Are you having problems getting pregnant? 6 ways to increase your chances of conceiving naturally

1. Don’t leave it late

“Women should definitely be thinking about having babies earlier. In your 30s, your egg quality depletes and there is a fine line about how long you try naturally for.

On average it takes 12 months to conceive, but it can take longer when you’re older, especially if there’s a male infertility problem too.

“However, it doesn’t reveal other underlying factors like blocked tubes. In this case IVF (combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory and then transferring the embryo to the uterus) may be necessary – and I am very pro-IVF – but it’s not the magic bullet that everyone thinks it is.”

2. Create intimacy

“When couples are trying for a baby or have embarked on IVF, intimacy often goes out the window.

“I am surprised by the amount of young men who suffer performance anxiety and are not able to have sex at the fertile time because there is too much pressure on them.

Getting texts at work telling them ‘Tonight’s the night’ can ruin their sex drive and they can’t get an erection. Try and keep sex spontaneous and fun, even if you are undergoing IVF.”

3. Try to relax

“Getting pregnant is an unconscious thing and women especially need to take a step back and stop thinking about why it isn’t happening.

I believe that if you’re sending negative messages to your body then it’s harder to conceive. Try and switch off and have acupuncture or reflexology, which should help you to relax.

“I also advise acupuncture before and after embryo transfers – it calms you down and decreases inflammation in the pelvic region after egg retrieval.”

4. Examine your diet

“Couples mustn’t cut everything out of their life and moderation is key but they should eat a balanced diet that comprises a mix of complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, rice and pasta) along with low-fat protein like oily fish and chicken.

“Also, taking a conception multivitamin and Omega 3 can help. In the lead-up to IVF, I’d recommend doing a detox for 10 days – eating plenty of fruit and vegetables along with lots of protein and carbs. If a couple has had three rounds of IVF in a year, I’d advise that they have a break and enjoy life before embarking on another cycle.”

5. Re-evaluate your lifestyle

“For starters, smoking damages eggs and sperm, and all drugs like marijuana and cocaine are an absolute no-no.

“Drinking is not advisable either. The NICE guidelines say two units a week but the lower the number of units the better.

“Weight can affect a woman’s cycle and stop ovulation. I find it harder with underweight clients who might suffer from anorexia and bulimia as it can stop their periods.

Also if a woman is worried about her job or money on top of trying for a baby or having IVF, they should find ways of relaxing such as yoga, visualization or meditation

6. Have more sex

“Before any couple embarks on IVF, I always ask if they are having ‘regular’ sex. Some people think once a week is enough but I mean three times a week.

“There is a fertile period: five days before and one day after ovulation and you can use ovulation kits to pinpoint it.

“But the best thing to maximise your chances is to have regular sex. Sperm lives for up to five days, so having frequent sex will ensure there is enough sperm to fertilise the egg when it’s released.

“If nothing has happened within six months, you should look at the reasons why. It might take 12-18 months when you’re young, but in your 30s you need to be proactive so you don’t waste valuable fertility time.”