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 with a BMI less than 19 kg/m² and irregular menstruation to gain weight, as this may improve their chances of conception. ¹

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. ¹

Recommend that both partners stop smoking, as smoking can reduce fertility in women and affect semen quality in men, and support smoking cessation programs. ¹

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. ¹

Suggest that men wear loose-fitting underwear, although evidence is uncertain, as elevated scrotal temperature may reduce semen quality. ¹

Advise patients to avoid recreational drugs and discuss potential impacts on fertility, referring to specialist services if needed. ¹

Encourage stress management and psychological support, as stress can affect libido and fertility, and offer counselling before, during, and after investigations and treatment. ¹

Advise patients to seek occupational health advice if concerned about occupational risks affecting fertility. ¹

Inform patients that caffeine consumption has no consistent evidence of affecting fertility. ¹

Provide information about the importance of screening for infections such as chlamydia, which can impact fertility, and ensure appropriate management if positive. ¹