Fertility Mistakes When Trying to Conceive

Is it taking longer than expected to get pregnant?
You’re not alone - even with perfect timing, conception can take time. 80% healthy couples conceive within 12 months of regular, unprotected sex and 95% within 48 months.

Here are the most common fertility mistakes couples make - and HOW to avoid them. 

1. Not Knowing When You Ovulate

Every woman’s cycle is different - ovulation doesn’t always happen on day 14.
Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your next period, not necessarily 14 days after your last one.

Try this:

• Use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) to detect the LH surge 24–36 hours before ovulation.
• Track cervical mucus - when it becomes clear and stretchy, ovulation is near.
• Have sex every 2–3 days during your fertile window (the 5 days before ovulation and ovulation day).

2. Only Having Sex on Ovulation Day

Your fertile window lasts around 6 days - sperm can survive for up to 5 days, but the egg only lasts 12–24 hours.
If you have sex ONLY on ovulation day, you may miss your most fertile time.

 Have sex every other day during your fertile window and every 2-3 days during the rest of the month to ensure sperm are present when the egg is released.

3. Having Sex Too Frequently

Having sex every day may slightly reduce sperm count, especially if sperm quality is already low. Focus on every other day during the fertile window for the best balance.

4. Worrying About Positions

Positions don’t affect conception chances. Sperm naturally swim towards the egg once ejaculated. There are cilia (hair like structures) that help the sperm to swim and biochemicals released from the egg which attract the sperm.
 Focus instead on comfort, connection and timing — not the “right” position.

5. Keeping Unhealthy Habits

Lifestyle choices impact fertility in both men and women.Smoking, heavy drinking, poor diet and lack of exercise can all reduce egg and sperm quality.

Try this:

• Eat a nutrient-rich, Mediterranean-style diet.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (400–800 µg) daily before conception.

6. Waiting Too Long to See a Specialist

If you’ve been trying for:

• 12 months (under 35) or
• 6 months (over 35), see a doctor or fertility specialist. Early testing can identify issues sooner.

7. Assuming It’s Only a Female Issue

Fertility challenges are not just a women’s issue - 40–50% of cases involve male factors like sperm quality or motility.

8. Waiting Too Long to Try

Fertility declines naturally with age. By 35, egg quantity and quality begin to decrease; by 40, conception rates are about 50% lower than in your 20s.

9. Using the Wrong Lubricant

Many standard lubricants can harm sperm motility. Use a fertility-friendly lubricant that’s pH-balanced and sperm-safe.

10. Letting Stress Take Over

Stress can affect ovulation, egg development and sperm quality.Women with high stress levels may take ~20% longer to conceive.

Try this:Incorporate relaxation daily - yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness or walks in nature

 In Summary

Fertility success is about timing, consistency and healthy lifestyle habits.Track ovulation, optimise your health and seek help early if needed - small changes can make a big difference.

References 

1. Johnson S et al. Ovulation tracking and conception probability. Hum Reprod Update. 2019;25(6):689–705. [PMID: 31020395]
2. Steiner AZ et al. Timing of intercourse and probability of conception. Fertil Steril. 2020;113(3):511–519. [PMID: 32014337]
3. Ferreira RC et al. Ejaculation frequency and semen quality. Andrology. 2021;9(5):1391–1398. [PMID: 34289609]
4. Skoracka K et al. Lifestyle interventions and fertility outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online. 2022;45(2):289–302. [PMID: 35786944]
5. Mascarenhas MN et al. Global male infertility overview. Nat Rev Urol. 2020;17(7):383–396. [PMID: 32020054]
6. Steiner AZ et al. Age-related decline in fecundity. Hum Reprod Update. 2020;26(4):575–589. [PMID: 32333737]
7. Anderson L et al. Lubricants and sperm motility. Fertil Steril. 2019;111(3):560–567. [PMID: 30739744]
8. Gurunath S et al. Stress and time to pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update. 2022;28(2):190–208. [PMID: 35060462