Fertility & Conception — How Pregnancy Begins

How does conception happen?

Around ovulation, an egg is released from the ovary. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube, one may fertilise the egg; the resulting embryo travels to the uterus and implants in its lining, beginning a pregnancy.

What is IVF?

IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) means fertilising eggs with sperm in a laboratory. The ovaries are stimulated to produce several eggs, which are collected, fertilised, and one or more embryos are then transferred into the uterus.

When should we seek fertility help?

Many guidelines suggest seeking assessment after about a year of regular trying without conceiving — sooner if the woman is in her late thirties or older, or if there are known issues such as irregular periods or previous pelvic infection or surgery.

What affects fertility?

Age is the strongest factor, particularly for egg quality. Smoking, very high or low body weight, some infections, certain medicines and conditions affecting either partner can also matter — a fertility assessment looks at both partners.