Healthy couples in their 20s to early 30s have a 25-30% chance of getting pregnant in any given month, according to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Reproductive endocrinologist Lucky Sekhon notes that many factors influence fertility, including medical history, genetics, and timing. To boost chances, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding substances like cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol may be beneficial. The article reports on 7 evidence-backed ways to improve fertility, with a companion audio episode available for further listening.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-26,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists says that healthy couples in their 20s to early 30s who have regular, unprotected sex have a 25% to 30% chance of getting pregnant each month. Reproductive endocrinologist Lucky Sekhon compares trying to get pregnant to playing a slot machine - it's hard to control the outcome. However, certain lifestyle changes may improve fertility. These include getting regular exercise, cutting out substances like cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol, which can hinder fertility.
Written for “Infertility and Pregnancy Help” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
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No political leaning scored for article 2407 · logged 2026-08-27
COMIC: 7 lifestyle habits that may boost your chances of getting pregnant
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So you're trying for a baby.
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you → try → baby
By now, you probably know that it's not always easy to get pregnant.
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it → know → ?
Healthy, heterosexual couples in their 20s to early 30s having regular, unprotected sex have a 25% to 30% chance of getting pregnant in any given month, according to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists.
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couples → have → Obstetricians
There's more to it than you think
Many elements factor into those odds, says reproductive endocrinologist Lucky Sekhon.
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That includes medical history, genetics, hormone balance, timing and just pure luck.
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"Trying to get pregnant is like playing a slot machine," she says.
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she → try → machine
"You can pull the lever by timing your attempts around ovulation, but whether things line up and you hit the jackpot are not in your control.
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you → pull → control
However, there are some lifestyle changes both men and women can make that can help boost your odds.
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that → be → odds
That means making choices that support fertility, not hinder it — like getting regular exercise or cutting out cannabis, nicotine and alcohol.
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that → mean → cannabis
Here are seven evidence-backed ways that may improve fertility.
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that → back → fertility
This comic was reported and written by Andee Tagle and illustrated by LA Johnson.
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comic → report → Johnson
This comic was edited by Malaka Gharib and CJ Riculan.
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comic → edit → Gharib
We'd love to hear from you.
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