Fertility and Getting Pregnant

Fertility is a key part of starting a family, but the details can often feel confusing. Many people want to know what really works when trying to get pregnant and what factors can help or hurt their chances. Knowing when a woman is most fertile, tracking her cycle, and having regular sex during ovulation can greatly improve the likelihood of conception.

As people get older, especially after their mid-thirties, fertility tends to decline. Still, steps like keeping a healthy weight, managing stress, and seeking medical advice when needed can be helpful. This guide explains the basics of fertility, what affects it, and clear ways to boost the odds of getting pregnant.

Understanding Fertility and Conception

Fertility means the body can have children. Age, health, and lifestyle can affect fertility for both men and women. When sperm fertilizes an egg, conception happens. This usually takes place in the fallopian tube after unprotected sex. The fertilized egg then travels to the uterus and implants, starting pregnancy.

Key Points About Fertility and Conception

Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg. This only happens once each cycle.
The egg can be fertilized for about 12–24 hours after ovulation.
Sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days.

Tracking the menstrual cycle helps couples who are trying to conceive (TTC) know their most fertile days. Signs of ovulation include changes in cervical mucus, a slight rise in body temperature, and mild pelvic pain.

Term	Description
Fertility	Ability to have children.
Conception	When sperm meets and fertilizes an egg.
Ovulation	Release of egg from the ovary.
TTC	Trying to conceive.
Pregnancy	Begins when fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Both partners play a role in getting pregnant. Timing, general health, and sometimes medical help can all influence success.

Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

The menstrual cycle is the body’s monthly process that prepares for pregnancy. It usually lasts between 21 and 35 days, starting on the first day of menstruation. Hormones play an important role in the cycle. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps eggs in the ovaries begin to mature. When the eggs are ready, the body releases luteinizing hormone (LH) in a surge. This LH surge triggers ovulation.

Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary. This usually happens about midway through the cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. This is the most fertile time of the month. Progesterone rises after ovulation and helps prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop, and menstruation starts again.

Signs of Ovulation

Change in cervical mucus (becomes clear and stretchy).
Mild pain on one side of the abdomen.
Slight rise in body temperature.

The “fertile window” includes the few days before, during, and just after ovulation when pregnancy is most likely. Sperm can live inside the body for up to five days, so timing is important. This table shows hormone changes and what happens in the cycle:

Day of Cycle	Main Hormone	What Happens
1-5	FSH	Menstruation, egg matures
12-16	LH	Ovulation
17-28	Progesterone	Uterus prepares for pregnancy

Key Factors Affecting Fertility

Many factors can influence fertility. These include health conditions, lifestyle choices, and the environment. Age is one of the main factors. Fertility slowly decreases as women and men get older, especially after age 35 for women.

Some health issues make it harder to get pregnant. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis may cause irregular periods or block the fallopian tubes, lowering the chances of conception. Genetic abnormalities can also affect fertility. These are changes in genes that might stop sperm or eggs from working well.

Other concerns are ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, which can be dangerous. Miscarriage—when a pregnancy ends on its own—can be caused by genetic problems, health conditions, or unknown reasons.

Lifestyle choices play a role too. Being overweight or underweight can make getting pregnant more difficult. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and high levels of stress may also reduce fertility. Environmental factors like exposure to toxins, chemicals, and pollutants can impact reproductive health for both men and women. Here is a table of common factors:

Factor	How It Affects Fertility
Age	Decreases chances over time.
PCOS	Causes irregular ovulation.
Endometriosis	Blocks fallopian tubes.
Genetic Abnormalities	Reduces sperm/egg function.
Lifestyle	May decrease hormone balance.
Environmental toxins	Damages reproductive organs.

It is recommended to talk with a healthcare provider if there are concerns about infertility or pregnancy loss.

Tips and Simple Steps

Track Ovulation: Knowing when ovulation happens is key. Most women ovulate about 14 days before their period starts. You can track cycles with a calendar, app, or ovulation predictor kit.
Have Regular Sex: Having sex every 2-3 days keeps sperm healthy and increases the chances of sperm meeting the egg during the fertile window.

Fertile Window	Best Time for Sex
Days 10-17	Every 1-2 days

Try to have sex a day or two before ovulation for the best chance.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being too underweight or overweight can affect fertility. Healthy eating and regular activity help balance hormones.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Smoking and drinking can make it harder to get pregnant. Cutting back or quitting these habits before trying to conceive improves your chances.
Reduce Stress: High stress can upset hormone levels. Simple ways to relax include walking, reading, or deep breathing.
Take Prenatal Vitamins: It is suggested to start prenatals with at least 400 mcg of folic acid to help support a healthy pregnancy from the very start.
See a Doctor if Needed: If you are under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year, talk to a doctor. If you are over 35, seek help after six months.