Category: Trying to Conceive

Yes, many women get pregnant naturally after 35.NICE figures show that around 82% of women aged 35 to 39 conceive within a year of trying, and 90% within two years. But your chance of getting pregnant each month falls more quickly from your mid-30s. So if you’re 36 or over, see your GP after six months of trying, and consider checking your fertility early. Turning 35 can feel like a deadline, but your fertility doesn’t drop off overnight on your birthday. It does change, though, and knowing how can help you make the most of your time. This guide explains your chances of getting pregnant after 35, when to get help, the tests and treatments available, and how to look after yourself and your pregnancy. Quick facts Want to know where you stand? Hertility’s Advanced Hormone and Fertility Test checks your ovarian reserve and the hormones that affect your fertility from home. It comes with a doctor-written report and clear next steps. Can you get pregnant naturally after 35? Yes. Most women aged 35 to 39 can still get pregnant naturally, although it may take longer than in their 20s or early 30s, because the chance of conceiving each month is lower. Some women also conceive naturally in their early 40s. Your age is only part of the picture, though. Some women have a lower ovarian reserve than average for their age. Conditions that can affect fertility, such as endometriosis, fibroids and blocked fallopian tubes, also become more common as you get older. Two women of the same age can have very different chances, so it’s worth understanding your own fertility rather than going by age alone. What are your chances of getting pregnant after 35? Most women aged 35 to 39 get pregnant within two years of trying. According to NICE, among women having regular unprotected sex: The bigger change is in your chance each month. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), around 1 in 4 women in their 20s and early 30s get pregnant in any one cycle. By 40, it’s around 1 in 10. ACOG also notes that fertility starts to decline gradually from around 32, then more quickly after 37. What are the chances of getting pregnant at 40? At 40, your chance of getting pregnant in any one cycle is around 1 in 10. It’s more likely to take longer to conceive, or to need fertility treatment. Many women still get pregnant in their early 40s, but fewer do so naturally than in their 30s. By the mid-40s, natural pregnancy becomes unlikely for most women. If you’re 40 or over, it’s worth speaking to a GP or fertility specialist before you start trying, or as soon as you start. Why does fertility decline after 35? Fertility declines after 35 because you have fewer eggs, and more of them have chromosomal abnormalities. You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, around 1 to 2 million, and estimates suggest this falls to around 25,000 by your late 30s. This is why it can take longer to get pregnant as you get older, and why the risk of miscarriage rises. NHS figures put the chance of miscarriage at around 1 in 10 pregnancies for women under 30, up to 2 in 10 for women aged 35 to 39 and more than 5 in 10 for women over 45. Your partner’s age matters too. Sperm quality declines with age, particularly from around 40 to 45. That can mean it takes longer to conceive, and it’s linked with a slightly higher risk of miscarriage. Read more about how ageing affects fertility. When should you get help if you’re trying to get pregnant over 35? If you’re 36 or over, NHS guidance is to see your GP if you haven’t conceived after six months of regular unprotected sex. That’s sooner than the one year advised for younger women. It’s worth speaking to your GP or a fertility specialist before you start trying, or as soon as you start, if you: You don’t have to wait for NHS investigations to find out what’s going on. Hertility’s Advanced Hormone and Fertility Test checks your ovarian reserve and the hormones that affect your cycle from home, with a doctor-written report. If you need to look further, you can book a Pelvic Ultrasound Scan to check your womb and ovaries and count your follicles. A Private Gynaecologist Consultation can also look at your history in depth. What fertility tests should you have after 35? After 35, the most useful fertility tests are: AMH and AFC show how many eggs you have, but not their quality, and they don’t predict whether you’ll conceive naturally. After 35, their real value is helping you decide how quickly to act and whether to consider treatment. Read our guide to female fertility tests. Test with Hertility. You can start building your fertility picture with Hertility, without waiting lists or a GP referral. Hertility’s Advanced Hormone and Fertility Test checks your ovarian reserve and the hormones that affect your cycle from home, with a doctor-written report. If you need to look further, you can book a Pelvic Ultrasound Scan to check your womb and ovaries and count your follicles. A Private Gynaecologist Consultation can also look at your history in depth. How can you improve your chances of getting pregnant after 35? The most important steps are to get checked early, have regular sex, take folic acid and look after your general health. Get checked early. After 35, a fertility assessment early on can save you valuable time, even if everything turns out to be fine. Have regular sex.It is recommended to have sex every two to three days throughout your cycle. This covers your fertile window, the five days before ovulation and the day itself, without needing to time sex exactly. Sperm can survive for up to five days, but an egg only survives for around 12 to 24 hours after it’s released. Check […]

It isn’t usually hard to get pregnant at 30. According to NICE, around 86% of women aged 30 to 34 get pregnant within a year of trying, and 94% within two years. Fertility declines gradually through your 30s and more quickly after 35. So preparing your body, understanding your cycle and knowing when to get help can all make a real difference. If you’re in your 30s and thinking about starting a family, you’re far from alone. The average age of mothers in England and Wales is now over 30. But it’s natural to wonder whether you’ve left it too late and what you can do to improve your chances. Here’s what the evidence says, and how to give yourself the best start. Quick facts Is it hard to get pregnant at 30? For most people, no. Your fertility changes gradually with age rather than suddenly. It can take a little longer to get pregnant in your 30s than in your 20s, but most women in this age group still conceive naturally.NICE figures show that: Even in your 20s, getting pregnant isn’t guaranteed in any single cycle, and taking several months is completely normal, over 80% of heterosexual couples in the general population will conceive within 1 year of trying. Your age is only part of the picture. Your cycle, your general health, any underlying conditions and your partner’s fertility all matter too. How does fertility change in your 30s? You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, and both the number and quality of your eggs decline over time. Research on ovarian reserve estimates that by 30, most women have around 12% of the eggs they were born with. By 40, it’s around 3%. In your early 30s, the decline is gradual, and most women still have a good chance of conceiving each month. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the chance of a woman getting pregnant in a single cycle is about 25% to 30% if she’s in her 20s or early 30s. But by age 40, a woman’s chance of getting pregnant drops to less than 10% per menstrual cycle. Egg quality also changes with age. Eggs rely on the mitochondria, which provide the energy needed for fertilization and embryo development. Over time, mitochondrial function can decline, and oxidative stress can increase, both of which can affect egg quality. From around 35, it speeds up. More eggs have chromosomal abnormalities, which is why the risk of miscarriage rises with age. NHS figures put the risk at around 1 in 10 pregnancies for women under 30, and around 2 in 10 for women aged 35 to 39. Everyone is different, though. Some women have a lower ovarian reserve than average for their age, and some a higher one, so understanding your own fertility can tell you more than your age alone. Read more about how ageing affects fertility and what AMH is and how it’s tested. Your partner’s age matters too. Sperm quality also declines gradually with age, particularly after 40. How to prepare for pregnancy after 30 It’s worth starting to prepare a few months before you start trying. Eggs and sperm both take around three months to fully develop, so the changes you make now may support the ones released when you’re trying. Start taking folic acid. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day from before you start trying until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. Some people need a higher 5mg dose, for example if they have a BMI of 30 or more or diabetes. Your GP can prescribe this. The NHS also recommends a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement, particularly in autumn and winter. Most people don’t need other supplements, such as iron or calcium, before pregnancy unless a blood test shows they’re low, and you can usually get enough from a balanced diet. If you take a multivitamin, choose one designed for pregnancy, and avoid supplements containing vitamin A (retinol), as too much can harm a developing baby. Book a preconception check with your GP. It’s worth seeing your GP before you start trying if you: Your GP can also talk you through any pregnancy risks linked to your age or health. Plan when to stop contraception. Most contraception doesn’t affect your long-term fertility, and your cycle usually returns quickly after you stop. With some methods, such as the contraceptive injection, it can take longer. Find out how long it takes for your period to return after stopping the pill. Stop smoking and drinking. Stopping smoking and vaping, and cutting out alcohol, are some of the most important steps you can take. Find out when to stop drinking before trying to conceive. Involve your partner. Their health matters just as much. Stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol and eating well can all support sperm quality. Understand your fertility. Knowing your ovarian reserve and how your hormones are working can help you plan and pick up anything worth addressing early. The Advanced Hormone and Fertility Test gives you that baseline before you start trying. Tips for getting pregnant in your 30s Have regular sex. NICE advises having sex every two to three days throughout your cycle. This covers your fertile window without needing to time sex exactly, and it takes some of the pressure off. For more detail, read our guide on [when to have sex when trying to conceive] (add link). Understand your cycle. You’re most fertile in the five days before ovulation and on the day itself. This is known as your fertile window. It lasts this long because sperm can survive inside your body for up to five days, while an egg only survives for around 12 to 24 hours after it’s released. Having sex in the days before ovulation means sperm are already waiting when the egg is released. Your body gives signs that you’re approaching ovulation, such as changes to your cervical mucus. Read our guide on everything you need to know about ovulation […]

The safest approach is to stop drinking before you start trying to conceive. If you have a partner, it helps if they cut down around three months before you start trying, because that’s roughly how long sperm takes to develop. Knowing when to stop is one thing. Actually doing it can be harder. This guide gives you a clear timeline, practical ways to cut down, and help with one of the trickiest parts: what to say when people ask why you’re not drinking. Quick facts When should you and your partner stop drinking when trying to conceive ? If you’re the one trying to get pregnant, stop drinking from the point you start trying. The NHS advises that the safest approach when planning a pregnancy is not to drink at all. That’s because you could be pregnant for several weeks before you know it, and there’s no known safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy. If you drink regularly, start cutting down a few months before you begin trying. Going from drinking most days to to suddenly stopping overnight can be hard. A gradual approach makes it more likely to stick, and gives your body and cycle time to settle. If you’re trying with a male partner, they should cut down around three months before you start trying. Sperm take roughly three months to develop, so the changes they make now affect the sperm they’ll produce when you’re trying. They don’t need to stop completely, but staying well within the UK low-risk guidelines (14 units a week) and avoiding heavy drinking helps. Research has found sperm quality starts to decline with regular drinking. For the full evidence on how alcohol affects your chances of conceiving, ovulation and sperm, read our guide to alcohol and fertility. A timeline for going alcohol-free Three months before you start trying One month before you start trying When you start trying Once you’re pregnant Can you drink alcohol when trying to conceive ? Most people don’t find out they’re pregnant until they’ve missed a period, around four weeks into pregnancy, and often later. Alcohol passes through the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream, and there’s no known safe amount during pregnancy. That’s why UK guidance recommends not drinking at all while you’re trying. The risk of harm depends on how much you drink, how often, and the stage of pregnancy. It’s highest with regular heavy drinking or binge drinking. Drinking alcohol in pregnancy has been found to increase the risk of pregnancy complications like risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and your baby having a low birth weight. It can also cause your baby to have a serious life-long health condition, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which causes a range of lifelong conditions that affect a child’s learning, behaviour and physical development. Not every baby exposed to alcohol will be affected. The risk is likely to be low if you had small amounts before you knew you were pregnant. But experts can’t say how much alcohol is safe, so the safest choice is to avoid it completely. Alcohol may also affect conception itself. Getting pregnant involves several steps happening at the right time: releasing an egg, fertilisation and implantation. One study found that moderate-to-heavy drinking in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, was linked with a lower chance of conceiving. This is the stage when implantation would normally take place)  The evidence on light drinking is less clear, but there’s no known safe amount while you’re trying. For the full evidence, read our guide to alcohol and fertility. What if you drink regularly or heavily while trying to get pregnant? If you drink most days, or more than the UK recommended guideline of 14 units a week, give yourself more time. Starting to cut down three to six months before trying makes the change more manageable. The NHS explains how many units are in different drinks. If you drink heavily or feel you depend on alcohol, don’t stop suddenly. If you get symptoms such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or feeling sick when you haven’t had a drink, stopping abruptly can be dangerous. Speak to your GP first. They can help you cut down safely and put you in touch with free, confidential support. GPs are there to support you, not judge you, so try to be open about how much you drink. You’ll also find a list of organisations that can help at the bottom of this page. It’s also worth being honest with yourself about why you drink. If alcohol is how you unwind or cope with stress, including the stress of trying to conceive, having another way to manage those feelings will make stopping much easier. Tips to stop drinking when trying to get pregnant If drinking is how you usually relax, socialise or celebrate, cutting it out can feel like a big change. It’s easier if a partner or friend does it with you. And remember, it doesn’t have to be forever. Start gradually if you need to. You don’t have to go from your usual amount to zero overnight. Try having more alcohol-free days each week, switching to smaller measures or alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks. Clear alcohol out of your home. Replace it with alcohol-free drinks you genuinely enjoy, such as kombucha, sparkling water with fresh fruit, or lightly flavoured soda water. Lowersugar options are best for your health. Find alcohol-free versions of your usual drink. There’s now a huge range of alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits in supermarkets, and they can give you a similar taste. In bars and restaurants, try a mocktail such as a virgin mojito or a virgin Mary. Know your triggers. Notice the feelings and situations that make you want a drink. If you drink when you’re stressed, try another way to unwind, such as going for a walk, having a bath or calling a friend. Do it together. It’s much easier if your partner, a friend or a family member cuts down with you. […]

Yes. Many women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), now called Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) conceive naturally. Others need medical support. Either way, a diagnosis is not a barrier to pregnancy. Around 1 in 10 women in the UK have PCOS. If you’ve just been diagnosed, you’ve probably heard frightening things.  That PCOS means infertility. That pregnancy will be impossible without IVF.  None of that is true. PCOS affects how your ovaries release an egg, but ovulation remains possible, and with the right approach, so does pregnancy. For the full step-by-step pathway, read our comprehensive guide on trying to conceive with PCOS. For tracking methods when cycles are unpredictable, read how to track ovulation with PCOS. How does PCOS affect getting pregnant? PCOS affects how and how often your ovaries release an egg. Normally, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) prompts your ovaries to mature and release one egg each cycle. In PCOS, higher-than-usual androgens (like testosterone) can disrupt that signal, so several small follicles develop without one consistently maturing and releasing. Your body may not get the cue to ovulate, so the cycle stretches out or ovulation doesn’t happen that month. The result is variability, some people with PCOS ovulate regularly, some sporadically, and some not at all for a time. That’s what makes PCOS a fertility challenge rather than a barrier,  the difficulty is usually in the timing, not in whether pregnancy is possible. (Our PCOS explainer covers the wider condition in full.) So how hard is it to get pregnant if I have PCOS? Honestly, it can be harder, but it’s usually not impossible, and most people with PCOS do conceive, naturally or with help. The key thing is that “how hard” isn’t one answer: it depends entirely on how PCOS affects you. So the honest answer is: harder than average for many people, but the degree varies enormously, and for most it’s very much still possible. What makes the difference is knowing which situation you’re in, which comes down to one question: are you ovulating, and when? That single piece of information shapes everything about your next steps.  Hertility research found more than 41% of people trying to conceive couldn’t accurately identify their fertile window, and PCOS widens that gap,  you can’t assume day-14 ovulation after a 50-day cycle. If your cycles are unpredictable, our guide to tracking ovulation with PCOS covers the methods that actually work. If your cycles are irregular, you’re struggling to identify when you ovulate, or you simply want a clearer picture of what your hormones are doing, Hertility’s Advanced At-Home Hormone and Fertility Test can help you investigate what may be going on. Start with an Online Health Assessment, which personalises your hormone panel and screens for up to 18 conditions, including PCOS. You’ll get clinical-grade results alongside a doctor-written report, personalised Care Plan and Clinical Result Review Call, so you know what your results mean and what to do next. How to get pregnant with PCOS quickly There’s no shortcut to pregnancy itself, but there are ways to move things forward efficiently rather than spending months on approaches that aren’t working. The key is starting the investigation early, so you can escalate to medical support if required quickly. The single biggest lever is finding out whether you’re ovulating: if your cycles are irregular, you don’t necessarily need to wait the full 12 months advised for regular cycles. A hormone test can help confirm your PCOS and, crucially, establish if you are ovulating or not. If ovulation is happening, understanding your pattern helps you time things well; if it’s infrequent or absent, lifestyle changes are usually the first step, and where they aren’t enough, ovulation-induction medication can help, these are effective at getting many people with PCOS to ovulate, which is step one.  If you’re over 35, or you’ve already been trying for six months with irregular cycles, it’s reasonable to move towards medical support rather than waiting longer. The theme isn’t rushing, it’s getting clarity early and acting on it, rather than guessing. Our TTC guide walks through each treatment option in full. When should you seek help when trying to get pregnant with PCOS? Standard NHS advice is to seek support after 12 months of trying if you’re under 35, or after 6 months if you’re over 35. With PCOS it’s worth adjusting that, if your cycles are irregular or you go months without a period, waiting a full year can mean spending much of it not actually ovulating. It’s worth speaking to a GP or fertility specialist sooner if: Seeking advice early doesn’t commit you to treatment, it gives you clarity. The reassuring part is that PCOS is one of the more treatable causes of fertility difficulty, where ovulation needs support, there are well-established options, which our trying to conceive with PCOS guide explains in detail. And remember fertility involves both partners, if you’re trying with a male partner, a semen analysis early on means you’re seeing the whole picture, not just your health. How to get pregnant with PCOS and no period Absent periods usually mean you’re not ovulating, so natural conception is unlikely until that’s addressed, but it’s very treatable.  Start with proper investigation. Schedule a GP appointment and ask for hormone testing and a pelvic ultrasound. These confirm PCOS diagnosis but also rule out other causes of amenorrhea (thyroid disorders, prolactin issues, structural problems). Once you know what’s causing the absent periods, you know how to treat it. If PCOS is confirmed, there are several effective pathways to restore ovulation. This can involve a course of tablets or injections to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg that can be fertilised, either during intercourse or through intra-uterine insemination (IUI). If this doesn’t work, there may be other reasons why pregnancy can’t be achieved and more invasive treatments such as IVF may be needed. IVF involves a course of injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. When they’re mature the eggs are retrieved in an ultrasound-guided procedure under […]

From PMDD symptoms and AMH levels to managing PMOS without contraception, Hertility’s clinical team answers your most pressing cycle and hormone questions.

Deciding to try for a baby is a big step, and one of the first practical questions many people ask is: when should I stop using contraception if I want to get pregnant? The answer depends on the type of contraception you’re using. For most methods, fertility can return quickly, sometimes within days or weeks. For others, particularly the contraceptive injection, it can take several months for ovulation and periods to return. The reassuring news? Contraception does not impact your long-term fertility. Most people are able to start trying as soon as they stop their method, although your cycle may take a little time to settle. This guide explains when to stop each type of contraception, how quickly fertility may return, what can affect your chances of conceiving, and when to seek support if things are not progressing as expected. Quick facts: When should you stop using contraception if you want to get pregnant? One of the most common concerns about stopping contraception is whether it can make it harder to get pregnant later. The reassuring answer is no. Reversible contraception does not permanently affect your fertility. Hormonal contraception works by temporarily changing your reproductive hormones. Depending on the method, it may stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, thin the womb lining or create an environment that prevents pregnancy. Once you stop using it, these effects wear off. What can vary is how long it takes for ovulation to return. For most methods, this happens quickly. For the contraceptive injection, it can take longer because the hormone is designed to stay active in the body for several months. Sometimes, stopping contraception can reveal symptoms that were previously being masked. For example, if you had irregular periods before starting contraception, they may return once you stop. Conditions such as PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis or hypothalamic amenorrhoea may also become more noticeable after stopping hormonal contraception. This does not mean contraception caused the issue. It may simply have been managing or hiding the symptoms. How long does it take to get pregnant once your stop contraception? A review of 22 studies across 15,000 women found that 83.1% became pregnant within 12 months of stopping any form of contraception, which is comparable to the general conception rate. The NHS data similarly shows that 82–92% of people conceive within one year of trying, depending on age. Some people get pregnant in the first cycle after stopping contraception. For others, it can take several months, and that can still be completely normal.  When to Stop the Combined Pill Before Trying to Get Pregnant The combined contraceptive pill contains synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone. It prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation, meaning your ovaries do not release an egg each month. When to stop: You can stop the combined pill whenever you are ready to start trying for a baby. There is no medical need to finish your current pill pack, although some people prefer to do this because it can make bleeding easier to predict. When fertility returns: Fertility can return quickly after stopping the combined pill. Some people ovulate within the first month, although it can take one to three months for your natural menstrual cycle to become regular again. If your periods were irregular before you started the pill, they may become irregular again once you stop. When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive as soon as you stop the pill. If you get pregnant before your first natural period, it may be slightly harder to date the pregnancy, but this is not harmful and is not a reason to delay trying. When to Stop the Mini Pill Before Trying to Get Pregnant The progestogen-only pill, often called the mini pill, contains a synthetic version of progesterone. It can prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the womb lining and sometimes stopping ovulation. When to stop: You can stop the mini pill at any point. Fertility usually returns very quickly, often within days to a few weeks, because the mini pill does not always suppress ovulation in the same way as the combined pill. When fertility returns: You can start trying for a baby as soon as you stop taking the mini pill. Your period may take a little time to return, but ovulation can happen before your first bleed, which means pregnancy may be possible straight away. When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive as soon as you stop the pill. If you get pregnant before your first natural period, it may be slightly harder to date the pregnancy, but this is not harmful and is not a reason to delay trying. When to Stop the Contraceptive Patch Before Trying to Get Pregnant The contraceptive patch is worn on the skin and releases oestrogen and progestogen. It works in a similar way to the combined pill by stopping ovulation. When to stop: You can stop using the contraceptive patch by removing it when you are ready to try for pregnancy.  When fertility returns: Fertility may return quickly after stopping, although your period may take one to two months to return to its usual pattern, but even if your periods don’t come back immediately, it may still be possible to get pregnant right after stopping the patch  When to start trying: You can start trying to conceive immediately after removing the patch. As with other hormonal methods, ovulation can happen before your first period, so pregnancy may be possible straight away. When to Stop the Vaginal Ring Before Trying to Get Pregnant The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring placed inside the vagina. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining. When to stop: You can stop using the vaginal ring by removing it when you are ready to start trying for a baby. When fertility returns: As with the combined pill and patch, the ring is a combined hormonal method and […]

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about trying to conceive and a surprising amount of it is wrong. People are told to try on day 14 (not always accurate), to lie down afterwards (not necessary), or that it should happen quickly if nothing’s wrong (not always the case). This guide cuts through the noise. It covers when in your cycle to time sex for the best chance of conceiving, how conception odds actually work, what might be affecting your chances, and importantly, what to do when things aren’t going as planned. Quick Facts When in the menstrual cycle are you most likely to conceive? You can only conceive during a six-day window in each menstrual cycle. This is called the fertile window, and it consists of the five days leading up to ovulation plus the day of ovulation itself. Outside of this window, the chances of pregnancy from unprotected sex is very low This window exists because of how long sperm and eggs survive in the body. Once released, an egg lives for just 12–24 hours. Sperm, on the other hand, can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. That means sex in the days before ovulation can still result in conception, the sperm are already waiting when the egg arrives. When does ovulation happen? Ovulation doesn’t always happen on day 14. This is one of the most widespread and consequential misconceptions in fertility. Day 14 only applies to a textbook 28-day cycle. Latest research shows that ovulation actually occurs approximately between day 12 to 16 days for most people which means: If your cycles are irregular, ovulation timing can shift considerably from month to month. Using day 14 as your anchor when your cycle doesn’t conform to that pattern is one of the most common reasons people miss their fertile window. Hertility’s own research based on data from over 97,000 women actively trying to conceive, found that more than 41% could not accurately identify their fertile window, making this the single most common correctable barrier to natural conception. What are the chances of getting pregnant during the fertile window? The odds of conception are not equal across all six days of the fertile window, they build as you approach ovulation and peak just before the egg is released. Research shows that the two to three days immediately before ovulation carry the highest probability of conception. sex on the day of ovulation is less effective than the day before. Waiting until you’ve confirmed ovulation has occurred may mean you’ve already passed the peak window. This is why covering the full window matters, rather than pinpointing a single “best day.” How do you know when you’re ovulating? To make the most of your fertile window, you need to know when ovulation is approaching. There are several ways to identify it. The most reliable real-time indicator is a positive LH test (ovulation predictor kit), which typically detects the LH surge 24–36 hours before ovulation.  A positive test is your cue to prioritise sex in the next one to two days. They’re the most accurate day-to-day predictor available over the counter. One caveat: if you have PCOS, elevated LH throughout the cycle can produce false positives – see our PCOS and TTC guide for more on this. Egg-white cervical mucus, clear, slippery, and stretchy is another strong sign that ovulation is approaching. Basal body temperature (BBT) rises slightly after ovulation due to rising progesterone. The limitation is that this confirms ovulation has already happened, so it’s more useful for understanding your cycle pattern over time than for timing sex in the moment. Day 21 progesterone blood test A blood test measuring progesterone around day 21 of a 28-day cycle (or 7 days after suspected ovulation on other cycle lengths) can confirm whether ovulation has taken place. If your result is low or borderline, it may indicate that ovulation didn’t occur that cycle or that the timing of the test missed the progesterone peak.  Cycle tracking apps estimate your fertile window from past cycle data, a reasonable starting point for people with regular, predictable cycles, but they’re predictions, not measurements. They don’t account for cycle-to-cycle variation, stress, illness, or travel. Treat them as a guide, not a guarantee. For a full comparison of all methods, including their reliability and what works best for different cycle types, see: How to detect ovulation. Should you time sex around ovulation to increase chances of conceiving? Not necessarily, and for many couples, trying to time sex precisely creates more stress than it solves. The current clinical recommendation from NICE is sex every 2–3 days throughout the cycle. This ensures viable sperm are consistently present, without the need to nail down your ovulation date precisely. It also removes the pressure of “we have to do it tonight“, which, for many couples, is easier on the relationship and the sex itself. Something that often goes unsaid in clinical guides is that trying to conceive can make sex feel like a task. Scheduled, clinical, performance-driven. Timed sex can be hard on relationships, and the longer it goes on, the harder it gets. Something often left unsaid is that trying to conceive can make sex feel like a task. When the approach of a fertile window feels like a countdown, and sex begins to feel like a performance, that affects intimacy. It’s normal and it’s worth acknowledging. Timed sex doesn’t have to mean joyless sex, but if TTC is creating real tension around intimacy, that’s worth talking about, with your partner, and if it persists, with a professional. For some people, there are physical factors that make sex difficult or painful, including conditions like endometriosis, vaginismus, or vulvodynia. These conditions are underdiagnosed and often poorly supported, but they are treatable. If sex is painful, irregular, or difficult, this is not something to push through silently, it’s information worth sharing with a clinician, because it can be investigated and addressed. Should you only have sex on […]

If you’re looking to conceive soon, nutrition can have a big impact on your fertility and reproductive health—both positive and negative. Get to know which foods are natural fertility boosters and valuable lifestyle changes that can improve your journey to conception. Quick facts: Why are diet and nutrition important for fertility? As the saying goes, we really are what we eat. Our diets and nutrition impact almost all of our body’s processes—all the way from our metabolism to our mental health. But one often overlooked area is how food can impact our fertility. When trying to conceive, you’ll need a high-nutritional diet. This can increase your chances of conceiving and help to create a healthy home for your baby during their vital first 9 months. Even making small changes to your lifestyle and nutrition choices can go a long way. Here are 16 evidence-backed tips from our Registered Nurse and Associate Nutritionist, Emily Moreton to help prepare your body for pregnancy. You can also book an appointment with a Hertility Nutritionist for a personalised plan. 1. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet Whilst there are no specific guidelines for a recommended fertility diet, the Mediterranean diet, is associated with improved fertility in both women and men. Known for its abundance of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants. These have been shown to protect sperm and eggs from DNA damage and oxidative stress. A study involving 15,396 participants, which looked at how different diets affect fertility, showed that sticking to the Mediterranean diet improved birth and pregnancy rates significantly, with a 91% higher chance of success. This diet is also high in fibre and rich in vitamins and minerals that support fertility and pregnancy. Think lots of veg, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, olive oils, avocados and oily fish. 2. Eats foods high in antioxidants Eating a diet rich in a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables can provide a wide range of antioxidants that support fertility and overall health. Think making a rainbow on your plate. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits (such as berries, apples, and citrus fruits), vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and carrots), nuts, seeds, and whole grains. 3. Increase intake of plant-based proteins In general, you should focus on lowering your intake of red and processed animal meats and focus on adding plant-based protein sources into your diet.  This can include fertility-friendly and micronutrient-rich beans, lentils, peas, soya beans, and chickpeas. Plant-based protein sources help to support healthy ovulation and are high in antioxidants and nutrients, such as iron and fibre, which are really important during pregnancy.  Low iron levels can add to your tiredness or even could cause iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. It is also important to keep your iron uptake up postpartum too, to replace any iron lost at birth.  You’ll also find some protein in whole grains such as quinoa. If you are opting for plant-based meat alternatives (‘fake meats’), choose a brand that is not ultra-processed and low in additives. 4. Cut down on sugar Cutting down on sugar can be beneficial for fertility. This is because too much sugar can lead to insulin sensitivity, disrupting certain reproductive hormones and causing inflammation. Insulin spikes have been associated with poor egg quality and sperm production and could affect implantation. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2018 found that women who consumed two or more servings of sugary drinks per day had a 50% higher risk of ovulatory infertility compared to those who consumed less than one serving per month. Reducing sugar intake and opting for a balanced, low-glycemic index diet can help improve insulin sensitivity and overall reproductive health. Limit sugary foods and high glycemic index foods such as cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, sweets, white rice and white bread. Check the labels for high sugar content. 5. Take pregnancy supplements Folic acid Folic acid is an important supplement during pregnancy because it decreases a risk called neural tube defects. This is a defect that can occur during the development of the baby’s brain and spine.  If you are currently trying to become pregnant, it is advised to take at least 400 mcg of folic acid supplement every day for 12 weeks before conception and for at least three months after conceiving. Some people are at an increased risk of their baby having a neural tube defect and so it is advisable to speak with your doctor as they may recommend and prescribe you a higher dose.  Prenatal vitamins Prenatal vitamins typically contain a combination of various vitamins and minerals that are important for both maternal and foetal health. While folic acid is a main component of prenatal vitamins, these vitamins usually contain a range of other nutrients as well.  These include iron, calcium, vitamin D and other essential vitamins and minerals needed to support maternal health and the baby’s development during pregnancy. Tip: More often than not, doctors will suggest taking prenatal vitamins instead of just folic acid supplements because they cover a wider range of needs for both mum and baby’s health. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate approach for your unique needs.  6. Take Vitamin D for pregnancy  A previous study has shown that both men’s and women’s vitamin D levels impact fertility and IVF results. It showed that Vitamin D supplements reduce risks for mums and babies, might prevent bone problems, and play a role in foetal development.  How much Vitamin D should I take? It’s recommended that all adults at all stages of life should supplement with 10 micrograms a day of Vitamin D, in the UK. This is particularly true if you are trying to conceive, or you are pregnant—so be sure to supplement right through from the preconception period to breastfeeding.  Prenatal vitamins often contain vitamin D, but the amount can vary […]

When our reproductive hormone levels are affected, it can cause menstrual cycle disruptions that can result in fertility issues. In this article, we’ll take a look at alcohol’s effects on the main female reproductive hormones. Quick facts: How alcohol and hormones interact According to recent data, women and those assigned-female-at-birth are, on average, drinking more alcohol than ever before. Whilst many people are aware of the immediate health consequences of drinking—including the caloric impact and the dreaded hangover, there’s still very limited awareness of the effects that alcohol can have on female hormonal health.  Hormones act as chemical messengers, which control and coordinate various bodily processes. Each of our hormones relies on a complex system of interactions, often with other hormones, to maintain their levels and carry out their intended functions.  Drinking alcohol, as well as other lifestyle factors like smoking, can affect our hormones, both directly and indirectly. Which hormones are affected by alcohol? Hormones affected by alcohol include: Our hormones are sensitive. They rely on a complex set of interactions, both with one another and other bodily processes in order to stay in balance and perform their functions properly.  Alcohol consumption is known to affect our levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone significantly—three very important hormones in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and overall health. It can also affect our levels of Anti-müllerian Hormone (AMH), gonadotropins like Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Lutenising hormone (LH), thyroid hormones and prolactin.  Let’s take a look at each of them in turn. Oestrogen and alcohol Oestrogen is probably the hormone you know best—it plays an important role in many elements of our health, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density and skin health. Acute consumption of alcohol has been shown to increase oestrogen levels. Increased oestrogen levels over a prolonged period can be associated with breast cancer development in those assigned-female-at-birth. The United Kingdom Million Women Study revealed that every additional drink per day contributed to 11 breast cancers per 1,000 women up to age 75. Progesterone and alcohol Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility. A surge in your levels of LH triggers the egg to be ovulated, however, there is some evidence that alcohol consumption may affect both the levels of LH in general and the ability of the egg to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may even affect how the cells within the fallopian tubes function. Testosterone and alcohol Testosterone is typically associated with male sexual development and fertility, but it also plays an important role in female sexual development and fertility, including regulating female libido.  There is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may increase testosterone levels, causing an imbalance in androgen levels. High testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, mood changes and loss of libido. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and alcohol AMH is produced by the granulosa cells within your ovarian follicles and is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (your egg count). The relationship between alcohol consumption and AMH is slightly contentious. Some studies have found no change in AMH levels in people who consumed alcohol but more recent studies have shown those who engage in “binge drinking” had lower levels of AMH.  Binge drinking is defined by the Centres for disease control (CDC) as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl or above”. Basically, consuming 4 or more drinks in the space of 2 hours.  Because of AMH’s close ties to your ovarian reserve, lowered AMH levels can indicate a low ovarian reserve. Gonadotropins and alcohol There are two types of gonadotropin hormones in the body—Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility.  A surge in LH levels at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle is what triggers ovulation—that month’s mature egg being released into the Fallopian tube.  There is some evidence that suggests alcohol consumption may increase LH levels in general and also impair the ability of our eggs to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may also affect how the cells within the Fallopian tubes function. Thyroid hormones and alcohol Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that plays an important role in the regulation of many different bodily functions such as your heart rate, body temperature and growth development.  Alcohol consumption has been shown to alter the levels of the thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) with heavy use showing decreased levels of T3 and T4. Low levels of thyroid hormones are known as hypothyroidism and can cause a huge number of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, heavy or irregular periods, fertility issues and irregular ovulation, depression and more. Prolactin and alcohol Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased prolactin levels. Consistently high levels of prolactin in your body is called hyperprolactinemia and is significantly associated with infertility through interference with other hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Alcohol and trying to conceive When trying to conceive, cutting down on your drinking is often one of the first things on your preconception to-do list. The dangerous effects of alcohol on the developing foetus can range from physical to mental and generally disrupt their development in the womb (see foetal alcohol syndrome).  It is also known that alcohol consumption affects the success of IVF treatment, with one study showing people who had at least four drinks per week were 16% less likely to have a live birth than those who had less than four drinks. Additionally, a 21% lower live birth rate was found for couples in which both drank more than four drinks per week. Other effects of alcohol on the body As well as impacting our hormones, alcohol has other broad-reaching effects on the body and the […]

Folic acid is a vital preconception supplement. But what makes folic acid so important? How and when should you be taking it? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about folic acid for preconception care. Read on to get clued up. Quick facts: What is folic acid?  Folic acid is the man-made version of the vitamin folate, a form of vitamin B9. It is used by our bodies to make new cells and is needed to support the rapid growth of foetal tissues and organs in early pregnancy.  Unfortunately, our bodies do not store folic acid, which is why we must get our supply from certain foods and supplements. Why is folic acid important for pre-conception and pregnancy? Folic acid is important in helping your unborn child’s brain, skull and spinal cord to develop properly. It reduces the risk of potential neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, by 70%.  Whilst spina bifida is not that common, it can create significant problems for its sufferers that affect everyday life. These include problems with mobility and movement, bladder and bowel problems and learning difficulties.  Folic acid is also used to: When should you start taking folic acid? The advised amount of folic acid to take daily is 400mcg. However, some people may need a higher dose if they have a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects.  You may have a higher risk if:  In these cases, your doctor will be able to advise the correct dosage you should be consuming to keep your child protected. Which foods contain natural forms of folic acid? You can also find the natural form of folic acid or folate, in certain foods. Introducing these to your diet will increase your folate levels: However, the amount of folic acid in these foods is often not enough to provide your baby with the best protection, so it is important to add the tablet form to your daily routine too. Understanding preconception nutrition If you’re looking for some help understanding your preconception or pregnancy nutrition, you can book a call with one of our Fertility Nutritionists.  Our nutritionists will work with you and recommend a personalised nutrition plan for your specific fertility goals, taking into consideration your medical history and lifestyle. Get in touch today if we can help.