We do everything we can to ensure successful fertility treatment, but it is important to understand that your lifestyle has an impact on your chances of conception success. Getting pregnant isn’t just about planning when to have sex. Being fit and healthy are key to conceiving and carrying a baby.

Remember, reproduction starts weeks before conception. The health of your eggs and sperm will be dependent on your lifestyle choices over a period of months. Getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help all of your body systems, including your reproductive system.

The idea is to minimise oxidative stress on your body. Free radicals damage cells within your body – they cause you to age faster and contribute to many physical and mental health problems. Limiting the damage of free radicals by stopping certain behaviours and introducing antioxidants into your diet is a must.

Things you should limit or stop:

• Stop smoking
• Stop taking drugs
• Limit drinking
• Limit stress
• Stop over eating and bad eating habits
• Limit your exposure to chemicals
• Limit testicular heat – tight pants, saunas/hot tubs, using a laptop on your lap.

Diet

Both partners need to follow a well-balanced diet. Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact your fertility. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to provide your body with the vitamins and minerals required to support cell reproduction. Eat a good amount of proteins such as lean meat and pulses, lentils, beans and nuts, as well as complex carbohydrates (amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, pulses, quinoa, rye). Avoid refined foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners and caffeine. Try to eat simple, fresh, one ingredient foods.

Exercise

Keeping up a sensible exercise routine is recommended; it helps to improve body function and limit stress. Exercises such as yoga and swimming can be particularly beneficial.