You may wonder what normal conception rates are, and at what point should you consider seeing a fertility specialist for help getting pregnant. Many couples think that just because they stop using birth control, they will immediately conceive a child.

In reality, in any given month, young women have just a 20% chance of getting pregnant, so if you don’t conceive right away, don’t worry – you are in good company! About 50% of couples conceive in 3 months and 72% within 6 months. If you are very attuned to your fertility cycle and keep track of signs of ovulation (i.e., breast tenderness, belly pain, changes in mood, increases in cervical mucus discharge) and your basal body temperature (normally a couple of degrees lower before ovulation and a couple of degrees higher after), some studies suggest that your success rate will be closer to 80% in 6-8 months. By the end of a year of unprotected intercourse, 85% of couples will successfully conceive a child.

Because conception rates drop to 1% per month after the first year of trying to conceive, if you are under 35, you should consider seeing a fertility specialist to look into the possible causes of infertility if it’s been a year of trying to conceive. If you are 35 or older, see a fertility specialist after 6 months of unprotected intercourse without conception. Above the age of 40, it is suggested you consult a specialist when you begin the fertility journey. This is just because it’ll give you more time for fertility treatments should you need assistance with fertility. Keep in mind that after 2 years of trying to conceive without success, cumulative pregnancy rates drop to about 1% without intervention. At any age, if your cycles are unpredictable, please see a fertility expert when you are ready to conceive.