When we decide to try for a baby, it is normal to wonder how long it will take us to conceive. And when the first few months pass without success, that question tends to become even more pressing.
The first thing to bear in mind is that failing to conceive on the first few attempts does not necessarily mean there is a fertility problem. It is completely normal for several months to pass between a couple starting to try for a baby and actually becoming pregnant.
The time it takes to conceive varies from couple to couple. The woman’s age, the regularity of her ovulation, semen quality, certain illnesses or conditions, an unhealthy body mass index, or certain lifestyle habits can all influence how long it takes to conceive.
Of all these factors, the woman’s age plays a particularly important role, especially from the age of 35 onwards, when fertility begins to decline more markedly.
So, how long is it normal to take to get pregnant? And at what point should you consult a specialist? We explain this below.
How long does it normally take to get pregnant?
Although we often think that pregnancy will occur immediately after we start trying, it is normal to take several months to conceive.
According to published data, approximately 20% of women conceive during the first month of trying, around 57% the first three months, and nearly 72% within the first six months.
After a year of having regular, unprotected sex, around 85% of couples will have conceived.
Therefore, trying to conceive for several months without success does not necessarily mean there is a fertility problem.
Of the couples who do not conceive during the first year, some will conceive during the second. However, as the length of time spent trying without success increases, it becomes more important to assess whether there may be any factors hindering conception.
Why can it take several months to get pregnant?
For pregnancy to occur, several factors must coincide: there must be proper ovulation, the fallopian tubes must be unblocked, the sperm must be able to reach and fertilise the egg, and the embryo must subsequently be able to implant correctly in the uterus.
Furthermore, a woman only has a limited number of fertile days within each menstrual cycle, so identifying approximately when ovulation occurs can help in choosing the best days to have sexual intercourse.
Added to this are factors such as age, certain gynaecological conditions, semen quality, weight and certain lifestyle habits.
For this reason, the time it takes to conceive can vary considerably from one couple to another.
What can I do to get pregnant?
When trying to conceive, it is advisable to have sex regularly, approximately two or three times a week, paying particular attention to the days around ovulation.
It is not necessary to have sex on a single day. Having sex regularly in the days leading up to ovulation ensures that sperm are present when the egg is released.
In a woman with regular cycles of approximately 28 days, ovulation usually occurs around the middle of the cycle. However, not all women ovulate exactly on day 14, and when cycles are irregular, it can be more difficult to identify fertile days.
There are various methods that can help you identify them. In this article, we explain how to calculate your fertile days.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing your weight and attending the recommended gynaecological check-ups are important steps when trying to conceive.
When should you see a fertility specialist?
It is perfectly normal for it to take a few months to become pregnant. However, it is not advisable to continue trying indefinitely without seeking medical advice, particularly at certain ages.
Generally speaking, we recommend consulting a fertility specialist:
- If the woman is under 35: after 12 months of having regular, unprotected sex without achieving pregnancy.
- From the age of 35: after 6 months of trying without success.
- From the age of 40: it is advisable to undergo an assessment from the start of trying to conceive, without waiting several months.
It is also advisable to seek advice earlier if there are circumstances that may affect fertility, such as very irregular menstrual cycles or the absence of menstruation, endometriosis, a history of pelvic surgery, certain gynaecological conditions or a known semen abnormality, amongst others.
A fertility assessment does not necessarily mean that you have to start assisted reproduction treatment. In many cases, it simply allows you to understand the reproductive status of both partners and decide what the next step should be.
Age affects the time it takes to become pregnant
A woman’s age is one of the factors that most influence fertility.
The period of peak female fertility generally falls between the age of 20 and the early 30s. From the age of 35 onwards, the decline in the quantity and quality of oocytes becomes more evident and is particularly pronounced from the age of 40 onwards.
This means that the time taken to achieve pregnancy may increase with age.
Therefore, understanding how fertility changes over time enables women to make informed decisions about when to try for a baby and, when there is no immediate desire to conceive, to consider alternatives such as fertility preservation through egg vitrification.
Frequently asked questions about how long it takes to get pregnant
Is it normal to take several months to get pregnant?
Yes. Not getting pregnant during the first few months of trying does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Many couples need several cycles before they succeed.
How long does it take, on average, to get pregnant?
The timeframe varies for each couple. Approximately 57 per cent conceive within the first three months, around 72 per cent within the first six months, and nearly 85 per cent within the first year of trying.
Is it normal not to get pregnant the first time round?
Yes. Even if a couple has no fertility problems, it is perfectly normal not to conceive during the first month of trying.
How long should I try to get pregnant before seeking advice?
As a general rule, we recommend seeking advice after 12 months of trying to conceive if the woman is under 35, and after 6 months from the age of 35.
From the age of 40, or where there is a history of conditions that may affect fertility, it is advisable to undergo an assessment sooner.
How long does it take to get pregnant after the age of 35?
There is no exact timeframe, as it depends on each woman and other reproductive factors. However, from the age of 35 onwards, female fertility begins to decline more markedly. For this reason, if you have not become pregnant after six months of trying, we recommend consulting a specialist.
Have you been trying to get pregnant for several months?
If you’re taking longer than expected to conceive or simply want to get some answers to your questions, at URE Centro Gutenberg we can assess your situation and advise you on the next steps.
Our first fertility consultation is free of charge and can be booked in person or online.
