The answer

Alison is correct in thinking it is best for both she and her husband to take simple steps to maximise their chances of conception – in around 40 per cent of couples experiencing infertility, problems are found with both partners. Some measures Simon can take include:

• Managing stress levels
• Making sure body mass index is within the healthy range – men with a BMI of 30 or higher often have reduced fertility
• Stopping smoking, which has been linked to poor semen quality, and any recreational drug use
• Exercising, though not excessively
• Staying under the recommended alcohol limit of 14 units per week
• Wearing loose-fitting underwear as there’s a link between elevated scrotal temperature and reduced semen quality
• Controlling any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction
• Avoiding medicines that can affect fertility, for example, sulfasalazine, androgens, anabolic steroids and chemotherapy, plus herbal remedies
• Staying away from pesticides, x-rays, solvents, paints and chemicals used for welding and similar.