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When to seek help
If you have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months without success, it is a good idea to speak to your GP. If you are over 35, you should get advice after 6 months of trying. This is because fertility can change with age.
You should also see a doctor sooner if you have irregular periods, very painful periods, known endometriosis, a history of pelvic infection, or a condition that may affect fertility. If your partner has had testicular surgery, a hernia repair, or a known fertility issue, it is worth raising this as well.
What your GP may do
Your GP will usually start by asking about your health, your menstrual cycle, and how long you have been trying. They may also ask about your partner’s medical history and any medicines you both take. This helps them decide what tests might be needed.
Common checks can include blood tests, a urine test, and a semen analysis for your partner. You may also be referred for further tests, such as hormone checks or an ultrasound scan. In the UK, your GP can refer you to a fertility clinic if needed.
Things you can do now
Try to have sex every 2 to 3 days throughout the month if possible. This helps make sure sperm are present when ovulation happens. You do not need to time everything perfectly to improve your chances.
It can help to track ovulation using apps, ovulation tests, or by learning your cycle. If your periods are regular, ovulation usually happens around 10 to 16 days before your next period. Knowing your fertile window may make it easier to plan.
Look after your general health
Small lifestyle changes can make a difference. If you smoke, stopping is important, and reducing alcohol may also help. Aim for a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can affect fertility.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep are also useful. If you take any medication, check with a pharmacist or GP to make sure it is safe when trying to conceive. It is also sensible to start folic acid if you are planning a pregnancy.
Get emotional support
Struggling to conceive can feel upsetting, frustrating, and isolating. It is normal to feel stressed or sad, especially if friends or family are becoming pregnant. Talking openly with your partner or someone you trust can help.
You may also find support through your GP, fertility services, or charities such as Fertility Network UK. If the situation is affecting your mental health, do not wait to ask for help. You deserve support while you are going through this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Struggling to get pregnant means having difficulty conceiving after having regular, unprotected sex for a period of time. It can happen for many reasons and does not always mean infertility.
Someone struggling to get pregnant should consider seeing a doctor after 12 months of trying if under age 35, or after 6 months if age 35 or older. If there are known health concerns, earlier evaluation may be helpful.
Common causes of struggling to get pregnant include ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, low sperm count, sperm movement issues, age-related fertility decline, and certain medical conditions or medications.
Stress alone usually does not directly cause struggling to get pregnant, but high stress can affect sleep, hormones, sexual frequency, and overall health, which may make conception harder for some people.
Symptoms related to struggling to get pregnant can include irregular periods, very painful periods, missed periods, signs of hormone imbalance, or no pregnancy after many months of trying. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms.
Doctors usually diagnose the reasons for struggling to get pregnant through a medical history, physical exam, ovulation tracking, blood tests, semen analysis, and sometimes imaging or other fertility tests.
Yes, age can strongly affect struggling to get pregnant. Fertility generally declines with age, especially after the mid-30s, because egg quantity and quality decrease over time.
Yes, lifestyle changes can sometimes help with struggling to get pregnant. Healthy weight management, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, reducing drug use, eating well, and managing chronic conditions may improve fertility.
Someone struggling to get pregnant should take a pregnancy test after a missed period or if pregnancy symptoms appear. If periods are irregular, testing may need to be timed based on ovulation or a doctor’s advice.
Yes, irregular periods can be a sign of irregular ovulation, which can cause struggling to get pregnant. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, or weight changes may contribute.
Yes, male fertility factors play a role in many cases of struggling to get pregnant. Issues with sperm count, shape, movement, hormone levels, or reproductive health can affect conception.
Tests for struggling to get pregnant may include hormone blood tests, ovulation assessment, thyroid testing, pelvic ultrasound, tubal patency testing, and semen analysis. The exact tests depend on the situation.
Yes, tracking ovulation can help with struggling to get pregnant by identifying the most fertile days. Methods include ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature tracking, and fertility tracking apps.
Yes, timing can affect struggling to get pregnant. Having regular sex every 1 to 2 days during the fertile window usually offers the best chance of conception.
Medical conditions that can lead to struggling to get pregnant include polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and certain autoimmune or genetic conditions.
Yes, both underweight and overweight status can contribute to struggling to get pregnant by affecting hormone balance and ovulation. Reaching a healthier weight may improve fertility for some people.
Treatments for struggling to get pregnant may include medication to trigger ovulation, lifestyle changes, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, surgery for certain conditions, or treatment of underlying medical issues.
Yes, someone can be struggling to get pregnant now even if they have been pregnant before. This is called secondary infertility, and it can happen for many different reasons.
Someone struggling to get pregnant should seek urgent care if they have severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, fever, or signs of an ectopic pregnancy such as one-sided pain and dizziness.
Coping with struggling to get pregnant may involve seeking support from a partner, counselor, support group, or trusted friends. It can also help to set realistic expectations, take breaks from tracking, and focus on overall well-being.
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