for a tailored supplement plan.

Address Health Concerns Early

• If you have irregular periods, painful cycles, or known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, seek advice early. Addressing these issues can help improve your chances.

What’s Normal, and When Should You Get Help?

It’s normal for conception to take several months, even when everything is working perfectly. But if you’re concerned, here’s when to reach out:

• Under 35: Talk to a doctor if you haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying.
• Over 35: Seek advice after 6 months of trying.

If you have irregular cycles, heavy or painful periods, or known health conditions, it’s worth checking in sooner.

Reproductive Testing Options

When trying to understand fertility challenges or optimise your chances of getting pregnant, these tests can provide valuable insights:

Hormonal Evaluations

• A comprehensive reproductive health screening helps identify imbalances in hormones like those caused by PCOS, which can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles. They can also detect other conditions like Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), which means that your ovarian reserve or egg count is depleting quickly.
• Commonly tested hormones include FSH, LH, estrogen, and AMH (a marker of ovarian reserve).

Ultrasounds

• A pelvic ultrasound evaluates the health of your ovaries and uterus. It can check for multiple small follicles (a sign of PCOS), assess the thickness of the uterine lining, and identify any potential issues like fibroids or cysts that might affect implantation or ovulation.
• These tests work together to provide a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health, allowing your doctor to tailor a plan that meets your specific needs.

Taking the First Step

Getting pregnant is a unique journey for everyone, and understanding your body can make it feel less overwhelming. If you’re unsure about where to start, a fertility check can give you clarity. It can help identify any challenges, assess your egg reserve, and ensure your reproductive health is on track.

Consulting with a doctor can provide the support and guidance you need to take the next step toward growing your family.