Getting pregnant may seem like the most natural thing in the world for women, but 85% aren't actually aware of the average time it takes to conceive.
Health on Female First
A timescale of just six months or less is the expectation for many, however this is not the case.
The study, commissioned by women’s intimate health brand Balance Activ, surveyed 2,000 UK women about their knowledge of conception and results found that they were misinformed when it came to how long and how demanding becoming pregnant can be. The study was conducted to help raise awareness for National Infertility Awareness Week, (28 Oct – 3 Nov).
Just 15 per cent correctly identified one to two years as being the average timeframe it takes the typical couple to conceive. A shocking 43 per cent of respondents said they would expect to be pregnant within six months, with 12 per cent of those expecting conception to be successful within the first three months of trying.
Corrin Farr, Senior Marketing Manager at Balance Activ commented: “Deciding to try for a baby can be an intense time for couples. The fact that women are choosing to have children later on in life, combined with an expectation that conception will happen within weeks can also add stress and anxiety to the mix - which in turn can lead to its own problems. With these findings we are hoping to highlight the issues that can arise and help manage expectations for couples trying to conceive. There is a great network of healthcare professionals available to offer advice as well as over the counter products, such as Balance Activ Conceive, that can help boost the natural conception process.”
Worrying about not getting pregnant and having intercourse ‘on demand’ around the time of ovulation all contributes towards many women suffering vaginal dryness. In fact, 46 per cent of women trying to conceive experience pain during or after intercourse due to vaginal dryness. However, even with anxiety, stress and dryness being so common around conception just 2 per cent of women questioned in the study considered lubrication to be something that could aid their chances of getting pregnant.
Ordinary intimate lubricants are recognised for their detrimental effect on conception, usually having a thick consistency making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Sperm-friendly lubricants have the benefit of a much lighter consistency, aiding the sperm’s ability to reach the egg. They not only alleviate dryness issues and increase intimacy, but they also provide the right pH for sperm to survive.
Tagged in Health Pregnancy Women's Health Pregnancy Health Fertility