When trying to conceive the ideal period to have intercourse would be as close to the time of ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary) as possible. Sperm can remain fertile in the female for up to 48 hours so intercourse within the 2 days prior to ovulation would give the maximum chance of conception. If intercourse occurs after 14 hours of ovulation the chance of conception is reduced. This is because the egg is no longer viable by the time the sperm is ready to penetrate. So intercourse between 48 hours prior to ovulation and 14 hours after it would give the best chance of conception. However, don’t get hung up on this! The exact time of ovulation in any given cycle is not easy to predict and the properties of sperm and eggs will vary. Fertility experts recommend regular sex every 2-3 days to try and ‘catch’ the egg. Best of luck!

Yes, unfortunately it can!  Alcohol can affect both male and female fertility. Men who consume alcohol on a regular basis can decrease their sperm count (i.e. the number of sperm per ml) as well as sperm quality, which are both very important when trying to conceive. It doesn’t end there however; it can also affect testicular size, erection formation and ejaculation which can affect intercourse. But fear not as all these effects are temporary and can be restored by sustaining from alcohol (along with your partner)!

Most importantly, don’t worry. A few months is not a very long time at all and the time it takes couples to conceive varies so much there is no ‘normal’ period in which people get pregnant. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthily and exercising can all help. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, cut out unhealthy fats, salt and sugar. It’s also been shown that dairy products can help fertility so whipping out the ice cream occasionally is a good thing! Folic acid is also recommended as it can prevent the chance of miscarriage later on. Remember though, your partner will also have to take this advice on board, maybe not the ice cream bit though! Remember that conception takes time. If you are still having difficulty however, go and see your GP for a quick check-up to put your mind at ease.

A vasectomy is thought to be a permanent form of contraception as sperm is completely prevented from being released in semen during intercourse. This is done by blocking, cutting or sealing the vas deferens; the tubes that carry sperm from the testes (where they are produced) to the penis. However, in some cases it can be reversed. The technique most commonly used is a vasovasostomy where the tube(s) are rejoined. This often causes temporary side effects that can cause discomfort and recovery time is required before returning to normal activities. In some men, complications can arise due to the procedure. It is important to remember though that conception is not guaranteed after reversal with only 50-70% of couples becoming pregnant. It is also a very costly operation and one which your partner may not wish to undertake. It is important you discuss your wish to have children and determine whether or not he shares that; most men who have a vasectomy have thought seriously about it beforehand due to the permanency of the effect. More information about reversals can be found in the following website: https://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/vasectomy_reversal.html.

The menopause is marked by the ending of menstruation; a woman’s periods start to become absent and eventually stop along with ovulation. In the UK, the average age to reach menopause is 52.  However, it has been known to occur in women under the age of 45; this is known as premature menopause and is relatively rare. It affects 1% of women under 40 and 0.1% under 30.

The fact that your doctor has suggested this indicates that all other possible solutions have been considered. IVF, which entails fertilising the egg with sperm outside the womb, has made a huge difference to many people, allowing them to have children that would otherwise be impossible. However, it does not have a very high success rate and the process of undergoing treatment can often be incredibly stressful. Many couples fail to get pregnant even after several attempts and this can cause huge emotional and financial strain. It is really important to talk this over with your GP in depth who will refer you to other health professionals. The following website is a good starting point: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/IVF/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/Overview.aspx.