Trying to conceive often comes with more questions than answers. Labs, cycles, timing, symptoms, Google at midnight. It’s a lot. These are the questions we hear most often in clinic, along with clear explanations to help you understand what actually matters when you’re trying to get pregnant naturally.
1. How long should it take to get pregnant?
If you are under 35, the standard guideline is to try for 12 months before doing a fertility workup. Over 35, it is 6 months.
But you do not have to wait that long if something feels off or if you simply want more clarity and guidance. That alone is a valid reason to seek support.
You should also get checked sooner if you have:
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Irregular or unpredictable cycles
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Very light or very heavy periods
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Significant cramping or pain with your period or ovulation
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Known or suspected endometriosis
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A history of PCOS
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Thyroid issues
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Recurrent pregnancy loss
You are not “jumping the gun” by getting answers. It is your body – you are allowed to understand it.
2. Does stress actually affect fertility?
Yes, but not in the “just relax” way people love to throw around.
Chronic stress changes cortisol patterns, and cortisol directly influences ovulation timing, progesterone levels, inflammation, digestion, and sleep. This is not about being calm. It is about helping your body feel safe and resourced so hormones can do their job.
Think of it like this: fertility requires your body to feel like it has enough capacity to add something new. If you are in survival mode, it is harder for your body to prioritize reproduction.
3. What does a healthy menstrual cycle look like?
A typical healthy cycle is 26 to 32 days with clear signs of ovulation (like fertile cervical mucus or a temperature shift).
Your period should be manageable. Some cramps are normal, but pain that has you curled on the floor is not. Heavy clotting, migraines, mood swings that feel out of control, or periods that are too light to soak a tampon are all signals that hormones or inflammation could use support.
4. How important is diet for fertility?
Nutrition is foundational for hormone production, egg development, blood sugar stability, and inflammation control.
This does not require a perfect diet or a complete lifestyle overhaul. It comes down to consistency.
Start here:
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Eat protein and a variety of colorful produce at every meal
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Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado
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Cook at home more often than eating out
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Reduce ultra processed foods and added sugar
We are aiming for steady blood sugar and steady energy, not rigidity.
5. Should I be taking supplements?
Supplements can be incredibly supportive, but they are not the foundation. They work best when diet, sleep, stress, and blood sugar are being supported.
Supplements can:
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Fill nutritional gaps
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Support mitochondrial energy production in egg cells (think CoQ10)
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Help regulate the stress response
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Support inflammation pathways
But the right supplement plan is personal. The best approach is to choose supplements based on labs and symptoms, not guesswork or influencer recommendations.
6. How does acupuncture help with fertility?
Acupuncture for fertility increases blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, regulates the nervous system, supports ovulation and progesterone production, and reduces inflammation.
It helps your body get into a state where reproduction is more likely to happen. Consistency is more important than intensity. Weekly treatments over time are usually more effective than occasional sessions.
7. Is IVF my only option if things are not happening quickly?
IVF is an incredible tool and absolutely the right choice for some people. But it is not the automatic starting point. Your age, health history, cycle patterns, and timeline all matter when deciding whether IVF is appropriate.
Many people are steered toward IVF when what they actually need is clearer understanding of their cycle, support for ovulation, improved metabolic or inflammatory balance, or help reducing stress on the system.
There are several natural and low-intervention options that can be effective, including:
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Targeted ovulation support
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Herbal medicine or supplements to support egg development
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Improving sperm quality (more on that next)
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Cycle monitoring and timed intercourse based on real ovulation patterns
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Acupuncture and lifestyle support to regulate hormones and reduce inflammation
- Functional lab testing to rule out more subtle imbalances
If you’ve tried all of these things, or if you know there are other factors at play that complicate the picture, then IVF may be a reasonable next step. The right treatment is the one that aligns with your physiology and your goals, not just the fastest or most aggressive option offered.
8. What about sperm health?
Sperm quality matters just as much as egg quality. Half the embryo comes from sperm, and sperm are extremely sensitive to lifestyle.
Things that impact sperm:
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Heat (hot tubs, bike seats, laptops in the lap)
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Alcohol and cannabis
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Poor sleep and high stress
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Low protein or nutrient deficient diet
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Blood sugar instability
The good news: sperm regenerates every 74 days.
So targeted changes can improve sperm quality within 2 to 3 months. This is often a faster timeline than egg quality changes.
9. When should I seek support?
If something in your body feels off, that is enough reason to get support.
You do not need to wait until you are “failing” or “have earned the right” to take your fertility seriously.
Your lived experience and instincts are clinical data.
Your body wants to work with you. When we support the nervous system, feed the metabolism, regulate inflammation, and listen to what your cycle is showing you, fertility often becomes less mysterious. You deserve care that is thoughtful, individualized, and collaborative.
If you’re looking for guidance, support, or just a place to start, we are here.