Experts recommend having sex once a day or every other day when a woman is most fertile in order to boost the chances of pregnancy. This fertile period is 1-2 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
According to the CDC, most people trying to conceive will do so within the first year or so. However, for some couples, it may take time, effort, and patience to get pregnant.
How long does it take to get pregnant after sex?
Conception occurs when the egg is fertilized by the sperm, which may be 6-7 days after having sex.
The fertilized egg (zygote) then implants itself in the lining of the uterus. This occurs around 10-12 days after sex. This is when pregnancy begins, and the hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy are released.
How can I get pregnant fast?
Predict ovulation
Knowing when ovulation occurs and having sex during that time period increases your chances of getting pregnant.
During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovaries. This occurs around day 12-14 in a 28-day menstrual cycle, day 1 being the first day of your period. Once the egg is released, it travels to the fallopian tubes and can be fertilized there for up to 12-24 hours. Sperm can stay alive in the female reproductive tract for 5 days after intercourse, and presence of live sperm in the fallopian tubes at the time of ovulation improves the odds of conceiving.
At-home ovulation kits can help you predict ovulation. You can also see signs by noticing the changes such as the following:
- Vaginal secretions, which become clear, stretchy, and resemble egg white just before ovulation
- Slightly elevated basal temperature (half a degree higher than 96-99 F)
- Mild abdominal or pelvic pain
- Breast tenderness and increased libido
Have sex regularly
Experts suggest the best way to get pregnant quickly is to have sex once a day or every other day during the fertile window right before and after ovulation.
Use sperm-friendly lubricants.. Some contain spermicides and may negatively affect sperm motility, so avoid these when possible.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
What factors affect fertility?
Most healthy couples conceive within one year of unprotected sex; however, the following factors may reduce the odds of conceiving:
- Age: Age and fertility are indirectly proportional; as the woman’s age advances, childbearing potential decreases.
- Obesity: People with higher body mass index tend to have ovulatory issues.
- Irregular cycles: Irregular menstrual cycles can make it difficult to track and predict ovulation time.
- Smoking: Smoking decreases fertility and increases the chances of miscarriage. This includes passive smoking.
- Alcohol consumption: People who do not consume alcohol tend to have higher pregnancy rates than those who do consume alcohol.
- Medical conditions: These include thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis.
When to see a fertility doctor
According to the CDC, infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after one year or longer of unprotected sex, in women age 35 or younger. Infertility is common—1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.
You may benefit from the help of a fertility specialist if you:
- Are 35 years old or older
- Have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months
- Suspect a fertility issue in yourself or your partner
SLIDESHOW
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week See SlideshowRight time for sex. Your Fertility: https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing
Infertility Causes. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility-causes
Fertility Factors. Center for Women’s Health: https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/fertility-factors
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