How long should you try naturally before considering treatment?

The Math of Natural Human Conception

Human reproduction is relatively inefficient compared to other mammals. Monthly fecundability (probability of conception per cycle) is:

• Age 20–25: ~25% per cycle
• Age 30–34: ~18%–20% per cycle
• Age 35–37: ~12%–15% per cycle
• Age 38–40: ~7%–9% per cycle
• Age 41+: < 4% per cycle

Optimizing the 6-Day Fertile Window

Many couples miss their fertile window by waiting for a positive home LH urine surge before having intercourse.

• The human oocyte remains viable for only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.
• Sperm can survive in fertile cervical mucus for 3 to 5 days.
• Having intercourse every 2 days across Days 10 to 16 (in a 28-day cycle) provides optimal conception coverage without performance stress.

The Reality of Secondary Infertility

Many patients assume that because their first child was conceived naturally, subsequent pregnancies will follow easily. Secondary infertility accounts for almost half of all fertility clinic visits in India. Age-related egg reserve loss, new uterine fibroids, scar tissue from past caesarean deliveries, or altered sperm quality frequently develop over time.