Heterosexual couples

Reasons for difficulties conceiving

There are a number of reasons why couples may struggle to conceive. Often it’s simply a question of time – some couples just take a little longer to get there – or improving your lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking or trying to reduce your stress levels. The majority of couples will conceive naturally within two years.

Find out how to boost your chances of getting pregnant on the NHS website

For the minority of couples who have a medical reason for being unable to conceive naturally, there are a number of potential causes. These include ovulation disorders, infections, low sperm counts and certain medications and treatments that impact your fertility.

Find out more about the causes of infertility on the NHS website

Fertility clinic search

Getting professional help

The first step for most people who are struggling to conceive is their doctor. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that couples who have been having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year should be offered further clinical assessment and investigation.

If you have a condition that you know affects your fertility, or you’re a woman over 36, NICE recommends that you’re offered an earlier referral for a specialist consultation.

Find out more about fertility tests on the NHS website

View NICE’s guidelines for the assessment and treatment of fertility problems

If the tests indicate a fertility issue in one or both partners, then you’ll need to be referred for fertility treatment on the NHS or have treatment privately.  

Costs and funding