For some couples, getting pregnant happens quickly and even unexpectedly. But for most, it takes several months of trying before they see a positive pregnancy test.
Research shows that over 80% of couples will conceive within one year if:
- The woman is under 40 years old, and
- They do not use contraception and have regular sexual intercourse (about twice a week).
Of those who don’t conceive in the first year, about half will do so in the second year, bringing the cumulative pregnancy rate to over 90%.
So, what should you know when trying for a baby? Here are our top tips.
Timing and Frequency of Sex: The Key to Conceiving
Having vaginal sex every 2 to 3 days maximizes your chances of getting pregnant. The most important time to have sex is in the days leading up to and during ovulation, so sperm is present in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released.
Curious about how fertilization works? Check out our article, The Sperm Journey to the Egg.
Male and Female Fertility: What Matters?
For men, it’s all about semen quality. The better the semen quality, the higher the chances of fertilizing the egg. Semen quality is determined by factors like volume, concentration, motility, and morphology. If semen quality is low, a clinic assessment can help identify underlying issues.
For women, fertility evaluation focuses on confirming ovulation. You can track ovulation with home test kits, blood hormone tests, or ultrasounds. Checking the health of the fallopian tubes is also part of a complete fertility assessment.
Expert Advice from Dr. Fatin Willendrup, ExSeed Head of Medical Affairs
“The better semen quality you have, the higher chance you have to fertilize your partner’s egg during ovulation. Semen quality is defined by parameters such as volume, concentration, motility, and morphology.”
Best Ways to Get Pregnant: Tips for Him
1. Know Your Score
The best way to assess male fertility is by measuring Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC). Research shows TMSC directly correlates with how long it takes for a couple to conceive. Knowing your TMSC is crucial when trying to get pregnant.
Talk to your doctor about a sperm test at a clinic, or try the ExSeed Home Sperm Test for quick, accurate, and private results.
2. Lifestyle Matters
A healthy lifestyle is essential for healthy sperm. Positive lifestyle changes can improve sperm quality, but the effects typically take about three months to show.
- 26% of men who adopted healthier lifestyles saw improvements in sperm quality within three months.
- Smoking can reduce sperm concentration by 22%, and excessive alcohol consumption can lower sperm motility by 19%.
3. Supplementation for Pregnancy
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can significantly boost sperm quality. Antioxidant supplements, in particular, are effective for treating unexplained (idiopathic) male infertility. ExSeed Multi contains a specially designed antioxidant formula to support sperm health.
4. Keep Your Semen Fresh
While longer periods of sexual abstinence can increase semen volume and concentration, it may reduce sperm motility and viability. To maintain optimal semen quality, ejaculate 2-3 times a week to keep your sperm “fresh.” Read the research on ejaculation frequency and sperm health.
Best Ways to Get Pregnant: Tips for Her
1. Find Your Fertile Window
Maximize your chances of getting pregnant by having sex during ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before your period, but this can vary.
Use ovulation predictor kits, like those from Mira or Ovusense, or track your basal body temperature to pinpoint your fertile window more precisely. Learn more about the best time to get pregnant.
- Studies show that couples who time intercourse during the fertile window have a 38% higher chance of conceiving.
2. Healthy Body, Faster Pregnancy
Before trying to conceive, aim to be as healthy as possible. Incorporate fertility-friendly superfoods rich in antioxidants and maintain a healthy BMI. Research shows that being within a normal weight range increases pregnancy rates.
- Women with a BMI in the normal range (18.5-24.9) have a 29% higher chance of conceiving compared to those outside this range.
3. Don’t Wait
Fertility declines with age, especially after 30, and even more rapidly after the mid-30s. If you’re in your mid-30s and haven’t conceived after trying for a while, consider seeking medical advice. Learn how age affects fertility.
- By age 35, a woman’s fertility drops by 15%, and by age 40, it decreases by 44%.
Want to know if there’s a best sex position to get pregnant? Check out our article.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year without success and the woman is under 35, it’s time to see a doctor for a fertility evaluation.
If you’re over 35, seek medical advice after six months of trying.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the UK NHS Fertility Guidelines.
Ready to take control of your fertility journey? Try the ExSeed Home Sperm Test for clinic-grade results in the comfort of your own home.
