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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sperm health is just as important as egg quality.
The uterus provides the environment where the fertilised egg implants and grows.
While you can’t control everything, taking small steps can make a big difference:
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:
If you have irregular cycles, heavy or painful periods, or known health conditions, it’s worth checking in sooner.
When trying to understand fertility challenges or optimise your chances of getting pregnant, these tests can provide valuable insights:
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.
Despite how widespread it is, PCOS is often misunderstood, and many people are left feeling confused or unsure about what to do next. This guide is here to break things down—what PCOS is, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage it.
As we journey through life, our perspective on our reproductive health can evolve from not actively considering it to realizing that it's something we can't take for granted. This awareness underscores the significance of fertility testing. At its core, ovarian reserve, a concept as simple as keeping track of the eggs in your ovaries, becomes an important aspect to consider.
Women with PCOS experience a hormonal imbalance that prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries each month. A metabolic disease, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility. In the following article, we will explore the complexities of PCOS, including its diagnosis, symptoms, potential implications on fertility, and the available treatments.