If you’re reading this, it might be because you’ve been struggling to get pregnant naturally, you’re collecting information for the future, or you’re simply curious about natural fertility. Whatever brings you here, I hope this blog post offers you some helpful insights and encouragement.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Conceive?
Fertility investigations often begin after six months of unprotected intercourse. But the truth is, many couples conceive naturally with time:
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30% within 1 month of regular intercourse (every 2–3 days)
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50% within 4 months
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70% within 8 months
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84% within 12 months
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90% within 18 months
Infertility doesn’t mean sterility. In many cases, what people are actually experiencing is subfertility — a delay in natural conception without needing medical intervention.
What Affects Natural Fertility?
There are many more factors at play than most of us realize. Successful conception relies on:
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Regular ovulation
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A healthy egg (oocyte)
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Healthy cervical mucus
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Good sperm quality
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Balanced sex and thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol
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Optimal BMI and nutrition
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Liver function
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Sperm transport and fallopian tube health
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Adequate penetration and immune response
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Embryo implantation and uterine lining quality
So as you can see, fertility isn’t just about hormones or reproductive anatomy. That’s why a natural fertility journey is often more complex than looking at bloodwork or scans.
Hidden Factors That May Delay Conception
Yes, structural issues like fibroids, polyps, cysts, or blocked tubes may play a role. But there are many other contributors we don’t often consider:
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Certain medications (e.g. NSAIDs may suppress ovulation, antihistamines can reduce cervical mucus)
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Smoking, high alcohol or caffeine intake
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Excessive EMF exposure (radiation from devices)
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Stress or inadequate/invasive exercise
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Poor oral health or dental infections
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Environmental toxins or endocrine disruptors
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Unresolved trauma, disordered eating, poor self-image
Emotional wellbeing also plays a huge role. Many women feel hopeless after repeated failed attempts, adding further stress to the body.
Timing Matters: Do You Know When You’re Ovulating?
Understanding when you ovulate is crucial for conception. Unfortunately, many of us weren’t taught how to read our bodies. Recognizing ovulation signs can make a big difference:
Track your cycle with these methods:
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Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Progesterone raises your temperature slightly after ovulation. Tracking BBT for 3+ months can help spot patterns — though it’s sensitive to sleep, stress, and travel.
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Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Discharge changes throughout the cycle. Egg-white texture (clear, stretchy, slippery) typically appears right before ovulation.
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Cervix Position: The cervix softens and rises before ovulation.
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Sex Drive: Many experience a spike in libido during their fertile window.
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Ovulation Pain: Some feel a light twinge or cramp mid-cycle.
Even if you’re not trying to conceive right now, cycle tracking gives you deeper awareness of your body.
It’s Not All on You — Male Fertility Matters Too
Many women feel the pressure to do everything “right.” But your partner’s health is just as important. Diet, movement, sleep, radiation exposure, and stress all affect sperm health. That’s why it’s helpful to assess both partners’ health and environment when preparing for conception.
When to Start Preparing?
Ideally, both partners should begin preparing their bodies 6–12 months before trying to conceive. This window allows time to:
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Optimize egg and sperm quality
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Support hormone balance
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Improve nutritional status
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Reduce toxin load
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Address emotional stress
If you’ve had many unsuccessful attempts, taking even a 3-month break to reset and focus on wellness can sometimes change everything.
Natural Fertility: A Holistic Approach
When pregnancy doesn’t happen as expected, it can feel deeply discouraging. You might feel broken, helpless, or overwhelmed.
But know this: there is support, and you’re not alone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and no guaranteed quick fix. Every body is different. Every path to conception is unique. As a nutritional therapist, I work with your personal story — not against it.
Together, we’ll find what your body truly needs.
