Boost your chances of making babies

The number of couples struggling to conceive has increased to one in seven over the last two decades - and with those seeking medical intervention at an all-time high, infertility has become a worrying and growing issue.

- Amy Packer

"There are many reasons why people may struggle with their fertility, from genetic to environmental, immune health issues to metabolic problems," says GP Nisa Aslam.

"Both male and female sperm and egg cells can be at risk of damage, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, being overweight or obese and even pollution all influence your chances of having a baby."

For many, the failure to conceive has a huge impact on their wellbeing, leading to anxiety and depression in some, and relationship issues for others.

The current advice is to seek medical advice if you haven't conceived after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, but whether you are just starting out on your fertility journey or have been trying unsuccessfully for some time, there are many ways to boost your reproductive health.

Keep your weight in check:

Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire says: "Being under or overweight can affect the fertility of both women and men alike.

"Women who are overweight are more likely to have disruptions in hormone levels and experience high rates of miscarriage. For men, obesity can have hard-hitting effects on fertility influencing sperm quality, levels and motility. If both partners are overweight or obese, the problems could be doubled.

"Working together on lifestyle strategies could be helpful. Taking some time out and going on a walk or the gym together, cooking from scratch and cutting back on liquid calories could all help."

Get information and advice about how to manage your weight if you're overweight or underweight - including how to find out if you're a healthy weight - at nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/

Iron will: