Advise patients to maintain a healthy body weight, as a BMI of 30 kg/mNICE CG156 or over may increase time to conceive, and weight loss can improve fertility in women who are not ovulating. NICE CKS
Encourage women with a BMI less than 19 kg/mNICE CG156 and irregular menstruation to gain weight, as this may improve their chances of conception. NICE CKS
Advise women to take dietary supplementation with folic acid (0.4 mg daily) before conception and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce neural tube defect risk. NICE CKS
Recommend that both partners stop smoking, as smoking can reduce fertility in women and affect semen quality in men, and support smoking cessation programs. NICE CKS
Advise that alcohol intake should be within recommended limits, with women advised to avoid alcohol during pregnancy, and men to limit intake to within safe levels, as excessive alcohol can impair semen quality. NICE CKS
Suggest that men wear loose-fitting underwear, although evidence is uncertain, as elevated scrotal temperature may reduce semen quality. NICE CKS
Advise patients to avoid recreational drugs and discuss potential impacts on fertility, referring to specialist services if needed. NICE CKS
Encourage stress management and psychological support, as stress can affect libido and fertility, and offer counselling before, during, and after investigations and treatment. NICE CKS
Advise patients to seek occupational health advice if concerned about occupational risks affecting fertility. NICE CKS
Inform patients that caffeine consumption has no consistent evidence of affecting fertility. NICE CKS
Provide information about the importance of screening for infections such as chlamydia, which can impact fertility, and ensure appropriate management if positive. NICE CKS