When conditions are optimal but conception does not occur

[Taedareth]

Can anyone tell me if it's common (or even just possible) for conditions to be optimal but conception still not occur? i.e. healthy sperm count, healthy amounts of fertile fluid, sex 3 times during the woman's fertile phase including the very day of ovulation, an average-length luteal phase - and still no conception?

[funnygrace]

I think it is common. And even if conditions are optimal for conception, and conception does occur, conditions also have to be optimal for implantation as well if pregnancy is to be acheived. That's why you can find statistics that say something like only 15% of couples trying in a given cycle will have a pregnancy.

[Taedareth]

Hmm. Is that statistic taken from a study in which 100% of the couples were practicing NFP and knew the exact days when the woman was fertile? Because it would make sense to me that only 15% of couples who are "trying" in a given month are successful if they have no idea when the woman's fertile phase is. But it seems like couples who can pinpoint the fertile phase would have a higher rate of success, you know?

[sselora]

Welcome to my world! That was my story all the doctors were saying . . . "oh yeah, no problem, everything looks great, keep trying, relax, etc." And 5 years later, I finally had had enough and finally did IVF - luckily that worked. But, from my own experience, it is very possible that you can have "optimal conditions" and not get pregnant. My advice is don't wait longer than a year TTC to go get checked out and move on to more aggressive remedies. Good luck!! BTW, that is the statistic I heard too -- 15% who are trying get pregnant in a month. WIth IUI I've heard it's only 12%

[thismama]

I've heard 15-20% for people who know how to try properly. At the fertility clinic I was told 15% for intrauterine insemination. And obviously they know what they are doing, tracking cycles very closely.

[kristinc]

i am in the same boat. It has been over 12 months of doing everything correct and no luck: I have been charting for over 2 years and my cycles look great, but nothing ever happens:: I am so discouraged.

[sbgrace]

Yes, if things are optimal and you're charting and you haven't conceived in 3 to 6 months depending on age I'd be looking further into the cause/seek inferitility treatment. But one month wouldn't make me concerned. Things can be optimal and it just doesn't happen or stick.

[mamastotwo]

What my RE always told me, is things may be optimal but it still has to be the "right" sperm and the "right" egg coming together and implanting optimally too.

[gemasita]

I do think it can often take 6-9 months if "all is perfect." There is so much that goes into conception. But beyond that, I would get some testing.

We tried for 9 months (and had been charting for a year before we even started TTC) and I just recently learned that my tubes were completely destroyed when my appendix burst 5 years ago. Everything SEEMED perfect but I am glad we didn't want longer to get tested because it was never going to happen on it's own. Even with "perfect" cycles.