Normal conception is most likely to occur when…
• intercourse takes place around the time of ovulation – mucus around the cervix of the uterus becomes thin and clear at this time and stores the sperm
• sperm are slowly released into the uterus and make their way into the fallopian tubes
• sperm meet an egg that has been released from the ovary
• a sperm penetrates the shell of the egg and fertilises it
• the chromosomes of the egg and the sperm combine and form 1 cell, containing chromosomes from both partners
• the cell divides and becomes an embryo
• the cell remains in the fallopian tube during the initial stages of division (2 cell, 4 cell, 8 cell)
• the cell implants in the lining of the uterus after 2 to 5 days

PREGNANCY RATES – GENERAL POPULATION
FACT   The average pregnancy rate = 20% per month.
FACT   The average time to conceive = 6 months.
FACT   85% of couples conceive after 1 year.
FACT   Some couples take longer than 1 year but still conceive without fertility treatment.
FACT   15% of pregnancies will end in pregnancy loss due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.