Top 5 Questions about Trying to Conceive, Answered

When you start trying to conceive (TTC), it can feel like you suddenly have more questions than answers. Many people turn to the internet to understand cycle timing, ovulation, implantation, and more.

To help you start off feeling informed and confident, we’re answering some of the most common questions people ask at the beginning of their TTC journey.

How do I know when I’m ovulating?

There are a few ways to estimate if and when you’re ovulating.

If your menstrual cycles are regular (meaning the number of days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next stays about the same each month), you are likely ovulating consistently.

The second half of your cycle after ovulation, called the luteal phase, is typically about 14 days long. To estimate when ovulation happens, subtract 14 days from your average cycle length. For example, if you have a 28-day cycle and you subtract the 14 day luteal phase, you can estimate ovulation occurs around cycle day 14.

Menstrual cycle diagram

Another helpful sign is cervical mucus (CM). Cervical mucus is produced by the cervix and makes its way out of the body through the vagina as a normal form of vaginal discharge. As you approach ovulation, rising estrogen levels change the amount and consistency of cervical mucus. A day or two before ovulation occurs, you may notice that the cervical mucus shifts from being thicker and white to thin, slippery, and clear. This is commonly described as “egg white” mucus. Egg white cervical mucus is important because it helps sperm move more easily and survive long enough to reach the egg.

If you want more precision, you can use at-home ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). OPKs detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. LH is the hormone that triggers ovulation. To catch your LH surge, start using OPKs about 3–5 days before your anticipated ovulation and continue testing daily. Once you get a positive result, ovulation usually occurs within about 24 hours, which can help you plan intercourse accordingly.

When is the best time to have sex to get pregnant?

It’s a common misconception that you need to have sex every single day around ovulation in order to conceive. In reality, that can feel stressful and exhausting. The good news is that sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, which means you don’t need to have sex every day to conceive.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the fertile window spans about 6 days — the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. For the best chance of pregnancy, ACOG recommends having sex regularly during this 6-day window. This approach helps reduce pressure while still optimizing your chances to get pregnant.

How long after ovulation does implantation happen?

After ovulation, the mature egg is released into the fallopian tube. The fallopian tubes are also where fertilization takes place, if sperm are present.

It then takes about 4–5 days for the fertilized egg to travel down the remaining portion of the fallopian tube to reach the uterus. Once there, it typically takes an additional 2–5 days for the embryo to implant in the uterine lining. In most pregnancies, implantation happens around 6–10 days after ovulation.

Understanding this timeline can help explain why pregnancy symptoms and positive tests don’t happen immediately after ovulation.

How soon can you get a positive pregnancy test?

There isn’t an exact day after ovulation when you’re guaranteed to get a positive pregnancy test. A positive result depends on two things: the level of beta-hCG (pregnancy hormone) in your body and the sensitivity of the test you’re using.

The production of beta-hCG starts when the embryo implants into the uterine lining, which is usually about 6–10 days after ovulation. At first, beta-hCG levels are very low. Some early response pregnancy tests are designed to detect these low levels of beta-hCG. 

The good news is beta-hCG rises quickly after implantation, so you may be able to detect pregnancy a few days before your missed period with a highly sensitive test. However, testing too early can lead to false negatives simply because beta-hCG hasn’t risen enough yet. Although it’s hard, many doctors recommend waiting until the day of your expected period (or after) to increase the accuracy of your results.

How many months does it take to get pregnant?

The amount of time it takes to conceive varies from couple to couple and even from pregnancy to pregnancy.

Several factors influence the time it takes to conceive, including:

• Maternal age

• Sperm quality and quantity

• Timing of intercourse around ovulation

• Medical conditions like PCOS or endometriosis

• Lifestyle factors like smoking and body weight
  

Many people are surprised to learn that the chance of getting pregnant each month for a healthy couple under 35 is only 20–25%. Because of this likelihood, it’s normal for it to take a few months to conceive. According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, about 60% of healthy couples under 35 will conceive within 6 months, and about 80% will conceive within one year. 

Since fertility naturally changes with age, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidance on when to seek further evaluation.

Recommended time trying to conceive before seeking help from a fertility specialist by age of egg provider

These recommendations apply to the general population, but there are situations where it makes sense to seek evaluation sooner, like if you have irregular cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, a history of recurrent miscarriage, or a family history of early menopause.

If you’re ever unsure about your timeline, talk with your OB/GYN or primary care provider. Getting guidance early can help you feel more in control.

A Helpful First Step: Cycle Tracking

As you start trying to conceive, tracking your periods can give you valuable insight. Period tracking helps you understand:

• Your cycle length

• Whether your cycles are regular

• When you’re likely ovulating

• How you feel during different phases of your cycle

This information not only helps you time intercourse more effectively, but it is also incredibly helpful to a fertility specialist as they make a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you’re looking for a way to keep track of your periods each month, the Berry app can help. The Berry app allows you to track your periods, symptoms, and moods all in one place — and easily export your data to share with your physician.

Click here to get the app.