How long will it take me to get pregnant?
KEY POINTS
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 3 or 4 months, keep trying.
If you are worried it’s taking too long to get pregnant, talk to your provider about getting tests, lifestyle changes or possible fertility treatments.
There are also ways for your male partner to improve the health of his sperm to help get you pregnant.
What if you’re trying to get pregnant, but you don't get pregnant right away?
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 3 or 4 months, keep trying. It may just take more time.
Talk to your provider if you’re worried that it’s taking too long to get pregnant.
You may want to schedule a visit with your provider if:
- You’re younger than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year.
- You’re older than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months.
Your provider can give you and your partner some tests to help find out why you’re having trouble getting pregnant. If there’s a problem, there’s a good chance it can be treated.
You can also talk to your provider about certain lifestyle changes that can help you and your partner lower your risk of having fertility problems like quitting smoking or being more physically active.
You, your partner and your provider can also discuss fertility treatment (medical treatment to help you get treatment).
Are there things your partner can do to help improve his sperm?
Yes. Your partner may be able to make his sperm healthier and to make more sperm to help you get pregnant. Here’s what he can do:
- Get treated for health conditions, like diabetes, kidney problems and being obese, that may affect his sperm.
- Talk to his provider about any medicines he takes. This includes prescription and over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, supplements and herbal products. Ask your partner to talk to his provider to make sure the medicine he takes doesn’t affect his sperm.
- Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs that can affect his fertility (his ability to get you pregnant). Drugs that can affect your partner’s fertility include marijuana and cocaine.
- Talk to his provider about chemicals that can affect fertility, including metals (like lead) and radiation and chemotherapy for cancer.
