Why might I not be getting pregnant even though I am ovulating?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ovulating but not getting pregnant? Several factors could be at play. Timing is critical—sperm must be present in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released, and the fertile window is only about 6 days each cycle. Which ovary releases the egg may also influence conception odds, as one fallopian tube may function better than the other. Beyond ovulation, sperm quality, uterine health, hormone balance, age, and underlying conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can all reduce your chances of pregnancy.

Because so many overlapping factors can affect fertility, guessing the cause can delay the right next step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify potential reasons you're not conceiving and guide you toward the appropriate specialist or testing—saving you time, stress, and uncertainty on your path to pregnancy.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

If you're ovulating but not getting pregnant, it may be because of timing or which side you ovulate from.

Timing of Intercourse: According to research, timing sex close to ovulation increases the chances of getting pregnant. It's important to know when you're ovulating and plan intercourse around that time.
Side of Ovulation: Studies show that eggs released from the right ovary may lead to pregnancy more often than those from the left. This could be one reason why getting pregnant sometimes takes longer.
Timed Intercourse: Planning sex at the right time can help. Couples trying to conceive often benefit from learning about their ovulation cycle and timing intercourse accordingly.

Understanding these factors can help in planning for pregnancy. If you have concerns or are experiencing unusual symptoms, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered assessment or talk to a healthcare provider for more specific guidance.

(References)

Gibbons T, Reavey J, Georgiou EX, & Becker CM. (2023). Timed intercourse for couples trying to conceive. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 37709293.
Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, & Baird DD. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. Effects .... The New England journal of medicine, 7477165.
Fukuda M, Fukuda K, Andersen CY, & Byskov AG. (2000). Right-sided ovulation favours pregnancy more than left- .... Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 10966987.

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