26 years old, never been pregnant and I'm trying now. I just got off the lo ovral birth control pill in December after being on it off and on for about 4 or 5 years. Since December I have had 2 regular periods. How long does it normally take for someone to get pregnant after getting off the pill?

Most couples will become pregnant within a year of actively trying. Some will find it takes longer, even when all is well. Timing is part of it, but there are other factors that have to be in order for conception to occur. This is why there is roughly only a 20-25% chance of becoming pregnant in any cycle. While some couples become pregnant the first month of trying, most do not.

At 26, and if you have regular cycles, your doctor would not usually even consider initial fertility testing until after a year because of the fact that it can take quite some time. It can be frustrating for couples when they want it to happen quickly. You can help things along by learning how best to determine when you might be the most fertile and when you are likely to ovulate. There are various means to do this. A starting place is about 12-16 days before a period is due. Some women find using ovulation predictor kits let them know when their body is preparing for ovulation. Some women find a few months of temping and charting allows them to notice the slight changes that usually accompanies ovulation. You can also watch for changes to your cervical mucus. Closer to ovulation, the discharge often becomes for fluid and clear.

Try not to get too discouraged. The last thing you want is for it to become all about calendars and trying to time things just so... that can make it seem more like a chore after awhile. Use the tools to guide you, but don't forget to enjoy the process!