How long should we wait before seeing a doctor?
Most couples conceive within a year, but for some people it is better not to wait that long.
The first months of trying are often full of hope and worry. Each period can be a disappointment, but not conceiving in the first few months is usually normal.
What the numbers say
For a young, healthy couple the chance of pregnancy in any single cycle is about 25 to 30 percent. So even at best, most months do not end in pregnancy. This falls from the early thirties, more quickly after 37, and by 40 it is less than 10 percent per cycle.
Even so, most couples where the woman is under 40 conceive within a year with regular sex every 2 to 3 days.
When to come
- Under 35: after one year of trying
- Over 35: after six months
- Over 40: sooner, so talk to a doctor
Whatever your age, come earlier if you have irregular or very painful periods, endometriosis or polycystic ovaries, a past pelvic infection or pelvic surgery, past cancer treatment, or if either of you has a known problem.
Come together
The cause can lie with either of you. It is best to come together. A semen test is simple and is one of the first steps.
What to do until then
- Have regular sex, without obsessively calculating ovulation
- Take folic acid in the amount your doctor advises
- Stop smoking, alcohol and drugs
- Reach a healthy weight
- Keep your cervical screening up to date
If worry is weighing on you, you need not wait for the full year. One conversation can help.