Creating your Family

A healthy lifestyle can improve your fertility.

• Maintain a balanced diet

• Exercise regularly

• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake

• Quit smoking and avoid recreational drugs

For more guidance, explore our top tips to boost your fertility.

A general preconception health check may include:

• Blood pressure, weight, and blood tests

• Breast checks or other relevant screening

• Review of medical and family history

• Lifestyle advice and fertility discussion

Your fertility specialist will guide you through any recommended tests or next steps to help you prepare for pregnancy.

For most couples, conception can take time — and that’s perfectly normal.

On average, around 80% of couples conceive within 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. Factors like age, health, and lifestyle can influence how long it takes.

If you’ve been trying for a while without success, it might be helpful to book a fertility health check for peace of mind.

Fertility naturally declines with age, most significantly from the mid-30s onwards. While many people successfully conceive later in life, it can take longer and may require more support.

If you’re not ready to start your family just yet, you might want to explore fertility preservation options like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing. These options can help protect your future fertility.

If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying, or over 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months, it’s a good time to speak to a fertility specialist.

You should also seek advice sooner if you have irregular periods, known reproductive conditions (like PCOS or endometriosis), or a history of miscarriage.

Our experienced team can help identify what’s happening and guide you toward the best next steps. Learn more about when to seek help.

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can impact both your emotional wellbeing and reproductive health.

High levels of stress may interfere with hormone balance and ovulation, making it more challenging to conceive. It can also affect libido and sleep, both important for fertility.

That’s why it’s so important to care for your mind as well as your body. Try incorporating mindfulness, gentle movement, or relaxation techniques into your routine, and reach out for support if you need it.

Our experienced counsellors are here to help. Learn more about psychological care and support available at Monash IVF.

Starting a family is a shared journey and open communication is key. Supporting each other emotionally can make the process more positive and less stressful.
Here are some simple ways to stay connected:

• Talk openly about your hopes and worries

• Attend appointments together to stay informed and involved

• Share healthy habits, like eating well and exercising

• Take time out for fun and relaxation, not just baby planning

Remember, you’re a team. If the journey starts to feel overwhelming, we’re here to help. Our caring counsellors and nurses can offer guidance to both partners at any stage.