Fertility 101: How to Optimise Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Expert advice from our IVF and Fertility Expert Dr Raelia Lew

Fertility is something many of us don't think much about until we're ready to start a family. One day we're focused on avoiding pregnancy, and the next we're eagerly hoping for a positive pregnancy test.

If you are looking at optimising your chances of conceiving naturally, it is important to understand how fertility works and what role you can play to increase your fertility.

The Lifestyle Factors That Impact Fertility

When it comes to fertility, there are several lifestyle factors that can influence your chances of conceiving.

According to Dr Raelia, some of the most important factors include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet

• Regular exercise

• Managing a healthy weight

• Looking after your sexual health

• Minimising exposure to environmental chemicals and endocrine disruptors

• Avoiding microplastics 

• Avoiding smoking

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Avoiding recreational drugs

It is important to know that both men and women need to look at their lifestyle as these factors affect both men and women.

Its a good idea to see your GP to have a health assessment prior to trying for a baby

Prior to trying for a baby it is a good to have a look at your overall health Dr Raelia recommends booking a preconception appointment with your GP.

This appointment can help ensure:

• Your vaccinations are up to date, particularly for infections such as rubella and chickenpox

• Your iron, vitamin and nutrient levels are adequate

• Any existing medical conditions are optimally managed

• You understand your options regarding preconception genetic carrier screening

If you have a genetic condition which runs in the family now is a good idea to consider a genetic carrier screening test that can identify whether you and your partner carry genes that could increase the risk of passing on certain serious inherited conditions to your baby.

How Long Does It Usually Take to Get Pregnant?

Many couples are surprised to learn that even under ideal circumstances, the chance of conceiving each month is only around 20%.

Dr Raelia explains:

• Around 80% of couples will conceive within six months

• An additional 10–20% will conceive within twelve months

• If pregnancy hasn't occurred after one year of trying, there may be an underlying fertility issue worth investigating

For women aged over 35, the recommendation is slightly different.

"If you're over 35 and have been trying for six months without success, it's worth seeking a fertility assessment earlier," says Dr Raelia.

This allows potential issues to be identified sooner, when there may be more options available.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle and Fertility

Your menstrual cycle plays a crucial role in conception.

During the first half of the cycle, a follicle develops within the ovary. This follicle contains the egg and produces hormones that prepare the lining of the uterus for pregnancy.

Ovulation occurs when the mature egg is released, usually around the middle of the cycle.

This is the fertile window and the time when pregnancy can occur.

How Do You Know If You're Ovulating?

Interestingly, you don't necessarily need to know the exact moment ovulation occurs.

Instead, it's more helpful to understand your fertile window.

Because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days and an egg remains viable for approximately 24 hours after release, there is a broader timeframe during which conception can occur.

Some signs ovulation may be approaching include:

• Increased cervical mucus

• A heightened interest in sex

• Breast tenderness

• Mild pelvic discomfort or ovulation pain (known medically as Mittelschmerz)

However, many women ovulate without noticing any obvious symptoms.

How Does Age Affect Fertility?

One of the most significant factors affecting fertility is age.

Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. As these eggs age, their quality naturally declines.

Dr Raelia explains that older eggs are more likely to experience chromosomal errors, making conception more difficult and increasing the risk of miscarriage.

While there is no perfect age to start a family, biologically speaking, fertility is generally highest in a woman's twenties and early thirties.

As more women choose to have children later in life, understanding age-related fertility changes becomes increasingly important.

When Should You Seek Fertility Advice?

Seeking fertility advice doesn't automatically mean IVF.

In fact, many people benefit from seeing a fertility specialist simply to better understand their reproductive health and future options.

Dr Raelia encourages people to seek advice if:

• They have concerns about their fertility

• They are considering delaying parenthood

• They have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive

• They want information about fertility preservation options

A fertility consultation can provide clarity, education and a personalised plan for the future.

What Is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women who wish to preserve their fertility.However, Dr Raelia is careful to point out that egg freezing is not a guarantee of a future baby. What it does offer is the opportunity to preserve younger, healthier eggs for potential future use.

The greatest benefits occur when:

• Eggs are frozen at a younger age

• A sufficient number of eggs are collected and stored

Because fertility challenges later in life are often related to egg quality, having access to younger frozen eggs may significantly improve future reproductive options.

For some women, it can make the difference between having a biological child using their own eggs or not.

Dr Raelia Lew’s Top Fertility Tips

If there's one key message Dr Raelia wants people to take away, it's that fertility health begins long before you're ready to start a family.

Dr Raelia's top recommendations include:

1. Prioritise your overall health. Good nutrition, exercise and general wellbeing support fertility outcomes. Take your prenatal vitimins.

2. Practice safe sex. Preventing sexually transmitted infections, particularly chlamydia, can protect your future fertility.

3. Avoid smoking and recreational drugs as these can significantly impact reproductive health in both men and women.

4. Understand that fertility affects men too. Male fertility also declines with age, and healthy lifestyle choices matter for men just as much as women.

5. Seek advice early if you have concerns. Knowledge is power. A fertility consultation can help you understand where you stand and what options are available.

The Bottom Line

While fertility can sometimes feel overwhelming, most couples will conceive naturally within the first year of trying.

Looking after your overall health, understanding your cycle and seeking advice when needed can help optimise your chances of growing your family. If you are over 35 seek fertility advice early.

Listen to the Full Episode

For more information listen to Parents You’ve Got This - The Expert Guide to Parenthood Podcast and to learn more about conception book into our Preparing for Pregnancy Masterclass.