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Published on: 8/20/2026

What steps should I take if I am having trouble getting pregnant?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Struggling to conceive? Here are key steps to improve your chances of getting pregnant:

  • Track ovulation: Use ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature charts, or cycle-tracking apps to identify your fertile window (typically days 10–16 of a 28-day cycle).
  • Time intercourse strategically: Have sex every 1–2 days during your fertile window, especially the 2–3 days before ovulation.
  • Optimize lifestyle factors: Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, reduce stress, and avoid smoking or excess alcohol.
  • Consult a doctor: If you're under 35 and have been trying for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35), seek a fertility evaluation to explore underlying causes and treatments.

Because infertility can stem from many overlapping factors—hormonal, structural, or lifestyle-related—understanding your specific situation is crucial before your next step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes based on your unique symptoms and guide you toward the right care, saving you time and uncertainty on your path to parenthood.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Having trouble getting pregnant can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances.

1. Timed Intercourse:

  • One important step is to try timed intercourse, which means having sex during the days when you are most fertile. This typically involves tracking your menstrual cycle to predict ovulation, the time when an egg is released from the ovary.

2. Understand Fertility:

  • Understanding the basic concepts of fertility and infertility can also help. Infertility is usually defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying. Knowing this can help you decide when to seek medical advice.

3. Medical Evaluation:

  • If timed intercourse and understanding your cycle don't help, it may be beneficial to consult a doctor. They can assess your situation and discuss treatments, such as ovulation induction, which can help stimulate the ovaries to release eggs. To better understand any symptoms you may be experiencing, try this free symptom checker before your appointment.

Taking these steps can improve your chances of conception. Always consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

(References)

  • Manders M, McLindon L, Schulze B, Beckmann MM, Kremer JA, & Farquhar C. (2015). Timed intercourse for couples trying to conceive. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 25775926.

  • Vander Borght M, & Wyns C. (2018). Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clinical biochemistry, 29555319.

  • Hamilton-Fairley D, & Franks S. (1990). Common problems in induction of ovulation. Bailliere's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology, 2282744.

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