It’s impossible to say how long it takes to get pregnant because it’s different for each woman.
Many factors can affect a couple's chances of conceiving, such as:
- your age
- your general health
- your reproductive health
- how often you have sex
Some women become pregnant quickly, while others take longer. This may be upsetting, but it’s normal.
Fertility
Most couples (about 84 out of every 100) will get pregnant within a year if they have regular sex and don’t use contraception. However, women become less fertile as they get older. One study found that among couples having regular unprotected sex:
- aged 19-26 – 92% will conceive after one year and 98% after two years
- aged 35-39 – 82% will conceive after one year and 90% after two years
The effect of age on men’s fertility is less clear.
What does ‘have regular sex’ mean?
Having regular sex means having sex every two to three days throughout the month.
Some couples may try to time having sex with when the woman ovulates (releases an egg). However, guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that this can be stressful and is not recommended.
Fertility problems
Fertility problems affect one in seven couples in the UK.
Lots of factors can cause fertility problems, including:
Some of these factors affect either women or men. In around 40% of infertile couples, there is a problem with both the man and woman.
The most common cause is ovulation failure (which can be caused by lots of different things) and sperm disorders. In 25% of couples, fertility problems cannot be explained.
Read more detailed information about the causes of infertility.
Getting help
If you’ve been trying for a baby for one to two years without success, see your GP for advice.
Further information:
Your health, your choices