How does conception happen?

When is it easy to get pregnant, how long does it take for signs of pregnancy to appear, and how to improve the chances of having children are common questions of many couples.

When does conception occur?

Conception occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg in the female reproductive tract, which can happen within minutes of sex or up to six days later.

This is because sperm can survive in a woman's reproductive system for up to five days, while an egg only survives for 12-24 hours after it is released from the ovary. Conception can occur at any time during this six-day period (the fertile window). This means that the day of intercourse is not necessarily the day of conception. Conception can occur more quickly if the couple has sex around the time of ovulation and the egg is ready to be fertilized.

Studies show that it takes an average of 2-10 minutes for sperm to travel from the cervix to the fallopian tube to meet the egg. This is where conception occurs.

Pregnancy check-up

Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, ultrasound screening for complications during pregnancy for pregnant women.

How long after sex can you get pregnant?

The fertilized egg that forms into an embryo must travel from the fallopian tube into the uterus and implant. Implantation usually occurs 6-12 days after conception. Some people notice early signs of pregnancy such as light bleeding and cramping, but most do not have any symptoms.

What is the success rate of conception?

Many couples get pregnant in just one month, while others have to try for months to a year. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), couples in their 20s or early 30s have a 25-30% chance of conceiving each month, a number that declines as they age.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse for a year or 6 months if the woman is over 35. These cases should be examined promptly for comprehensive reproductive health so that the doctor can diagnose the cause and provide timely treatment.

How to improve your chances of conceiving?

Women should track their menstrual cycles and determine their fertile window. Have sex around the time of ovulation for the best chance of success. There are many ways to help determine ovulation, such as using ovulation predictor kits, charting basal body temperature, and monitoring cervical mucus. Sex should be done up to 5 days before ovulation.

Some people believe that lying still or elevating your legs helps sperm reach the cervix, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. Similarly, urinating after sex does not reduce sperm. Sperm can swim through the uterus regardless of the woman’s body position. Couples trying to conceive should relax and reduce stress.

What are the early pregnancy symptoms?

Pregnancy symptoms can appear as early as a week after intercourse, when the embryo implants in the uterine lining, but it usually takes several weeks to become apparent.

In addition to a missed period, common signs include light bleeding, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, headaches, loss of appetite or food cravings, and nausea. Some people do not have any noticeable symptoms.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

Home pregnancy tests cannot detect pregnancy at the time of fertilization or implantation. A woman’s body needs to produce enough hCG, a pregnancy hormone, to get a positive result on a test. For accurate results, women should wait until their period is late. If the pregnancy test is negative, wait a few days and test again.