Answers to All of Your Questions on the Chances of Getting Pregnant - What are the Chances of Getting Pregnant if...

Apr 26, 2010 Posted by Amanda in Pregnancy | 1 comment

What are the chances of getting pregnant when…

In our younger years we aim to do anything to prevent pregnancy. When we are ready to start a family, we try everything to get pregnant. Whether you are trying to prevent pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive, it is good to know what your chances are in different situations. Birth control methods, age, and health are all factors in getting pregnant. Read on for more information.

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During Ovulation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
On the Pill
From Precum
Using Withdrawal Method
During Period
After Age 30 or 40
After Tubal Ligation
After Miscarriage

Chances of Getting Pregnant During Ovulation

Ovulation usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. After the egg is released, it can last up to 48 hours. Meanwhile sperm can live in a woman’s body for up to 5 days. Given these circumstances healthy, normal couples have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month or cycle. 85% of these normal, healthy women who have sex without protection (birth control, condom, etc) will get pregnant within one year.

Chances of Getting Pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

5-10% of women at child bearing age have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS. The chance of getting pregnant naturally with PCOS is low. Lack of ovulation, irregular or missing periods is usually to blame. However, there are woman who have convinced naturally. In addition, for many women help from their doctor through medications, hormones, and IVF have increased their chances. Getting pregnant with PCOS is not impossible.

Chances of Getting Pregnant on the Pill

The chances of getting pregnant while taking the birth control pill are slim, but still it is possible. The pill is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it must be used correctly – taken everyday at the same time each day. If a pill is missed or late, an additional form of protection should be used. With typical use (meaning not everyone is perfect) pregnancy will happen 5% of the time. With perfect use (taking it everyday on time to the minute) pregnancy will happen only 0.1% of the time.

Chances of Getting Pregnant from Precum

Precum is also called: pre-seminal fluid or pre-ejaculation. Pregnancy is very possible from precum. Precum itself is not made up of sperm. It is created to clear the way for sperm and aid in lubrication during intercourse. However, sperm from a prior ejaculation can be picked up while the precum is on the move. This can cause pregnancy. Having the male urinate between each ejaculation can reduce the chances of pregnancy from precum.

Chances of Getting Pregnant using Withdrawal

The withdrawl method, also known as pulling out, is not very effective when used as birth control. When used alone it is only about 73% effective in preventing pregnancy (in comparison to most birth controls which report 99% effectiveness).

Chances of Getting Pregnant During Period

If you are having your period it means you are most likely not pregnant. However, bleeding may occur at other times of the month and may signal pregnancy – such as bleeding from the egg implanting in the uterus after conception. Pregnancy happens during ovulation, which is about day 14 of your cycle.

Chances of Getting Pregnant after age 30 or 40

Statistically speaking, the chances of pregnancy for women over 30 start to decline by about 3.5% per year. This rate continues to increase after the age of 40. After 45, however, experts say it is virtually impossible for a woman to conceive using exclusively her own eggs.

Chances of Getting Pregnant After Tubal Ligation

A tubal ligation virtually eliminates the chance of getting pregnant – in the first year after the procedure, the chance of getting pregnant is less than 1 percent.

Chances of Getting Pregnant After a Miscarriage

Many healthcare providers recommend waiting anywhere from 3-12 months to try and conceive after a miscarriage. The body and mind need time to recover. It takes time for the uterus to recover and for the endometrial lining to become strong and healthy again. If a woman’s body isn’t ready to support a pregnancy by the time that she conceives again, she faces an increased risk of experiencing a repeat miscarriage. But medically, it is safe to conceive after two or three normal menstrual periods if everything is normal.

*This article should not replace guidance from a doctor. If you are trying to conceive or prevent pregnancy please consult your physician.

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