Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period. You're most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts.
A woman's peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline happens faster once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely.
A woman's age, hormonal imbalances, weight, exposure to chemicals or radiation and cigarette smoking all have an impact on fertility. Other reasons include: Cervical mucus issues.
You can use a special thermometer to check your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. You're most fertile 2 or 3 days before your temperature rises. Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a slippery consistency, like egg whites.
The Bottom Line
Research suggests that a high-carb diet, foods with lots of preservatives and processing, and foods and drinks that contain lots of added sugar can harm fertility.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. If you or your female partner are over the age of 35, you should see a fertility specialist after six months. After age 40, we recommend seeking help right away because we know fertility declines as age increases.
Some common reasons include stress, not timing baby-making sex with ovulation, residual effects of hormonal birth control, and certain health conditions. As much as we may try, pregnancy really can't really be planned—but you can increase your chances by being aware of common pitfalls.
However, there are many possible reasons why you aren't conceiving, including ovulation irregularities, structural problems in the reproductive system, low sperm count, underlying medical problems, or simply not trying enough.
On an average, couples have sex 78 times from the time they start trying to the time they get a positive result. These 78 times are spread over 158 days or about 6 months. A study surveyed 1,194 parents and found that most couples have sex 13 times a month while they are trying to conceive.
What are the chances of getting pregnant the first time trying? Some people get pregnant within the first month, but this is not always the case. Getting pregnant can take up to a year or longer. Conception in the first month occurs for about 30% of people attempting pregnancy.
One possible problem is that ovulation may not occur every month. If you've recently stopped taking hormonal contraception, ovulation may be delayed or irregular for a short time. If you've been using a contraceptive injection, ovulation may be delayed or irregular for up to a year.
Infertility is commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). Some problems stop an egg being released at all, while others prevent an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affect normal ovulation. Irregular ovulation is also a problem. Being overweight can add to ovulation problems and reduce your chances of conceiving. Stress, very low body weight, and excessive exercise also impact ovulation.
Infertility is quite common, affecting about 15 percent of couples, according to the National Library of Medicine. Fortunately, infertility can sometimes be reversed and women can go on to have babies. In fact, conventional medical therapies can reverse infertility in 85 to 90 percent of all cases.
As far as female infertility is concerned, most doctors don't refer to cures. Instead, doctors turn to treatments to overcome certain issues that might be stopping a woman from being able to conceive naturally, such as problems with ovulation.
Folic acid (B9): Most people associate folic acid as a prenatal vitamin, but it can also be a really great supplement for those who are trying to conceive. Folic acid is associated with greater chances of getting pregnant naturally and improves success for those undergoing fertility treatments.