Trying for a baby should be an exciting time. If you already have kids, it’s a chance to expand your family. If not, this should open up a whole new chapter of your life. Plus, trying to conceive is a good excuse to get between the sheets, and who doesn’t love that?
The trouble is that, for many couples, the fun wears off once a few months pass with no positive pregnancy test. In reality, over 10% of US couples have some difficulty conceiving. Once you start, you realize that making a baby is a lot like entering the lottery – the chances of success are actually surprisingly slim.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that you should stop trying when you aren’t pregnant within a few months. But, it is essential to note that you need to be aware when to concede defeat on your attempts at natural conception. This is an important milestone, as it allows you to seek assisted conception methods like those offered at the Advanced Fertility Center, or at least get some testing. Of course, some couples keep going with natural conception for years, and it works for them, but it might be worth moving onto the next stage if you’re noticing the following.
You’ve been trying for 2+ years
You may be surprised to find that the average couple takes between 6 months to a year to conceive, with many not getting pregnant until their second year of trying. As such, it certainly isn’t worth giving up after a few months. Even after six months or a year, your chances at natural conception are high. If you’ve been trying for any longer, though, it may be a sign that you should get a third party involved.
Your relationship is feeling the strain
Ongoing natural conception efforts can lead to significant strain in your love life. It’s hardly surprising considering that sex soon goes from something you do for love to something you do ‘because you’re ovulating.’ Add to that the ongoing disappointment of negative pregnancy tests, and it’s no surprise if you and your partner start to fall out. Sadly, that’s no situation in which to raise a child, nor is it going to encourage you to keep getting between the sheets. If you find yourselves falling out, then, it might be time to at least get some tests done.
Mental health is taking a hit
Continued struggles with natural conception can take their mental toll after a while. Tracking your ovulation date can be stressful, not to mention the depression that comes at the end of your cycle. Both you and your partner might begin to experience anxiety and higher levels of stress. Sadly, that alone can drastically impact your chances of conception. If either of you starts to struggle from a mental standpoint, then it might be worth seeking some help. Even just confirmation that there’s no medical reason for fertility problems could chill you out enough to expand your family at last.
