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How long does it take to get pregnant?
- More than 8 in 10 couples (woman under 40) conceive within a year.
- About half of the rest conceive in year two.
- Age, health and timing all play a part – for both partners.
- See a GP after a year, or sooner if 36+ or with known concerns.
Social media can make it look like everyone gets pregnant the first month. In reality, it often takes a while – and that’s completely normal. Here’s what the NHS figures actually say.
And of those who don’t conceive in the first year, the NHS says about half will conceive in the second year. So not being pregnant after a few months is not a sign something is wrong.
Things that affect how quickly it happens
- Age – fertility declines faster from the mid-30s
- How often you have sex (every 2–3 days is ideal)
- General health, weight, smoking and alcohol – for both partners
- Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or a past STI
- Some contraception takes a little time to wear off
NICE’s 2026 guideline gives rough odds by age for couples having sex about twice a week: around 92% of those aged 19 to 26 conceive within a year, compared with about 82% at 35 to 39. It also says that if you have a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy while trying, the time you have already been trying still counts. You do not start the clock again.
MythIf it hasn’t happened in three months, something must be wrong.
Conception often takes several months. NHS guidance is to see a GP after a year of trying – sooner if you’re 36+ or have a known concern.
- Almost none
- About half
- All of them
Show the answer
B. About half
The NHS says about half of those couples will conceive in the second year.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.