Simple lifestyle changes may help improve your chances of conceiving. We will advise you on what factors may be relevant to you during your personalised treatment plan. Please make sure to inform the clinical team if you are using any alternative preparations or complementary therapies so they can advise you appropriately.
It is recommended that a couple trying to conceive has intercourse every two to three days around the time of ovulation to optimise their chances of conceiving. Common steps to improve egg and sperm quality include stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a normal BMI.
It is recommended that anyone hoping to conceive stops smoking, including cigarettes, vapes and substances such as cannabis. This applies to both the prospective parents to improve both fertility and general health, and to help make sure a pregnancy is as healthy as possible. There is robust evidence that smoking affects sperm and egg quality, as well as embryo development. Our recommendation therefore is that you should stop smoking completely and not use vaping as an alternative.
Limiting alcohol is important for both men and women hoping to conceive. In general the recommendation would be for a female to have 5-6 units per week, and for a male 10-12.
BMI is a an important part of maximising your chances of conception. Achieving a healthy weight is important when trying to conceive as there is evidence that being overweight can affect ovulation and can also reduce sperm quality. The higher the BMI, the more likely complications will arise in the future pregnancy, compromising your health and that of the baby. It is for this reason we recommend prospective mothers in particular are at least working towards a healthy BMI before undertaking fertility treatment with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
We do not recommend severe intensity exercise regimens for people trying to conceive. Men also need to be careful about exercising too frequently or using therapies like steroids because these have detrimental effects on the semen.
The clinical team may identify areas where your general health can be optimised, such as taking vitamins or supplements. These are not always classified as “fertility medications” but will help you maximise your chances of conceiving a successful, natural pregnancy.
Taking folic acid (400 micrograms per day) is now standard advice for all prospective mothers intending to conceive because it has been shown to reduce the risk of having a child with neural tube defects. Some women require a higher dose because they have specific medical conditions that are more susceptible to this risk. The clinical team will recommend the appropriate dose for you bearing in mind your specific circumstances.
