Steps to improving my fertility

Determine ovulation

• Start by recording the dates and duration of your period on a period tracker smartphone app. Should you need to see a fertility specialist in the future, you will be glad you did this.
• Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your next period. During ovulation, you may notice changes in your cervical mucus, followed by pre menstrual symptoms several days later.
• After determining the predicted ovulation day, have intercourse every alternate day, starting five days before the predicted day of ovulation & on the day of ovulation. 

Optimise health

• Ensure your pre-existing medical conditions (for example,  diabetes, phenylketonuria, hypertension and thyroid disease) are properly managed.
• Consult your GP/specialists that your medications are safe for pregnancy.

Vitamins & vaccinations

• Take 0.4 – 0.8mg of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Higher amounts are required if you are on epilepsy medications or have diabetes.
• For women without pre-existing thyroid disorders, it's recommended to take an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms (μg) daily as you try to conceive, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  For women with pre-existing thyroid condition, it's important to discuss your requirements with Dr Fong before commencing any iodine supplement.
• Vaccination is essential before pregnancy. See your GP if you are not immune to common community infections such as rubella and varicella.

Fitness

• Maintain a balanced diet and increase fruit and vegetable intake.
• Stay active and exercise 2-3 times a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  • Obesity in women can cause cycle disturbance, increase miscarriages, provoke hypertension, cause diabetes in pregnancy and make delivery more complicated.
  • Malnourished and underweight women may also have irregular cycles.

Toxin removal and lifestyle management

• Stop smoking, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.
• Reduce stress and achieve a relaxed state of mind
  • manage your commitments
  • see a fertility counsellor if you're not coping and your relationship is affected.

Get the right advice

If it's taking you longer than expected, we are here to help.

Causes of female infertility

Causes of male infertility