Mathematical formula for predicting chances of pregnancy

Becoming pregnant is a matter of chance, meaning some people will succeed at the first attempt while other fertile couples may try for many months without success. But because women's fertility generally declines during their thirties, increasing age makes it ever more likely that failure to conceive is down to a medical cause and not simply bad luck. Now researchers have devised a simple formula to help couples understand their chance of becoming pregnant naturally, and judge when is the time to seek advice from a doctor. The model, described in the Public Library of Science ONE journal, was calculated using existing data from previous studies on pregnancy rates. A general rule of thumb used by doctors is that couples should try to conceive normally for a year before seeking help, but the new study suggests that by their mid thirties women may benefit from doing so sooner.
The Telegraph 4/10/12

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