Fertility Tips

Lifestyle affects fertility, so here are some guidelines to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Don't smoke or take any recreational drugs

Smoking and taking recreational drugs such as Marijuana is not only bad for your general health, but also decreases your chance of becoming pregnant. Smoking negatively affects male and female fertility. Smoking can damage genetic material in the sperm, resulting in reduced fertilisation and poorer quality embryos. Smoking also negatively affects the quality of eggs. In addition to this, smoking and drugs also increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

A healthy balanced diet with low fat intake, plenty of fruit and vegetables, antioxidants and an adequate vitamin balance all contribute to good reproductive health, as vitamin deficiencies have been associated with poor sperm quality.

Drink no more than 2 cups of coffee per day

High levels of caffeine may affect fertility and increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Avoid alcohol In females, alcohol may increase the time it takes to become pregnant and affect the developing baby, and in males, alcohol may affect the sperm. Males should not have more than two alcoholic drinks per day.

Females should take folic acid daily (0.5mg)

Commencing one month prior to treatment and continuing for the first 3 months of pregnancy, we recommend a 0.5mg daily intake of folic acid. This reduces the risk of Neural Tube Defect, such as Spina Bifida. Folic acid is available at pharmacies and health shops.

Exercise during the day

Regular moderate exercise can contribute to good reproductive health and help reduce stress. We recommend exercise at a moderate level that makes you slightly breathless but still allows you to talk.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being over or under a healthy weight can affect fertility, decreasing the chance of conceiving a healthy pregnancy and increasing the chance of a miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Focus on becoming fitter if you are overweight as losing a small amount of weight, approximately 5kg, has been shown to improve fertility. For men, being overweight can also affect their sperm quality.

Avoid excessive exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals

While there is some evidence that exposure to some chemicals and pollutants can affect fertility, it is not always possible to avoid exposure. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Regular sexual intercourse

Ovulation normally occurs 14 days prior to the onset of menstruation, and in a 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation normally occurs between days 12 and 14. Alternate day intercourse is recommended from day 8 to 16 as sperm can survive up to 5 days and the egg can still be fertilised up to 12 hours after ovulation.