What happens during conception?
For the best chance of conceiving you should be having unprotected intercourse every 2–3 days, particularly just before the female partner ovulates.
New research suggests that intercourse 2 days before ovulation gives the best chance of pregnancy. As sperm can survive for 72 – 96 hours in the fallopian tube, intercourse just before ovulation ensures that sperm are present in the fallopian tubes at the correct moment.
During intercourse, sperm is ejaculated into the upper vagina. The sperm then need to swim through the secretions at the neck of the womb (cervix) and upwards through the womb (uterus) to the opening of the fallopian tubes. They then swim along the tube to meet the egg.
Once the egg is fertilised by a sperm, an embryo is created. Over 4 – 6 days the embryo moves down the fallopian tube to the womb. It then attaches to the lining of the womb where it hopefully flourishes.
A naturally conceived pregnancy requires:
- Ovulation
- Normal healthy sperm
- Normal fallopian tubes and uterus
What are the normal success rates?
The average monthly success rate for couples trying to conceive naturally at 25 years of age is 20%. This figure decreases with increasing female age, particularly after 35 years of age.
For example, 75% of couples aged 25 will conceive in less than 6 months. However, by 35 – 39 years of age this rate drops to 25% in this timeframe.
The average age of women having their first child in Australia today is 30. This age is rising annually. Talk to your doctor, if you are not pregnant after 12 months of trying, and sooner if you are older than 35.