Although many couples achieve a pregnancy during their first year of trying, there are situations in which it is advisable to seek advice sooner. Knowing them can help identify treatable problems without going straight to a reproductive technique such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).<\/p>\n
Month after month, many couples repeat the same routine: they wait for the expected date, interpret any symptom as a possible sign of pregnancy and, in the end, face another negative pregnancy test. At first this is usually taken calmly, then doubts appear and, over time, an inevitable question arises: how long is it normal to try to get pregnant before seeing a specialist?<\/p>\n
The answer is not always simple, because fertility does not work like a clock and getting pregnant can take longer than expected, even when there is no health problem. In fact, the World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO) estimates that one in six people will experience infertility during their lifetime,1<\/sup><\/a> a reality that affects both men and women and highlights the importance of seeking advice when trying to conceive takes longer than expected.<\/p>\n Fertility depends on multiple factors and there is not always a single cause that explains why pregnancy does not happen. That is precisely why knowing when to stop waiting and start looking for answers can make a difference.<\/p>\n Although we tend to think that pregnancy comes soon after we start trying, the reality is that it does not always happen immediately. In fact, even in young couples without fertility problems, the probability of pregnancy in each menstrual cycle is between 20% and 25%,2<\/sup><\/a> which is why it is common for pregnancy not to occur in the first months of trying.<\/p>\n In general, many couples conceive during the first year of trying. If it does not happen, it does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but it may be time for an assessment to identify possible factors that are making conception difficult, such as age, frequency of intercourse or the reproductive health of both partners.<\/p>\n In many cases, this assessment identifies relatively common situations, such as ovulation disorders, problems with semen quality or sperm motility<\/a>, or certain lifestyle habits that can be addressed before considering more complex treatments.<\/p>\n One of the most common questions is when to worry about not getting pregnant. The main scientific societies, such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM<\/a>) and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE<\/a>), recommend not prolonging attempts indefinitely without a medical assessment.2,<\/sup>3<\/sup><\/a> The right time to seek advice depends mainly on how long the couple has been trying and on their age.<\/p>\n In general, it is advisable to see a fertility specialist after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse without achieving pregnancy,4<\/sup><\/a> or after 6 months if the woman is over 35, as female fertility declines progressively with age.3<\/sup><\/p>\n An earlier assessment is also recommended if there are factors that may affect fertility:2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n In this context, phrases such as “we have been trying for months and nothing is happening” are very common in consultations. At that point, a specialist assessment can help determine whether there is a factor making conception difficult or whether the time spent trying is still within what is expected.<\/p>\n Taking these signs into account, and before turning to assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the first step is usually a basic fertility work-up to assess both ovarian function and semen quality. With this information, the specialist can identify whether there is a treatable cause.<\/p>\n Depending on the diagnosis, lifestyle changes may be recommended, hormonal or ovulation problems may be treated, factors affecting semen quality may be corrected where possible, or less invasive techniques such as artificial insemination may be used.2<\/sup><\/p>\n These strategies are part of what is known as a stepwise approach, which tries to adapt treatment to the real degree of difficulty in achieving pregnancy. In many cases, these measures make it possible to avoid more complex techniques altogether, or at least to optimise their results if they are eventually needed.<\/p>\n Research is also trying to meet the needs of couples who are not yet candidates for assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF or who wish to explore other, less invasive alternatives. In this area there are projects such as those of PROKREA<\/a>, which is researching new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the chances of conceiving in specific infertility situations, expanding the options available.<\/p>\n Waiting a few months to get pregnant is usually part of normality. Knowing when that wait stops being normal is precisely what makes it possible to act in time. Because when pregnancy does not come, rather than counting the months, what matters is understanding what is happening and knowing the options available to make the best decision at each moment.<\/p>\n If you have been trying to get pregnant for some time without success, we invite you to learn about our clinical trial. Check whether you meet the requirements to take part in the EASY Study<\/a>.<\/p>\nHow long can it take a couple to conceive naturally?<\/h2>\n
Signs that it is time to see a specialist<\/h2>\n
General criteria by age<\/h3>\n
Relevant medical history<\/h3>\n
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Options available before starting IVF<\/h2>\n
Clinical research: aiming for spontaneous pregnancy<\/h2>\n
Looking at time in perspective<\/h3>\n