When it comes to fertility, age is not on our side, but there are steps women and men can take to give themselves the best chance of conceiving. For the most part, fertility is determined by our genes. Of the 1–2 million eggs a woman is born with, only about 400 will ever mature, and as both women and men age, the quality of sperm and eggs declines.
Our fertility team at Specialist Clinics of Australia in Sydney shares practical ways to increase the probability of becoming pregnant. There are ways to protect and boost reproductive health for both women and men who are trying to conceive — and for those who may want to in the future.
The fertile times in your cycle
In women with a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the first day of menstruation. So if your cycle is 28 days, ovulation will be on day 14.
It’s also important to know how long the egg survives after ovulation before it must be fertilised — this is only about 24 hours. Sperm, however, can survive for up to 3 days. Therefore, it’s helpful to have intercourse every day or at least every second day around ovulation.
Only 20% of couples trying to conceive will be pregnant after one month of trying, and 90% by 12 months.
6 ways you can boost your fertility
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Stop smoking
Many studies link subfertility with increased time to conception in women who smoke. Smoking can age the ovaries prematurely, cause egg damage, and is associated with a higher rate of miscarriage. The good news: fertility can improve after quitting. -
Avoid recreational drugs
Recreational drug use can cause problems in pregnancy and may result in permanent changes to the foetus. Stop using them when you’re trying to conceive. -
Manage alcohol consumption
Fertility is influenced by alcohol consumption. Safe levels have not been established for pregnant women, and intake (particularly at high levels) can cause abnormalities known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Clinical studies set general limits at a maximum of 1–2 units per day for women and 3–4 units per day for men. Reducing intake can improve your chances of conceiving. -
Limit caffeine
While evidence is mixed, many experts believe excess caffeine may affect fertility. When trying to conceive, aim for less than 200 mg of caffeine per day. -
Keep your BMI within range
Evidence shows BMI below 18 or above 27 is associated with less spontaneous ovulation and decreased fertility, and it also affects general health. To optimise fertility, aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m². -
Control chronic medical conditions
Women with pre-existing medical conditions should be reviewed by a doctor before conceiving.
If you’ve been following the above advice for six months and have not become pregnant, consider consulting a gynaecologist or fertility specialist. It’s worthwhile to have your fertility checked and supported under the care of an expert.