Trying for a baby can be one of the most exciting – and at times, frustrating – journeys you’ll ever experience. When month after month passes without a positive test, it’s completely natural to start asking yourself, “Why am I not getting pregnant?” or “Why am I not conceiving when we’re doing everything right?”
You’re not alone. Fertility challenges are far more common than most people realise, and struggling to conceive doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. In many cases, it simply takes time, the right timing, or a bit more understanding of how your body works.
In this article, a fertility expert explains the key factors that influence conception – from timing and lifestyle to age and medical considerations. You’ll also find clear guidance on when to seek help and proactive next steps, backed by science rather than speculation.
Understanding Timelines: What’s Normal When Trying to Conceive
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 6 months with no success, it’s understandable to feel concerned. But fertility isn’t instant, even when everything is working perfectly.
For most couples under 35, it can take up to a year of regular, unprotected intercourse to conceive naturally. Approximately 80% will become pregnant within 12 months, while the remaining 20% may take a slightly longer time.
If you’re not pregnant after 6 months and you’re under 35, it’s often still considered normal. However, if you’re over 35, fertility naturally begins to decline, so it’s wise to seek advice sooner – typically after six months of trying. For those over 40, seeking guidance even earlier can be beneficial.
The key takeaway? Conception is a complex process influenced by several factors – timing, egg quality, sperm health, and more. Understanding what’s within the “normal” timeframe helps to reduce unnecessary stress, which itself can affect fertility.
Common Factors That Can Affect Conception
If you’re wondering, “Why am I not falling pregnant?”, there may be several contributing factors. Let’s break down the most common ones and what you can do about them.
1. Ovulation and Timing
One of the most crucial elements of conception is ovulation – the release of an egg from your ovary. If you’re not ovulating regularly, or if intercourse isn’t timed around your fertile window, it can significantly reduce your chances of conception as sperm can only survive for up to 5 days..
The fertile window typically spans five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. For many women, ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but this can vary.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ovulating regularly or if your cycles are irregular, it may be worth speaking with a fertility expert for further assessment.
2. Lifestyle and Nutrition - Preparing for Pregnancy
Your overall health plays a pivotal role in fertility. Small adjustments to your lifestyle and nutrition can make a significant difference.
Foods That Increase Fertility
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports hormone balance and reproductive health. Focus on:
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Leafy greens (spinach, kale): rich in folate and iron.
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Berries and citrus fruits: packed with antioxidants.
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Whole grains and lean proteins: help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
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Healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, support hormone production.
Supplements for Conception
Even with a healthy diet, certain nutrients are particularly important for fertility. Consider discussing these supplements for conception with your GP or fertility specialist:
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Folic acid: vital for early foetal development.
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Vitamin D: supports hormone balance.
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Zinc and selenium: important for egg and sperm quality.
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CoQ10: may support egg quality, particularly over 35.
Avoid extreme diets, smoking, or excessive alcohol, as these can all negatively impact fertility. Maintaining a healthy BMI is also beneficial, as being significantly under- or overweight can disrupt ovulation.
➡️ BLOG: How to Optimise your Fertility: Vitamins and Supplements Beneficial for Women and Men
3. Age-Related Factors
Age remains one of the most significant influences on fertility. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both egg quality and quantity decline naturally over time.
If you’re getting pregnant over 35, it conception may take longer, and the risk of miscarriage or chromosomal abnormalities increases. However, many women conceive naturally in their late 30s and early 40s – it just may require more monitoring or support.
For those aiming to get pregnant over 40 naturally, it’s still possible, though fertility testing and preconception care become increasingly important to optimise your chances. Lifestyle factors, nutrition, and stress management are particularly key at this stage.
You may wish to consider taking an AMH Test, which helps you accurately assess your ovarian function, particularly if you’ve been trying to conceive for over 6 months. It checks your body’s ability to produce fertile eggs.
4. Male Factor Fertility
Fertility isn’t solely a female issue. In approximately 40–50% of couples experiencing difficulties, male factor fertility plays a role. Sperm health – including count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) – can significantly influence conception.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, high heat exposure (e.g., hot tubs and saunas), poor diet, and stress can all affect sperm quality. A semen analysis is a simple and effective way to assess male fertility and should always be part of initial investigations.
Why am I not conceiving? - When to Seek Help: Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been trying for six months (and you’re over 35) or a year (under 35) without success, it’s time to consider professional support. Seeking help early doesn’t mean you’re giving up – it means you’re being proactive about understanding your fertility.
1. Book a Preconception Check-Up
A Preconception Check-Up is a great place to start. This comprehensive appointment reviews your medical history, menstrual cycles, and lifestyle to identify potential barriers to conception. It’s also an opportunity to discuss supplements, fertility-friendly nutrition, and any tests that may be useful.
Preconception education is often overlooked too — and that’s exactly what the Prep4Pregnancy programme is here to change. Dr Irfana Koita’s all-new 1:1 fertility coaching service is designed to give you the expert guidance over 3 months, providing the personalised support you need to take control of your natural fertility journey. In fact, 12.5% of IVF Matters patients conceive naturally — without the need for IVF, simply by taking the right steps at the right time.
➡️ Book your Preconception Check-Up
➡️Learn more about Prep-4-Pregnancy with IVF Matters
2. Consider Pre-Pregnancy Testing
If you’re still unsure why you’re not conceiving, pre-pregnancy testing can provide valuable insights. These tests often include:
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Hormone panels to check ovulation and ovarian reserve.
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Thyroid function and vitamin levels.
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Semen analysis for male partners.
Testing both partners ensures no potential factor is overlooked and allows your fertility expert to create a tailored plan. If you’re not sure where to start or which tests you may need to have, call our FREE Advisory Service for more help and guidance.
➡️ Explore Fertility & Pre-Pregnancy Testing Options
3. Talk to a Fertility Expert
Sometimes, understanding your fertility requires a specialist’s eye. Speaking with a fertility expert or natural fertility specialist can help you identify subtle issues and receive evidence-based strategies for improving your chances of conception. A fertility specialist will review your medical history and can diagnose any problems that you may have been previously unaware of.
Whether through lifestyle interventions, medical support, or advanced fertility treatments, a fertility expert can guide you through your next steps.
➡️ Book a Consultation with a Fertility Expert
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why am I not getting pregnant?” remember – you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Conception is a finely tuned process, and many couples simply need time, guidance, and reassurance along the way.
By understanding normal timelines, supporting your body through nutrition and lifestyle, and seeking expert help when needed, you’re already taking empowered steps towards your goal of achieving your dream of a family..
You deserve clarity, compassion, and science-backed support on your fertility journey. When you’re ready, reach out to us here at IVF Matters to explore your options and move forward with confidence.
Struggling to Conceive? - Next Steps:
