How long it takes to become pregnant depends on your age, health, and family history. It can take up to 1 year for some people to conceive. A fertility specialist may be able to offer guidance.

Most people in their 20s and early 30s are able to get pregnant within 6 months to 1 year, but this can vary from person to person.

Your chance of pregnancy is about 1 in 4 in any single menstrual cycle, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Your likelihood of conceiving depends on a few factors, including your:

Those with ovaries and a cervix have the best chance of getting pregnant in their 20s, when you have the largest number of healthy eggs.

As you age, fertility naturally declines, and your egg supply diminishes. The ones that remain also aren’t as healthy, so it might take you longer to conceive. Sperm quality also diminishes as you age.

By age 40, the chance of pregnancy in any menstrual cycle is 1 in 20.

Remember to take care of your health if trying to conceive

It’s important to take care of yourself when trying to conceive. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, and avoid:

  • alcohol
  • smoking
  • recreational drugs

You might also want to begin taking a daily prenatal supplement or vitamin, but speak with a health expert first.

These lifestyle changes may help you increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

A skipped period is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. But if your cycles tend to be irregular, this may not be the most telltale sign.

Other indicators of pregnancy may include:

If you want to confirm a pregnancy, the most reliable method is to have a blood test from a doctor or use an at-home pregnancy test, which are available at most drug stores.

According to the National Infertility Association (or RESOLVE), infertility affects 1 in 6 people of reproductive age globally.

Sometimes there’s an obvious cause of infertility, like a physical problem with reproductive organs. In other cases, the cause is unknown.

You should consider speaking with a fertility specialist about infertility:

  • if you’re 35 or younger and have been trying to get pregnant for a year
  • if you’re over age 35 and have been trying for more than 6 months

If you know you have a health condition that affects your fertility, speak with a reproductive health expert sooner.

If you’ve been trying for a while with no success, consider speaking with an infertility specialist for more guidance. Or turn to an organization like RESOLVE for advice.