Fertility and Conception

Trying to get pregnant

Pregnancy happens when sperm enters a vagina, travels through the cervix and womb to the fallopian tube and fertilises an egg.

You’re more likely to get pregnant around the time you are ovulating. This is when an egg becomes ready and you are at your most fertile.

If you are under 40 and have regular sex without using contraception, there is an 8 in 10 chance you will get pregnant within 1 year.

How to increase your chances of getting pregnant

There are things you and your partner can do to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

• have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception – make sure sperm enters the vagina
• try to have sex around the time you are ovulating – this is usually 12 to 16 days before your period starts
• try to maintain a healthy weight, stop drinking alcohol and do not smoke – it can help if your partner does this too.

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 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., the effect of age on men’s fertility is less clear.

Fertility problems

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
• menopause

In about 40% of infertility cases; disorders are found in both the man and the woman it is therefore important to seek assessment as a couple

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

Read more detailed information about the causes of infertility

Fertility Network UK provides free and impartial support, advice, information and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues.  Fertility Network

Getting help

If you have been trying for a baby for 1 year without success, see your GP for advice.

You can find out more about assisted conception in our Assisted Conception for Infertility policy.

Important Information About Specialist Referrals

Access to specialist fertility treatments (called tertiary care) is carefully managed. Before you can be referred to one of our specialist providers, you’ll need to have a full assessment and any necessary investigations completed by a Consultant who specialises in fertility.

Your Consultant will talk with you about your treatment options. These may include:

• Medication
• Surgical procedures
• Assisted conception (such as IVF or ICSI)

If assisted conception is recommended, and you meet the eligibility criteria, your Consultant can refer you to one of our approved providers.

Provider name	Address	Weblink
TFP Nuture Nottingham (satellite clinic Burton)	Unit 8, 25 Business Park Bostocks Lane, Sandiacre, Nottingham, NG10 5QG 01158 715097	TFP Nurture Fertility Clinic Nottingham | TFP Fertility UK
Circle Health Group Limited	The Priory, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 7UG	Priory Fertility Centre In Birmingham | The Priory Hospital
CARE Fertility Manchester Limited	108 – 112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, M14 5QH	IVF & Fertility Specialists, Manchester | Care Fertility
CARE Fertility Tamworth Limited	Tamworth House, Ventura Park Road, Tamworth, B78 3HL 01827 311170	World-leading IVF Treatment, Tamworth | Care Fertility
Manchester Fertility Services	Amelia House, 3 Oakwood Square, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheshire, SK8 3SB	UK leading specialists in IVF treatment | Manchester Fertility

This page will be updated with a Patient Pathway Guide and a Patient Information leaflet