Lifestyle factors can influence the time it takes to achieve pregnancy, and improving these factors may boost fertility. The recommendations below are based on data from observational studies; no randomized trials have been conducted.
Couples should be aware that delaying childbearing, particularly after age 30, may reduce the chances of successful conception. This factor should be considered in both family and career planning.
We recommend engaging in sexual intercourse two to three times a week, starting soon after menstruation ends and continuing until the day of ovulation. This timing ensures that intercourse occurs during the most fertile period,
which is up to two days before ovulation, and it helps to optimise semen quality (Grade 2C). For more information, see the section above titled “When is the fertile period of the menstrual cycle?”
We recommend that couples who smoke consider quitting, as there are significant overall health benefits to stopping smoking (Grade 1A).
Tobacco use by the female partner, and possibly the male partner as well, seems to be linked to subfertility. For couples planning to conceive, observational studies indicate that fertility improves once tobacco use has ended. (Refer to ‘Tobacco’ above for more information.)
A body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 kg/m² or less than 17 kg/m² significantly increases the risk of anovulatory infertility. A higher BMI is commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. In comparison, a lower BMI is often the result of amenorrhea due to excessive exercise or inadequate caloric intake, such as in eating disorders. Couples need to strive for a BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² (Grade 2C). Women within this optimal weight range are far less likely to experience ovulatory dysfunction compared to those at either extreme of the BMI scale.
This range is associated with minimal or no increased health risks, making it an ideal target for both women and men. The connection between male fertility and body mass index (BMI) remains under-researched, but it is vital to consider overall health. (Refer to ‘Overweight and Obesity’ above for more information.)
Women who drink alcohol moderately or heavily often take longer to become pregnant and face a higher risk of needing an infertility evaluation. Therefore, we recommend that women trying to conceive avoid all alcohol, as no safe level of prenatal alcohol consumption for the fetus has been established (Grade 2C). In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption by the male partner does not seem to be linked to decreased fertility.
In conclusion, while the effects of caffeine on female fertility are still not fully understood, it is prudent for women who are planning to become pregnant to be cautious about their caffeine intake. Limiting consumption to one or two cups of coffee per day can help ensure a healthier approach to fertility. Staying informed about dietary choices is an essential part of preparing for a successful pregnancy.
If you have any further questions or concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. The impact of high caffeine consumption on female fertility remains uncertain, whereas it does not appear to affect male fertility. We recommend that women considering pregnancy limit their caffeine intake to no more than one or two cups of coffee per day, which corresponds to a total of 200 mg of caffeine (Grade 2C).
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