Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Trying to Get Pregnant

Trying to get pregnant can feel overwhelming. Every day in my clinic, I meet people who are doing their best — and yet are unknowingly making choices that may be holding them back.

I’ve been there myself. Like many people, I went from actively preventing pregnancy to suddenly “pulling the goalie,” assuming it would just happen. But fertility doesn’t work that way.

Below are the five most common mistakes I see, and what I wish more people understood when they’re trying to conceive.

Mistake #1: Not Understanding or Tracking Your Cycle

One of the biggest mistakes I see is not fully understanding the menstrual cycle — especially the fertile window.

Many people have spent years on hormonal contraception, which is completely safe and does not harm fertility. But it does prevent you from learning how your natural cycle works. When you stop birth control and immediately try to conceive, you may not know when or if you’re ovulating.

What I recommend:

• Stop hormonal contraception 3–6 months before trying to conceive

• Track your cycle before you’re actively trying

• Learn your body’s natural fertility signals

Tools that help:

• Basal body temperature (confirms ovulation)

• Cervical mucus monitoring (fertile, egg-white–like mucus signals peak estrogen)

• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)

  • Use once daily

  • Test between 10 AM–2 PM

  • A positive test means ovulation is likely the next day

Remember:

• Eggs live ~24 hours

• Sperm can live up to 5 days

• Intercourse before and during ovulation is key

Mistake #2: Ignoring Egg and Sperm Quality

Fertility is not just about ovulation — sperm health matters just as much.

Common sperm-related issues I see:

• Testosterone use in men

  • External testosterone shuts down sperm production

  • Can cause low sperm counts or even azoospermia

  • In some cases, damage can be irreversible

• Cannabis use

  • Impairs sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity

  • I see significantly worse IVF outcomes when cannabis is involved

Sperm take about 3 months to regenerate — changes matter.

Egg quality matters too

Eggs do more than carry DNA — they provide energy, mitochondria, and cellular support for early development. Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance can negatively impact egg quality.

Focus on:

• Sleep

• Strength training and muscle building

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Stress management

• Reducing toxin exposure

Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Get Evaluated

Infertility is officially defined as:

• 12 months of trying if under 35

• 6 months of trying if over 35

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to wait if there are red flags.

Get evaluated sooner if:

• Cycles are irregular or unpredictable

• You’re unsure if you’re ovulating

• Periods are extremely painful or heavy

• You have significant spotting

• Family members experienced early menopause

• Cycle length is changing

• You’ve had two or more pregnancy losses

• Your partner has:

  • Low libido

  • Erectile or ejaculation issues

  • History of testicular surgery

  • Low testosterone diagnosis

Earlier testing means earlier answers — and often better outcomes.

Mistake #4: Following Online Advice Without Vetting the Source

The internet is full of “fertility experts.” Not all are created equal.

A reproductive endocrinologist completes:

• 4 years of OB-GYN residency

• 3 years of fertility fellowship

That doesn’t mean other professionals (acupuncturists, naturopaths, dietitians) don’t have valuable insights — many do. But credentials matter, especially when it comes to hormones and treatment.

Another big issue: over-supplementing

More is not better.

My core supplements for most people include:

• Folic acid

• Vitamin D

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• CoQ10

Depending on individual needs:

• Magnesium

• Melatonin

• NAC

Biotin warning
Biotin can interfere with hormone lab testing.

• Do not exceed 300 mcg/day

• Especially important if undergoing fertility testing or IVF

Mistake #5: Carrying the Emotional Load Alone

Trying to conceive — especially when it’s not easy — is emotionally exhausting.

You should not be doing this alone.

What helps:

• Bring your partner to appointments (or have them call in)

• Share the emotional burden — not just the information

• Let trusted people in your life support you

• Consider therapy, support groups, or fertility communities

Fertility struggles are isolating — but they don’t have to be.

Your emotional health matters just as much as your physical health.