How Long Does It Take the Average Couple to Get Pregnant?
It's not uncommon for couples who start trying for conception to underestimate how long it will take to get pregnant. While some couples do get pregnant quickly, it takes other couples much longer. This is because for ovulation and conception to occur, the conditions have to be just right. Here's what you need to know about how long it usually takes to get pregnant, how long is too long, and when you should start having the infertility discussion.
Conception Timeframes
Clearblue has done significant research on how long it takes for the average couple to get pregnant. Their studies indicate that about one-third of healthy couples will conceive during the first month of trying to get pregnant. However, it can take up to a year — or 12 menstrual cycles — for healthy couples under the age of 35 to conceive. When polled, 30-44% of couples who did conceive said it took longer than they thought it would. One in seven couples has difficulty getting pregnant.
The Most Common Reason Couples Don’t Get Pregnant Quickly
Clearblue suggests that half of the couples may actually be mistiming intercourse because they have little awareness of when their most fertile days are. Conception can only occur a few days before and the day of ovulation and when intercourse does not happen exactly within this timeframe, it’s unlikely that conception will be successful.
How Long is Too Long?
Unfortunately, infertility is on the rise. The American Pregnancy Associationsuggests that 6.1 million women in the U.S., or 10%, struggle with infertility. A quarter of those women have multiple infertility factors, such as having a partner who is also infertile. How do you know when it’s time to talk with your doctor about possible causes of infertility?
Women who are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than a year should see a medical professional. Women who are over the age of 35 should see a doctor if they have been trying to conceive for over six months and have not yet been successful at getting pregnant.
What Will a Fertility Doctor Do?
An experienced fertility doctor can help you explore the reasons why you may not be able to conceive. Perhaps you are one of the many couples who aren’t timing intercourse properly, or perhaps there’s a medical reason for your infertility, such as PCOS or low sperm count or motility. Tests can be performed to determine where the cause of infertility lies and what the best treatment options are.
At New York Reproductive Wellness, we specialize in fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and ovulation induction. Contact us today to book your appointment by calling (516) 605-2626.
