Getting Pregnant

Chances of Getting Pregnant by Age: What You Need to Know

A healthy couple under 35 has a 25% chance per month of getting pregnant. Learn how age, IVF, and lifestyle affect your conception odds at every stage.

For a healthy, fertile couple under 35, the chance of getting pregnant is estimated at around 25% per month with regular unprotected sex around the time of ovulation. Without planned timing, chances drop to just 11% per month. Doctors traditionally suggest waiting a year of trying before starting fertility investigations, though many couples over 30 start after six months.

Monthly Conception Chances by Age

On average, a woman with no fertility issues will fall pregnant after four months of trying. From around age 21, fertility slowly declines until 35, then declines faster until 40, after which the decline is very rapid.

Probability of Conception After One Year of Trying

Age	Probability After 1 Year
20	90%
30	70%
35	55%
40	45%
45	6%

Conception Chances on Peak Fertility Day by Age

A 2002 study by Dunson et al found great variability in getting pregnant chances on the peak day of conception (two days before ovulation):

Age Range	Chance Per Cycle (Peak Day)
19-26	50%
27-34	40%
35-39	Less than 30% (under 20% with partner 5+ years older)

Smoking, STD history, and occupational exposures contribute to lower fertility rates.

Can IVF Improve Fertility Rates for Older Women?

IVF success rates mirror natural fertility decline with age. According to the US CDC:

Age Group	IVF Live Birth Rate Per Cycle
Under 35	About 45%
35-37	About 37%
Over 42	6.6%

Older women can dramatically raise IVF success rates by using an egg donor. Success rates for women even in their mid-forties using a donor egg from a woman in her 20s or early 30s remain above 40%. If you are over 35 and have not fallen pregnant after six months, talk to your doctor about starting fertility investigations.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Many products and websites promise to improve your chances for a price, but many lack scientific evidence. Here are proven, affordable strategies:

Reduce Stress Levels

There is a strong correlation between stress and fertility. Take a holiday, rethink your job, or shift commitments down your priority list to reduce stress.

Aim for a Healthy Weight

Research shows a strong connection between obesity and lower fertility. Being significantly underweight for long periods can also negatively impact fertility. Aim for a healthy balance.

Improve Your Diet

Some fertility experts recommend organic foods. Keep an eye on your food choices - eating at home and avoiding takeaway is a good start.

Quit Smoking and Cut Back on Alcohol

There is a strong link between smoking and reduced fertility in both men and women. This may be enough incentive to quit.

Regular Exercise for Fertility

You do not need to become a gym junkie - moderate regular exercise like a daily walk can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular status, and help your chances of getting pregnant.

By Fran Molloy, journalist and mum of four

Kimberly-Clark India makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.

FAQs on Chances of getting pregnant

For a healthy couple under 35, the chance is around 25% per month with sex timed around ovulation. Without planned timing but with regular unprotected sex, chances drop to about 11% per month. On average, a woman with no fertility issues conceives after four months.

At age 20, there is a 90% probability of conceiving after one year of trying. This drops to 70% at age 30, 55% at age 35, 45% at age 40, and just 6% at age 45. From age 21, fertility slowly declines, then declines faster after 35 and very rapidly after 40.

A 2002 study found that on the peak day (two days before ovulation), couples aged 19-26 have a 50% chance per cycle, aged 27-34 have a 40% chance, and aged 35-39 have less than 30% chance, dropping to under 20% if the male partner is 5+ years older.

IVF success rates still decline with age. Women under 35 have about 45% live birth rate per cycle, ages 35-37 about 37%, and over 42 just 6.6%. However, using an egg donor from a younger woman can raise success rates above 40% even for women in their mid-forties.

Reduce stress levels, aim for a healthy weight, improve your diet with nutritious food choices, quit smoking, cut back on alcohol, and maintain regular moderate exercise. These evidence-based strategies improve fertility without expensive products or services.

Doctors traditionally suggest waiting one year of trying before starting fertility investigations. However, many couples over 30 choose to start preliminary investigations after six months. If you are over 35 and have not conceived after six months, talk to your doctor.

Yes, research shows a strong connection between obesity in women and lower fertility. Being significantly underweight for long periods can also negatively impact fertility. Aiming for a healthy, balanced weight improves your chances of conception.