Fertility and Your Partner: Getting Ready to Conceive Together
Why a partner's health matters, the habits that affect sperm, and when to ask about a fertility check.
Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.
Conceiving takes two people. Problems with sperm contribute to a substantial share of fertility difficulties, so it helps when both partners prepare, not only the one who will carry the pregnancy.
Why starting early helps
The body takes roughly two to three months to produce new sperm, so healthy changes made now can take about that long to show their benefit. Starting before you begin trying is better than waiting until you have been trying for months.
Habits that can affect sperm
- Smoking, which is linked to lower sperm quality
- Heavy or regular alcohol use
- Recreational drugs, including cannabis, and anabolic steroids or testosterone products, which can sharply reduce sperm production
- Being overweight or underweight
- Heat around the testicles, for example from very hot baths or long periods with a laptop on the lap, which may reduce sperm quality
- Some medicines and medical treatments. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Healthy steps for a partner
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein.
- Be active most days and aim for a healthy weight.
- Keep alcohol low and avoid smoking and recreational drugs.
- Check that vaccinations and any sexual health screening are up to date.
- Talk to your doctor about long-term conditions and regular medicines.
- Look after sleep and stress, which affect energy, mood and sex drive.
What about supplements?
No single supplement is proven to boost fertility for everyone. Ask your doctor before starting any product, because some items sold for fertility or muscle building can do more harm than good.
When to ask for a fertility check
Testing is usually advised after about a year of regular unprotected sex without a pregnancy, or sooner if there are known risk factors, such as undescended testes, previous testicular surgery or injury, cancer treatment, problems with sexual function, or if the female partner is 35 or older. A semen analysis is a simple, painless test and is often one of the first steps. Having it done is not a sign of failure. It simply gives you and your doctor useful information.
Trying to conceive can put a strain on a relationship. Talk openly, share the appointments and check in with each other about how you are feeling.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Evidence-based information on planning a pregnancy and early care.
- NHS: Trying for a baby — Guidance for people who are planning to conceive.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.