Conception Rates
When you first try to conceive, expect a pregnancy rate of 20% per month. If you are not pregnant by the end of that year, the chance of conception in the following year is 1% per month. After 2 years of infertility, there is a 1% lifetime pregnancy thereafter.
Should You Consult A Fertility Specialist?
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.
Fertility Doctor Tina Koopersmith
Discusses Conception Rates
Advancement Of Effective Treatments and Techniques
Don’t stress out over conception rates – especially when you’ve not yet been successful trying to conceive and it’s been 6 months to a year (depending on your age). There are incredibly effective treatments and techniques nowadays, from IUI to IVF and beyond, and we are here to help you pinpoint the cause(s) of your infertility, devise your own personal success statistic and create a personalized treatment plan for the best outcome based on your personal situation.
Together We’ll Find A Way
If you are struggling with fertility challenges and would like to speak with one of our fertility expert to discuss your personal circumstances, as well as to learn more about your infertility treatment options, please contact the West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center at (818) 616-9277 or make an appointment online.