There are several lifestyle choices for both partners that can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Please also visit our FAQ section Frequently Asked Questions – NHSGGC for common questions while preparing for or having fertility treatment.
These include:
Not Smoking or Vaping
Women who smoke (including e-cigarettes) have a 50% lower chance of successful IVF treatment than those who don’t. Smoking also reduces the ability of sperm to function normally.
For all couples accessing NHS fertility treatment, both partners should not smoke or vape.
How Does Smoking Affect Female and Male Fertility? | Tommy’s
Alcohol Consumption
Best practice and medical advice is to abstain from alcohol consumption completely when trying to fall pregnant.
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of the amount of fat in your body. You can use the NHS BMI calculator to work out your BMI here Calculate your body mass index (BMI) for adults – NHS. If your BMI is less than 18.5 or greater than 30, it might take longer than usual for you to become pregnant, or reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.
At ACS we offer treatment to women with a BMI of between 18.5 and 30. However, we encourage all those embarking on assisted conception treatment to achieve a BMI of 18.5 – 25.
A balanced diet (i.e. one which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables) is, along with moderate exercise, fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. As well as helping to achieve an ideal body weight, it also reduces the likelihood of complications during any pregnancy.
For more information on being overweight while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy please visit the Tommy’s website.
Overweight and Fertility When Trying to Get Pregnant | Tommy’s
Folic Acid
Taking folic acid tablets (400 micrograms) every day can help reduce the risk of your baby developing a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. If you have diabetes or epilepsy or have had a baby with a neural tube defect you should take 5 milligrams of folic acid per day. To gain the most benefit, it is important that you take folic acid for at least three months before you become pregnant and continue to do so for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.