How long does it take to get pregnant?
The length of time it takes to get pregnant is completely different for each couple, and while your health, lifestyle and age are factors, how long it takes is a lottery for most couples.
It’s worth remembering that 25 percent of couples who are having regular intercourse without protection conceive in the first month; 60 percent conceive within six months; 75 percent within nine months; 80 percent within a year and 90 percent within 18 months. So if you’re under 35 and have had regular intercourse (sex every two to three days) without protection for a year and haven't fallen pregnant, it’s time to seek medical help. If you’re over 35, it’s recommended that you seek medical advice after six months of trying.
Timing sex around ovulation will improve your chances of getting pregnant. Typically a woman’s cycle lasts around 28 days, but can last up to 35 or be as short as 21 days. Once you know how long your cycle lasts (by keeping note for a few months and counting days), subtract 12 to 16 days from the predicted end to find out which days you’re likely to ovulate on. If your cycle is 28 days long you’ll typically ovulate 14 days from the end of your cycle – you may notice that your vaginal mucus becomes thinner, almost like egg white. Your egg can survive 12-24 hours after it’s released but sperm can survive inside your body for up to five days – so to increase your chances of conception, you need to make love as often as you can on the three days leading up to and including the day you ovulate.
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, you can use an ovulation predictor kit to work out when you’re most likely to conceive. You can also try our ovulation calculator to work out your most fertile times. Simply input your details into the calculator and it’ll work out your fertile days over the coming months.
Your fertility can be affected by your lifestyle, stress, your weight – even by how much coffee you drink. Health issues may also be a factor – a condition such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or fibroids may be preventing conception. Your partner may also have a problem, such as ejaculation problems or impotence.
A fertility specialist can discuss any problems you’re having and may also be able to suggest methods of assisted conception that could help, such as using a donor egg or donor sperm.
Why not ask other moms how long it took them to conceive by posting on our fertility chat forum; or, if you have unanswered questions, check out our fertility questions and answers page for more help and advice.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.