You’ve decided to try for a baby—and now you’re wondering:
How long will it take? Will it be quick? What if it’s not?
Whether you’re hoping to conceive this month or just planning ahead, it’s completely normal to ask:
How easy is it really to get pregnant?
Getting pregnant isn’t always instant—even when everything is working “perfectly.” But there is a science to your odds; understanding the numbers can ease stress and help you plan more realistically.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How long it usually takes to conceive
- Monthly success rates by age
- What factors affect your chances
- When to seek support—and what to do next
What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant Each Month?
Let’s start with the stats.
For women under 35 with no known fertility issues, the chance of getting pregnant in one cycle is about:
- 20–25% per month if timing is optimal
- 85% after 1 year of trying
- 95% after 2 years¹
That means even if you’re healthy and tracking ovulation, it can still take a few months—and that’s normal.
What Needs to Happen for Pregnancy?
Conception isn’t just about timing sex during ovulation. It’s about this entire chain of events:
- Ovulation: A mature egg is released
- Sperm reaches the egg within 12–24 hours.
- Fertilization occurs
- A viable embryo forms
- The embryo travels to the uterus and implants successfully.
If any of these steps doesn’t happen—no pregnancy.
Factors That Affect How Easy It Is to Conceive
Age
- Under 35: Best fertility window; monthly success rate ~20–25%
- 35–37: Drops slightly to 15–20% per cycle
- 38–40: Around 10–15% per cycle
- 40–42: ~5–10%
- 43+: Under 5% without IVF²
Egg quantity and quality both decline with age—but not equally in every person.
➡️ Read: Can You Get Pregnant at 35? Fertility, Risks & Real Stats
Timing
Ovulation happens ~14 days before your next period.
Your fertile window = the 5 days before ovulation + ovulation day.
Having sex during this window increases your chances dramatically.
Sex 1–2 days before ovulation = highest success.
➡️ Read: When Does Conception Happen? Ovulation Timing Explained
Cycle Regularity
If your cycles are irregular, it’s harder to time ovulation.
This may point to:
- PCOS
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Perimenopause
- Stress or under-eating
If cycles vary by more than 7–9 days each month, it’s worth getting checked.
➡️ Read: Tracking Ovulation with Irregular Periods
Sperm Health
Fertility is 50/50.
If your partner has:
- Low sperm count
- Poor motility
- Abnormal morphology
…it may reduce chances even with perfect timing.
A simple semen analysis can provide clarity.
Lifestyle & Health Factors
- Nutrition: Blood sugar balance, micronutrients, and healthy fats matter
- Stress: Chronic stress can affect ovulation and implantation
- Alcohol, smoking, and heavy caffeine lower fertility for both partners
- BMI extremes: Underweight or obesity can disrupt hormones
Expert Insight
“We often expect instant results, but conception is a process. If you’re ovulating and timing sex well, it can still take a few cycles—and that’s totally normal.”
How Long Should You Try Before Seeing a Doctor?
General guidance:
- Under 35: Try for 12 months before seeking help
- 35 and older: Try for 6 months, then get evaluated
- Irregular periods, past fertility issues, or PCOS? Seek support sooner
Initial fertility workup includes:
- Hormone labs (FSH, AMH, thyroid, etc.)
- Ovulation tracking
- Semen analysis
- Ultrasound or HSG for uterine/tubal health
➡️ Book a Care Navigator call to build your testing plan
Real-Life Story
“I thought I’d get pregnant right away because I’m healthy and regular. But it took 8 months. Learning how the timing worked—and getting my partner tested—gave us peace of mind.”
— Sophie, 30
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “Healthy people get pregnant instantly.” | Even with perfect health, it can take 6–12 months. |
| “If it doesn’t happen fast, something’s wrong.” | Not true. Conception is complex. |
| “After 35, it’s nearly impossible.” | Fertility drops—but many conceive with or without help. |
| “You need IVF if it takes more than a few months.” | Most people conceive naturally within a year. |
Final Thoughts
Trying to get pregnant can feel like a waiting game—but knowing what’s normal makes the wait a little easier.
You’re not doing anything wrong.
And you’re not alone if it takes longer than you hoped.
With the right information, tracking tools, and support, you can navigate this phase with confidence and calm.
Call to Action
👉 Wondering if your fertility timeline is on track?
Take our free 5-minute reproductive health quiz to get a personalized snapshot of where you are—and how to move forward.
👉 https://zorahealth.co/quiz/reproductive-health
Sources
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
