Up to 90% of couples who have regular unprotected sex, will eventually fall pregnant within a year of trying. However, for some this may take a bit longer.

1 in 6 couples in Hong Kong will experience some form of fertility issue.

If you have not fallen pregnant after actively trying for a year, you should speak to your doctor to discuss how to increase your chances of hitting the jackpot!

Increasing your success for a jackpot!

• Folic acid- this is a key ingredient needed for the development of the baby’s central nervous system. Start taking folic acid once you start planning for a baby.

• Iodine- people in Hong Kong do not obtain enough iodine from their diet. Iodine is needed for brain development. Iodine-rich food include seaweed or you could simply substitute your table salt with iodized salt. You only need less than 1 tablespoon of iodized salt to reach you daily recommended intake.

• Have unprotected sex every 2-3day or keep a diary of your ovulation period. There are a lot of apps available that helps you calculate your estimated ovulation window, which is the time when your ovaries release an egg. If you have a regular 28day menstrual cycle, your ovulation will occur between 12-16 days before your next period. Having sex during this time increases the chance of a sperm fertilizing an egg.

• Smoking- both passive and active smoking is not only harmful to our health but will also reduce fertility in both men and women.

• Alcohol- Drinking too much alcohol can affect the quality of the sperms.

• Caffeinated beverages- there is no consistent evidence to suggest caffeinated drinks affect fertility.

• Medicines and drugs- always discuss the medication or supplements you are taking with your GP prior planning your pregnancy. Some medicines can be harmful to the unborn baby. You may need to change to some pregnancy-safe alternatives a few months before actively trying for a baby.

• Body weight- underweight as much as overweight can affect fertility for both women and men. Keeping a healthy BMI between 19-25 is important.

• Cervical screening- women are advised to have regular cervical screening, especially before planning a pregnancy.

• Vaccinations- make sure you have immunity to chickenpox and Rubella (German measles) as catching these during pregnancy is not ideal. If you are unsure of your immunity, you should discuss with your GP.

There can be various causes as to why a woman has not fallen pregnant yet.

When it has taken a bit longer for a couple to conceive, your doctor may suggest some tests to see what can be offered to improve your success. Treatment is guided by what the test results reveal.

At Central Health we have GP’s and gynaecologists who are able to look after both you and your partner, to help you start a journey together to build a family.