As an Ob/Gyn physician, it’s not uncommon for me to hear the question from patients, “Am I actually ABLE to conceive?” For some women who are planning pregnancy, as well as for some others who’ve never had a pregnancy (intended or not)…the question, “Can I get pregnant?” may be a looming concern.
Other than actually attaining a ‘positive’ pregnancy test, there really is no other specific test allowing us to know IF a woman CAN actually achieve pregnancy. What we do know is, that for the normal couple (those without risk factors/or a history of infertility, regularly sexually active,) the chances of conception are actually stacked in our favor. In fact, for regularly sexually active couples, there is a 15-25% probability of pregnancy with each menstrual cycle!
It is expected that nearly 90% of sexually active couples, without contraception, would become pregnant (intentionally or not) within one year. The one year mark is typically used in defining those couples with ‘infertility’…the inability to become pregnant, despite frequent, unprotected sex within one year. An infertility evaluation by your health care provider may be initiated at this time, and even earlier (at 6 months) for those women over 35.
Suzanne Hall, MD (@drsuzyyhall)
Eastside Gynecology Obstetrics
3 post(s) 
