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Trying to Conceive

Your complete guide to conception - From understanding your cycle to boosting fertility naturally and knowing when to seek specialist help.

85%
of healthy couples conceive within 12 months of trying
6
days per cycle when pregnancy is possible (the fertile window)
57%
of couples conceive within 3 months when timing intercourse correctly

TTC Guides

Understanding Your 28-Day Cycle

Your cycle has four phases. Only a 5-6 day window each month can result in pregnancy - The days just before and including ovulation. Use our Ovulation Calculator to find your window.

Days 1-5
Period
Days 6-13
Follicular
14
Days 15-28
Luteal
Fertile window: Days 9-14 (sperm can survive 5 days; egg lives 12-24 hours after release)
Day 1Day 7Day 14Day 21Day 28

Fertility by Age: What the Data Shows

A woman's egg quality and quantity decline with age — especially after 35. This is a natural process, not a cause for alarm. Knowing your numbers helps you plan, and if you've been trying for a while, see when it makes sense to consult a fertility specialist.

Age Group Monthly Chance Within 12 Months Visual
Under 30 20-25% ~90%
30–34 15-20% ~85%
35–37 10-15% ~75%
38–40 8-12% ~65%
Over 40 5-8% ~45%

Source: ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). Individual results vary based on health, lifestyle, and partner factors.

How to Detect Ovulation: Method Comparison

Tracking ovulation precisely can double your chance of timing intercourse correctly. Read our full ovulation guide for step-by-step instructions on LH surge strips, BBT charting, and cervical mucus — then use the Ovulation Calculator to pinpoint your fertile window this cycle.

Method What You Do Accuracy Cost Timing
LH Ovulation Strips Urine test daily from day 10 High ~$15-30/month Predicts 24-48h ahead
BBT (Basal Body Temp) Temp on waking, every day Moderate ~$20 thermometer Confirms after ovulation
Cervical Mucus Check discharge texture daily Moderate Free Up to 5 days ahead
Fertility Monitor Urine test, tracks LH + E3G Very High $200+ device 6 days fertile window
Cycle App Log period dates, symptoms Variable Free–$20/yr Estimate only

Preconception Health Checklist

Ideally start this 3-6 months before trying. A preconception check with your GP covers most of these. Once you do conceive, our pregnancy hub walks you through every week — and our Due Date Calculator is one of the first tools you'll want to use.

Start folic acid 400-800 mcg/day
Reduces neural tube defect risk by up to 70%
Schedule a preconception GP visit
Blood tests, STI screen, BP check, vaccinations
Stop smoking completely
Smoking reduces egg and sperm quality significantly
Limit alcohol to zero
No safe level established in early pregnancy
Reach a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9)
Both underweight and overweight affect fertility
Cut caffeine to under 200 mg/day
Roughly 1-2 cups of coffee per day
Review all medications with doctor
Some drugs are not safe for early pregnancy
Update rubella & varicella vaccines
Infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects
Track your cycle for 2-3 months
Helps identify irregular ovulation before trying
Improve sleep to 7-9 hours
Poor sleep disrupts reproductive hormones

When to See a Fertility Specialist

Under 35 and trying for 12+ months without success
Over 35 and trying for 6+ months without success
Irregular periods (cycle shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days)
Known conditions: PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, or prior STIs
Two or more miscarriages
Male partner has known sperm issues or prior vasectomy

Singapore fertility clinics: KKH IVF Centre (public), NUH Reproductive Medicine (public), Astra Women's Specialists, Thomson Fertility Centre, Virtus Fertility Centre. Subsidised IVF is available at public hospitals for eligible Singapore Citizens. Read our full IVF guide for costs, Medisave coverage, and what to expect.

Popular TTC Topics

Key TTC Facts

A healthy egg only survives 12-24 hours after release.Learn ovulation timing →
Sperm can live up to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract.
The best time to conceive is 2-3 days before ovulation.Find your fertile window →
Stress doesn't prevent pregnancy but it can disrupt cycle regularity.
Both partners benefit from a healthy diet and lifestyle.See fertility tips →

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