What are the recommended lifestyle modifications I can suggest to patients trying to conceive who are experiencing infertility?

Advise patients to maintain a healthy body weight, as a BMI of 30 kg/m² or over may increase time to conceive, and weight loss can improve fertility in women who are not ovulating. ¹

Encourage women to take dietary supplementation with folic acid before conception and up to 12 weeks of gestation, at a dose of 0.4 mg per day, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. ¹

Advise women to avoid smoking, including passive smoking, as it can reduce fertility, and offer support for smoking cessation. ¹

Inform men that smoking affects semen quality and that quitting smoking can improve their overall health. ²

Recommend limiting alcohol intake, with women advised to drink no more than 1-2 units once or twice weekly, and men to stay within the recommended safe limits of 3-4 units per day, avoiding excessive consumption. ²

Advise both partners to avoid excessive caffeine consumption, as there is no consistent evidence linking caffeinated beverages to fertility problems. ¹

Encourage the use of loose-fitting underwear for men, as elevated scrotal temperature is associated with reduced semen quality, although the benefit of loose underwear is uncertain. ²

Support weight loss in overweight or obese women (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and men (BMI >29 kg/m²) to improve fertility prospects. ¹,²

Advise women with low body weight (BMI <19 kg/m²) and irregular or absent menstruation to gain weight, as this may improve their chances of conception. ¹

Recommend screening for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections, and treat accordingly, to improve fertility outcomes. ¹

Advise patients to avoid occupational hazards that could impair fertility, and seek specialist advice if concerned about occupational risks. ¹

Encourage psychological support and counselling to manage stress related to infertility, as stress can affect libido and intercourse frequency, contributing to fertility issues. ¹