There is so much information out there about the best ways to increase your chances of conception and about preparing the body for pregnancy, and trying to cut it all down to a few key pieces of advice can feel overwhelming.
Whether you are looking to conceive naturally or via IVF treatment, your doctor or fertility clinic can help to give advice specific to your circumstances; here Professor Dr Geeta Nargund, Medical Director of CREATE Fertility shares her top tips for both women and men who are looking to have a baby.
1. First and foremost, know your monthly cycle
Your menstrual cycle has a six-day fertile window – the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation – when your chances of conceiving are increased. In order to be precise about understanding the timing of ovulation, you can use an app (there are lots of useful ones available) or buy ovulation test kits from most pharmacies. However, having sex every two to three days is a good way to help you meet your fertile window.
2. Achieve your optimum weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect your chances of conceiving; too much or too little body fat can make your periods irregular or stop them completely, which can affect your ability to conceive, according to the NHS. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that obesity is associated with decreased fertility and increased risk of miscarriages. In addition, losing weight can also reduce the severity of symptoms for women suffering from PCOS.
3. Get moving
Activity and exercise not only improves your overall health, but also your chances of conception. A study in Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that women who exercised 30 minutes or more daily had a reduced risk of infertility due to ovulation disorders. However, it is important to strike a balance with exercise levels and to beware of over-exercising, as too much exercise has been linked with reduced levels of certain hormones that can impact negatively on your fertility.
4. Stop smoking
The advice from the NHS is that 'smoking may reduce fertility in women by reducing egg quality and that includes passive smoking'. In addition, research shows that smoking can also be linked to early menopause in women and damaged sperm in men. The advice is, therefore, to stop smoking as soon as possible if you are looking to conceive.
5. Balance your diet
A diet that is nutritionally balanced can be very beneficial for both men and women looking to conceive, as well as helping you to achieve your optimum weight.
Consider the following adjustments:
- Taking supplements or eating foods rich in Vitamin D, E, and B12, zinc, iron and selenium can prepare the body for pregnancy and contribute to healthy sperm.
- Taking folic acid can be helpful for women to prepare the body for pregnancy as it is key for cell growth.
- Men and women should also increase their intake of foods containing folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as green leafy vegetables and brown rice.
6. Consider a fertility MOT
Fertility testing can flag up any potential issues that may impact on your chances of conception and give comprehensive assessment of your fertility. Thanks to medical and technological advances, the ability to check your fertility status is no longer a lengthy or demanding process, and fertility MOTs for both women and men can now be performed in around an hour, using advanced techniques to provide rapid and reliable information. Once you have your results then your specialist can give advice on your specific situation as well as advising on how to maximise your chances of conception.
7. Make sure you find time to relax
Conception – particularly if you are undergoing IVF treatment or are aware of conditions affecting your fertility – can be a stressful time. In turn, high stress levels can mean less interest in sex and it goes without saying that having sex frequently is better for your chances of conception. It’s important to take time out for yourself to do something you enjoy as well as spending time together as a couple doing something unrelated to fertility. If you are able to, taking a holiday together can give you the space to relax and enjoy each other’s company away from day to day stresses
The bottom line is that starting a family can sometimes take longer than expected for any number of reasons. My advice is to, of course, follow any recommendations from your doctor but also be kind to yourself and be aware of what your body needs.
