Many people become pregnant within a year of trying, but for some it can take longer.
If you are thinking about starting a family, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of becoming pregnant. These include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and taking folic acid if you are planning a pregnancy.
Having regular sex every two to three days without contraception gives you the best chance of becoming pregnant.
When to seek advice
If you are under 36 and have been trying to get pregnant for less than a year, there is usually no need to seek medical advice unless you have a known fertility condition.
You should speak to your GP sooner if:
- you are aged 36 or over
- you have irregular or no periods
- you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or another condition that may affect fertility
- you or your partner have known fertility concerns
- you have been trying to conceive for a year without success
Difficulty conceiving is common and affects many people. Support and advice are available.
Your GP appointment
Your GP is usually the first healthcare professional you should speak to if you are having difficulty becoming pregnant.
You and your partner may both be asked to attend an appointment.
Your GP may ask about:
- your medical history
- your menstrual cycle
- previous pregnancies
- lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and weight
- any medicines you take
You may also be offered tests to help identify possible causes of fertility problems.
These can include:
Tests for women
- blood tests to check hormone levels
- tests for infections such as chlamydia
- ultrasound scans to check the womb and ovaries
Tests for men
- semen analysis to assess sperm health
- tests for infections such as chlamydia
What happens next?
Depending on the results of your tests, your GP may recommend lifestyle changes that could improve fertility.
You may also be referred to a fertility specialist for further assessment and treatment.
Additional investigations may be carried out to help understand why you are finding it difficult to conceive. Your specialist will discuss the results with you and explain the treatment options available.
Fertility treatment
Some people may be offered fertility treatment to help them become pregnant.
Treatment options may include:
Ovulation induction
This treatment helps stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
IVF involves collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory. One or more embryos are then placed into the womb.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
ICSI is similar to IVF but involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. It may be recommended when there are concerns about sperm quality or quantity.
Not everyone will be eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment. Eligibility is assessed using local NHS policies.
Same-sex female couples
For same-sex female couples where one partner is trying to become pregnant, fertility services may recommend self-funded intrauterine insemination (IUI) before NHS-funded specialist fertility treatment can be considered.
Please refer to the NHS Essex fertility policy for full details of eligibility criteria. To obtain a copy please contact us.
NHS-funded fertility treatment
If your specialist believes you meet the eligibility criteria for NHS-funded treatment, they will submit an application on your behalf.
If funding is approved, you will be referred to a specialist fertility clinic to discuss your treatment options.
Further information and support
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