You’re most fertile at the time of ovulation, this is when the egg is released from the ovaries. Depending on your cycle length this will occur at different times for everyone. Generally it occurs 12 to 16 days before your next period starts. 

Sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 5 days so having regular sex throughout your cycle can boost your chances of conception as the sperm will be
ready to fertilise when the egg is released.  

Whilst there isn’t a link between painful periods and fertility, the regularity of your cycles is one indication of your fertility.

If you have long cycles you are reducing your opportunities each month to get pregnant and if you have irregular cycles the chances are you’re not ovulating. Having irregular cycles doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant.

If you are having irregular cycles or painful periods we recommend consulting your GP.

The correct nutrient intake is vital to produce adequate sperm, ovulate or maintain pregnancy. In an ideal we would get all of the nutrients we need from diet however, supplements can support nutritional intake. Everyone who is trying to conceive should be on a Folic Acid supplement (active form Folate) and Vitamin D, for those following a vegan diet they should consider a Vitamin B12 and Iron.

Taking nutritional supplements can help support a balanced diet in ensuring you have the nutrient reserves to support your fertility.

No! Male fertility is just as important as female fertility. Men need to be aware that age can affect their fertility too. A man in his 40s can have more abnormalities in her sperm than a man in his 20s. The more abnormalities, the harder it could be to conceive. There are also a number of causes for male infertility such as low sperm count, motility and DNA fragmentation. Its important to think about supporting male fertility as well as female fertility through lifestyle, diet and supplements.

We recommend Zita West Vitafem as a foundational support supplement, which contains an array of vitamins and minerals which have been researched to support egg quality and hormonal balance. Including 400mg of folic acid in the active form folate for the body to use.

For those looking for a comprehensive pack of supplements formulated to support female reproductive health for those just deciding to try, we recommend Zita West Female Foundation Fertility Support Pack.

For those who are looking to support their egg health, we recommend Zita West Ultimate Egg Health Pack, which contains supplements formulated to support egg health.

Folic acid - Zita West Vitafem contains the superior form, folate. This supplement also contains other essential vitamins and minerals for fertility such as iron, and zinc.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in reproductive health. It is important for both women and men who are trying to conceive and for women when they are pregnant.

Omega-3 fatty acids helps protect DNA from oxidative damage during preconception as well as to support normal fertility.

We recommend Zita West Vital DHA, which contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), plus a small amount of Zinc.