time to make a baby?

How long does it usually take to get pregnant?

It's impossible to say how long it takes to get pregnant because it's different for each woman.

Many factors can affect a couple's chances of conceiving, such as:

your age
your general health
your reproductive health
how often you have sex

Some women become pregnant quickly, while others take longer. This may be upsetting, but it's normal.
Fertility

Most couples (about 84 out of every 100) will get pregnant within a year if they have regular sex and don't use contraception.

But women become less fertile as they get older. One study found that among couples having regular unprotected sex:

aged 19 to 26 – 92% will conceive after 1 year and 98% after 2 years
aged 35 to 39 – 82% will conceive after 1 year and 90% after 2 years

The effect of age on men's fertility is less clear.
What does 'regular sex' mean?

Having regular sex means having sex every 2 to 3 days throughout the month.

Some couples may try to time having sex with when the woman ovulates (releases an egg).

But guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that this can be stressful and it isn't recommended.
Fertility problems

Fertility problems affect 1 in 7 couples in the UK.

Lots of factors can cause fertility problems, including:

hormonal (endocrine) disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and problems with the thyroid or pituitary glands
physical disorders, such as obesity, anorexia nervosa or excessive exercise
disorders of the reproductive system, such as infections, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or a low sperm count

Some of these factors affect either women or men. In around 40% of infertile couples, there's a problem with both the man and woman.

The most common cause is ovulation failure (which can be caused by lots of different things) and sperm disorders.

In 25% of couples, fertility problems can't be explained.

Read more detailed information about the causes of infertility.
Getting help

If you have been trying for a baby for 1 to 2 years without success, see your GP for advice.
Further information

How can I tell when I'm ovulating?
How can I improve my chances of getting pregnant?
How soon can I do a pregnancy test?
Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished?
Pregnancy and baby guide
Infertility
NICE guidelines: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems

More in Trying for a baby

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Getting pregnant if you have a mental health condition
Planning your pregnancy
Doing a pregnancy test
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
How long does it usually take to get pregnant?
Planning another pregnancy