# How long does it take to get pregnant?

> Real numbers to calm the “why isn’t it happening yet?” spiral.

Category: Fertility & TTC · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/how-long-conception-takes

## Quick answer

- 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](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) the first month. In reality, it often takes a while – and that’s completely normal. Here’s what the NHS figures actually say.

**8 in 10+** Couples (woman under 40) who conceive within a year of regular unprotected sex

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](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/caffeine-alcohol) – for both partners
- Conditions like [PCOS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pcos), [endometriosis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/endometriosis) or a past [STI](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/sti)
- Some [contraception](https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview) 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ectopic-pregnancy) while trying, the time you have already been trying still counts. You do not start the clock again.

**Myth:** If it hasn’t happened in three months, something must be wrong.

**Fact:** 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.

> **Splash says:** it’s okay to grieve a little each period, even early on. Be gentle with yourselves – a month is a long time to wait, and you’re doing great.

### When to see a doctor

Speak to a GP after 1 year of trying, or sooner if you’re 36 or over, have irregular or absent periods, very painful periods, a history of pelvic infection, cancer treatment, or your partner has a known sperm issue.

**Quick quiz:** Of couples who don’t conceive in year one, about how many conceive in year two?

1. Almost none
2. About half
3. All of them

Answer: About half. The NHS says about half of those couples will conceive in the second year.

## Sources

1. [NHS – Infertility: diagnosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/diagnosis/)
2. [NHS – Infertility](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/)
3. [NHS – Trying to get pregnant](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/planning-your-pregnancy/)
4. [NICE NG257 – Fertility problems: assessment and treatment (March 2026, replaces CG156)](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng257)

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).