Many couples wonder whether it is normal that they have not conceived yet. Understanding what normal fertility looks like helps you know when to keep trying and when to seek advice.
What does normal fertility mean?
Normal fertility is the ability to conceive with regular unprotected intercourse and carry a pregnancy. For a woman, this depends on regular ovulation, healthy eggs, open fallopian tubes and a healthy uterus. For a man, it depends on producing enough healthy, moving sperm.
How long does it usually take to conceive?
Even when everything is normal, pregnancy rarely happens straight away. In any one cycle, a healthy couple in their 20s or early 30s has roughly a one-in-four to one-in-five chance of conceiving. Most couples conceive within a year of regular unprotected intercourse, and about half of the rest conceive in the second year.
What does a woman need for normal fertility?
- Regular ovulation: a cycle of roughly 21 to 35 days usually suggests regular ovulation. See are your cycles regular?
- Healthy eggs: egg number and quality fall with age.
- Open fallopian tubes: where the egg and sperm meet.
- A healthy uterus: for the embryo to implant and grow.
Learn more about the phases of the menstrual cycle.
What does a man need for normal fertility?
Normal fertility in men depends on sperm count, movement and shape, and on being able to have intercourse and ejaculate. A semen analysis is the main test.
What affects fertility?
- Age, especially for women after the mid-30s
- Weight, smoking, alcohol and some medicines
- Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disease and infections
- Timing and frequency of intercourse
When should you seek advice?
See a doctor if you have been trying for 12 months and are under 35, for 6 months if you are 35 to 39, or straight away if you are 40 or older. Seek advice sooner if periods are irregular or absent, or if either partner has a known condition. Read when to see a fertility specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How often should we have intercourse to conceive?
Regular intercourse every two to three days through the cycle gives a good chance of conception without needing to time ovulation exactly.
Is it normal not to get pregnant in the first few months?
Yes. Even for healthy couples, the chance in any one cycle is about one in four or five, so it often takes several months.
Does stress affect fertility?
Severe stress can affect ovulation and sexual function, but everyday stress is not usually the main cause of infertility.
If you have questions about your own situation, you can meet our doctors at our Basavanagudi, Koramangala and Ballari centres, or contact us to book an appointment.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified doctor who knows your history.