How long does it take to get pregnant?

Bottom lineAbout 8 in 10 couples conceive within a year and around half the rest in the second year, with a roughly 15 to 25% chance per cycle under 35, so several months without success is normal; age, timing to the fertile window, cycle regularity, and health all matter. Seek help after 12 months if under 36, sooner (around 6 months) if 36 or older, and early if you have irregular periods, endometriosis, or PCOS/PMOS.

For most couples having regular, unprotected sex, conception takes time and is spread over months. It's normal not to conceive in the first few cycles.

The typical timeline

• About 8 in 10 couples conceive within 1 year
• Around half of the remaining conceive in the second year
• Most months, the chance of conceiving is roughly 15 to 25% per cycle for those under 35

So a few months without success is expected, not a sign of a problem.

What affects it

• Age: fertility declines gradually from about 32, more steeply after 37
• Timing: having sex in the fertile window (the days before ovulation) matters most
• Cycle regularity: irregular ovulation makes timing harder
• Health factors: weight, smoking, alcohol, and underlying conditions

When to seek help

• Under 36: after 12 months of trying
• 36 or older: sooner, at around 6 months or when you raise it
• Any age with known issues (irregular periods, endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS): get checked early

How to improve your odds

Time sex to the fertile window, take folic acid, and address lifestyle factors.

Read our 2026 fertility guide and find your window with the Fertile Window Calculator.

Femora sharpens your fertile-window predictions over time so each cycle is well-timed.