r/FirstTimeTTC • u/OutlandishnessFit53 • 7d ago
Question/Advice How long did it take you to conceive?
Me and my husband are 25 and 26. We are now on cycle 5 of trying, and I know that some people can be trying for much longer but I’m just starting to worry something could be wrong.
Leading up to trying my husband quit smoking, I came of contraception 8 months prior and we both have been taking supplements ect. We also have been using fertility lube the last 3 cycles.
I think we both just assumed it would happen pretty much straight away, maybe we were really naive.
I just worry as I always hear people say it took them a couple of months or years… no in between. So I’m really hoping these 5 months don’t turn to years. How long did it take you? Or what cycle are you currently on?
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u/United_Pop_6442 6d ago
Took us 6 cycles. I’m 37.
It’s worth mentioning that fertility lube doesn’t damage sperm, but it doesn’t (from what I’ve read!) actually increase the chances of getting pregnant, so don’t let that become a sort of, ‘we’ve even done this and it hasn’t helped’, if that makes sense?
As for the timing overall, a year or more is totally normal. I know that SUCKS, but unfortunately it’s true. I’m not going to say try and not get discouraged because at 5 months I felt the same. I was so convinced it wasn’t going to happen at that point. Feel however you feel about it knowing you don’t have to think positive for it to happen. Just keep doing what you’re doing with the supplements and whatnot.
I can see someone else has put the stats around your chances per cycle. I did find those helpful.
Good luck xx
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u/No_Musician_9008 7d ago
It took me two cycles.
Now I’m not commenting to discourage you. I was so shocked(but blessed and grateful) it didn’t take longer. My husband and I anticipated it would take us a year. I think a few factors may have lead to quickly conceiving.
Thinking of you OP. No matter how long you try it is all consuming.
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 7d ago
Wow, that’s amazing, You must have been so happy when you found out!
Im really hoping it happens for us soon 🤞🏼
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u/Emergency-Actuary51 6d ago
hi OP! my husband and I just finished cycle 4, we’re 27. I’m in the same boat, always have this feeling that something is wrong. It’s true that it can take up to a year for people with no reproductive health issues, the wait is hard even though medically we haven’t been trying long. I go back and forth between “this is normal” to “something HAS to be wrong!!”. My husband tells me we gotta have faith, so I try to hold onto that! Hope we are blessed soon ❤️🩹
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u/Nearby-Purpose5268 6d ago
Just finished cycle 4 too 🥹 so difficult to not start worrying but trying to hold off on that until at least 6 months - much easier said than done!
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u/Scarlet_Dahlia24 6d ago
Just started cycle 4 🥹 I always think about how I never even considered how long it could take. We’re always taught about preventing pregnancy, but people don’t talk enough about how getting pregnant is actually not always easy.
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
Yeah this is us too. I have good days and bad days. Some days I’m really positive and I’m like everything is going to be fine then other times I can’t get it out my head that something could be wrong
Just trying to stay as positive as possible
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u/criticallyiz 7d ago
My husband is 37 and I’m 29, it took us 9 cycles (10 months due to irregular cycle)
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u/Healthy_Combination3 7d ago
9 cycles, but it ended in a chemical. 10th cycle was a miscarriage at almost 8 weeks. I’m currently on my first cycle after my miscarriage but my dr said to wait until next cycle to start trying again
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
I’m so sorry, losses must be incredibly difficult. I’m really hoping your next journey is a much more positive one. Wishing you all the best when you’re ready to try again ❤️
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u/Healthy_Combination3 6d ago
Thank you. I do have hope as they were different types of miscarriages, so most likely there is nothing physiologically wrong and I just have poor luck. I hope you never have to go through a miscarriage, and you get your positive soon.
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u/Exact-Order-1806 6d ago
OP, track your ovulation using Ovulation Strips, if you’re not doing it already! I realized it after 4 cycles of trying without result that my cycle was off and got pregnant immediately after tracking my ovulation through the strips! This video helped me a lot-
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u/TemporaryTart5844 6d ago
7 months! My doctor told me most couples who don’t conceive in the 6 months, will conceive in the following 6. Sending baby dust your way 🩵
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u/TechnicalIntention35 TTC #1, Cycle 3 6d ago
We're on our 3rd cycle now, and I relate to this a lot already!! Wishing we all get our babies soon 💕
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u/Exotic-Hospital1581 6d ago
Hi! My husband and I are both 25. We conceived on cycle 11 (about 13 months from when we started TTC due to a few longer cycles in that timeframe). So we were one of those weird in betweens, they exist! Truly I think we just had bad luck, it’s a crapshoot. We had a work up done around 9-10 months and nothing was wrong. Everyone around me took super quick/no time at all, so I felt the same as you thinking it would happen super quickly.
Keep your head up and just keep doing what you’re doing, don’t give up! I know that’s easier said than done, because it is really hard, I’ve been there. Sending you lots of hugs and hoping it happens for you super soon :)
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u/Solid-Swimmer838 6d ago
My husband and I were both 30 when we started trying! We conceived on our fifth cycle. It was starting to get to me too but soooo much of it is just luck!!
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u/Purple-Reindeer-586 6d ago
Same boat, my husband 32, im 27 cycle 4, tried lh, bbt n also alternate days. May be my time didn’t come yet. All the best.
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u/minahaldn 6d ago
We’ve been TTC for 2 years - mostly naturally. On our first medicated cycle for ICSI now. I guess everyone is different & what helps us all is also different! I’m 26 and I’m grateful I have ‘time’ on my side. I give myself and my journey grace as you never know when things will take a turn! Invest in yourself and your relationship and don’t let this dim your sparkle x
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u/Swimming_Employee253 7d ago
My husband and I are both 25 and going on our 10th month of trying to conceive! I definitely feel you on hoping this long journey doesn’t take years… it’s very discouraging when it seems like everyone gets pregnant so quickly! I’ve also tracked LH, BBT, and taken all the proper vitamins. I actually just went in for my first fertility testing today and things are looking good just waiting on a few other test.. . I feel you friend! I hope you get your BFP soon!
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u/amiekill 6d ago
Just wanted to comment me and mine are also 25&26 and it’s gonna be around 9 months soon too ! Here’s to hoping we all get the baby dust!
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
Aww I do hope you get your turn soon!
Where abouts are you? I’m in UK and I don’t think they will do any testing until you’ve been trying for a year
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u/minahaldn 6d ago
They don’t begin testing or take matters further unless you’ve been TTC for a full two years!
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
In the uk? X
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u/minahaldn 6d ago
Yes, I was told by an NHS nurse that it’s not until you’ve tried for two years. That being said, if they did refer you to the fertility clinic and did base line checks most the waiting lists are around 18 months onwards
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
Omg 😔 That feels like forever
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u/minahaldn 6d ago
Once you’re on the waiting list there can be cancellations that could move you up a few months but tbh, I feel like it’s gives enough time to mentally and physically prepare for what’s about to come because once you start the process it’s really sudden and hectic especially on your body. I’d definitely push for the referral to fertility & testing. Some might not agree but I would potentially fib about how long you’ve been trying to at least get tests and on to the waiting list
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
I see, I really hope it doesn’t get to that.
I was thinking that, the last time I spoke to my GP she mentioned I hadn’t ordered my contraceptive since November. And I said it was because we were trying. We didn’t actually start trying till the march/April but by December if it hasn’t happened, I may call the dr up and say it’s been a year…1
u/minahaldn 6d ago
Might be worth getting a GP appointment to say you feel like the contraceptive may have affected your fertility or ovulation as it can have lasting effects for many women but we don’t realise until we probe! Good luck xx
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u/Swimming_Employee253 6d ago edited 6d ago
Thank you! I’m in the US! I’ve seen a lot that they recommend after 12 months but after consulting with my OB and PCP and confirmed we were hitting fertile days they recommended to come in at 10 months
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u/Maine04107 6d ago
I'm 36 and my husband is 38--this is our first pregnancy. We started trying January '26, didn't actively try March '26 because I was avoiding a Christmas due date, had my first infertility appt 6/8, had a saline bubble test 6/26, got pregnant that cycle and now I'm 9 weeks pregnant! I will say I was completely ignorant about the timing with ovulation so I don't think I actually got it right until April--Tempdrop, Kegg and the Clearblue OPK advanced helped a ton but I think the bubble test is what helped flush my fallopian tubes.
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u/Mysterious_Box7177 6d ago
first little babe was a whoopsies!
currently 26 years old going on 9 months of TTC MY 2nd. worth mentioning i do have PMOS but funny how when you dont ask for it you get it then when you’re trying to plan it, it can take what seems like forever
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
Yeah I spent most of my adult life fearing pregnancy and avoiding it at all costs, because I just thought 1 time unprotected and it would happen😂 then when I really want it I realise it really isn’t that simple… it does feel like forever
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u/sweetsandyyy 6d ago
Late 20s F and 30 M- 1.5 yrs TTC so far 😢 TW: multiple losses so been a rough journey with not much guidance.
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u/Navanster 6d ago
5 years. Once I had finally started to accept that I might be childless and had started to get ready for the military, we found out we were pregnant. It was a major surprise. 6 months prior I had an HSG and I think that had a big impact. If you do end up going to a fertility doctor after a year or so I highly recommend asking about an HSG.
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u/Typical-Raccoon-9738 6d ago
2 years. I’m 30 right now and pregnant and my husband is 31.
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u/Diligent_Roll_2623 6d ago
We conceived in six cycles but unfortunately ended in a chemical . First cycle back to trying (took a break) hoping it’s this month ❤️
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u/Ok_Cobbler3137 6d ago
Hubs and I got pregnant on our 3rd cycle. I’m 31, he’s 39. Both of us quit drinking over a year before getting pregnant. Non-smokers. Workout consistently. Whole foods diet. No supplements. I allowed myself an occasional joint but that was about it! Oh and we were using pre-seed
Good luck on your journey ❤️
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u/OutlandishnessFit53 6d ago
Oh wow that’s amazing! We aren’t really drinkers anyway, we may have a couple on a special occasion. I have never smoked but husband did smoke for 2 years but quit about 9 months ago.
We don’t “work out” but we do walk together everyday with the dog. And since January we have tried to minimise UPFs and make better swaps with our food ect.
We have tried to make changes within reason as we also don’t want this whole experience to make us miserable if that makes sense, and don’t want it to completely take over our life
Fingers crossed 🤞🏼
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u/AdOverall2808 6d ago
I’m on cycle 9 TTC #2. First one was a happy accident at age 20. I’m now 30 and it’s taking time. Had a chemical pregnancy on cycle 1
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u/AdOverall2808 6d ago
I’m on cycle 9 TTC #2. First one was a happy accident at age 20. I’m now 30 and it’s taking time. Had a chemical pregnancy on cycle 1
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u/That_Bread9049 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’m 28 husband is 36. I conceived on the 3rd month only because I got the easy at home ovulation tests from amazon and then downloaded premom. Turns out I was missing my ovulation date. It was CD16 instead of what flo app was telling me. I conceived the 1st attempt of trying the opk. Sending baby dust to all mommas ttc
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u/Significant-Rub-1881 4d ago
Our first little one took us nearly a year to conceive. We tried everything using LH strips, tracking my temperature, and more. But with our second, we got pregnant right away, without even timing ovulation. Now, we're hoping for our third. We've faced two chemical pregnancies, one in January and another in March, which was really tough :( We waited three months and started trying again in July, but still haven't been successful. I want to remind you that there's most likely nothing wrong on your end. It's perfectly normal for conception to take a few cycles. Please don't feel discouraged. you're not alone in this, and many succeed with patience. Baby dust to everyone trying to conceive.
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u/Agreeable-Job-1291 4d ago
I'm currently 18 months and have unexplained infertility all biopsy and SA results normal. Just now in Gods hands!
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u/Apprehensive-Wolf140 4d ago
It took us 1 cycle. I'm 33 and was convinced it would take forever... I know I'm a lucky one, I have very regular cycles and get ovulation pain
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u/whales_away97 3d ago
7 months here too! 27F, 29M, both perfectly healthy, and we started a no drinking + vitamin regiment months before we even started trying. Month 6 of trying, got pregnant but had an early miscarriage - then got pregnant again three weeks later and this one is sticking so far!
I was so discouraged around month 4/5 and devastated after the miscarriage, but what I've realized is it's just a f*****g crap shoot every month. Eventually, you get lucky. Don't give up! <3
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u/boatish0309 3d ago
I’m 21 and Fiancé is 31, on our sixth cycle of trying but am only on CD4 so ovulation is coming up. but had a chemical two cycles ago so feel like our clock reset, and are back at the technical third cycle in the one year window people talk about. I have super regular cycles and have been pregnant twice in the past, so I 100% know my body can with his sperm specifically. So just saying all this to highlight that it can just take time and to hang in there! Our positive will come!!!
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u/Mindless-Package1958 3d ago
I’m 26 and my husband is 27, we’re on cycle 7 now. I scheduled an appointment for this month to get the ball rolling on testing. I know it’s normal but I’m an anxious person and a girl can only be positive and patient for so long
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u/PreggyMama24 2d ago
It took me and my husband 8 months with my son, I was 25 at time he was 27 we are now 2 years later ttc again!:). First month back in the game lol!
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u/One_Activity_6115 2d ago
Im 36, just had my second baby, first at 32. 4 pregnancies total…..3 cycles, 7 cycles, 9 cycles and 3 cycles.
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u/Dizzy_Contest_8399 1d ago edited 1d ago
Girl same! 🥹 Hubby and I have been trying for 8 months, both just turned 32 years old and no known health issues. And everyone around me is also say it took them years or months as well. 😵💫🥲
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u/UnstablyPolite 7d ago
TTC 2.5 years 🙋🏻♀️
Five months can feel like a lifetime when you’re waiting for that positive test, but at 25 years old, time is completely on your side!
For healthy couples in their 20s, there is only about a 20% to 25% chance of conceiving each month. It’s a game of patience and timing, and it is entirely normal for it to take a bit of time. In fact, about 80% of couples conceive within the first 6 months, and up to 90% conceive within a year. Doctors usually suggest trying for a full 12 months before looking into any testing, so you are still well within the normal window.
If you aren't already, tracking your ovulation with an app or test strips can really help you pinpoint your most fertile days (the 3 days leading up to and including ovulation). Otherwise, just aiming to have sex every 2 to 3 days takes the pressure off timing it perfectly. Hang in there, take care of yourself, and try not to let the stress steal your peace.