Experiencing difficulties in conceiving can be one of the most emotionally challenging journeys a couple may face. Thankfully, numerous avenues of support and guidance are accessible through both the NHS and private sectors. A fertility specialist has now shared valuable insights she hopes her patients would understand.

Dr. Nagla Elfaki, a consultant in obstetrics and gynecology based in London, took to TikTok to share her expertise in a series of three videos. Her posts were captioned, “Advice I’d give you as a fertility doctor if I wasn’t afraid to hurt your feelings,” highlighting key points she believes are crucial for those facing fertility issues, as reported by the Mirror.

In her first video, Dr. Elfaki addressed a common misconception: “Not having a period and not being on hormonal birth control is not normal. Go and see your doctor,” she advised.

Continuing her candid advice, she added, “Periods that are so heavy or painful that you miss work or social plans are not normal. Go and see your doctor.”

Her third piece of advice tackled a widespread myth: “The pill didn’t cause your painful or irregular periods. It managed them. When you stopped, the underlying issue was still there.”

Lastly, Dr. Elfaki stressed the importance of understanding fertility: “A healthy lifestyle is important, but it cannot override the effect of age on fertility.”

She wrapped up by saying: “Doctors don’t know everything. If you feel dismissed, get a second opinion.”

In the second video, she shared five more pieces of advice. She warned: “Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your fertility – it damages both egg and sperm quality.

“Vaping is also bad – we don’t have as much data but are you really willing to take that risk? If you are eligible for NHS funded IVF – smoking will invalidate that.”

She added: “You don’t need to delay fertility treatment to spend six months changing your diet, the evidence isn’t strong enough to support that kind of delay, and time is more important.”

Wrapping up, Dr Elfaki advised: “STIs can affect your future fertility – use a condom!!!”

In the third video, she stated: “Stop asking women when they’re going to have children – it’s none of your business. Freezing your eggs younger gives you more options later down the line.

“You can have a child without meeting a man even if it’s not how you pictured having a family. Your job might pay for you to freeze your eggs but your personal life is not their priority.”

To conclude, Dr Elfaki said: “Decide what’s important to you and be proactive – that might look like freezing your eggs for one person or quitting smoking for another person – there’s no one size fits all.”

The NHS states that approximately one in seven couples struggle to conceive. The health service advises those who have been trying for over a year without success to consult their GP.

Women aged 36 and above, or those already aware of potential fertility issues, should seek medical advice sooner.

Infertility can be categorised into two types:

• Primary infertility: When someone who has never previously conceived a child has trouble conceiving
• Secondary infertility: When someone who has been pregnant at least once in the past has difficulty conceiving again

Factors such as age, weight, sexually transmitted infections, smoking and drinking can increase the risk. Stress and environmental factors like exposure to specific chemicals can also impact fertility, particularly in men.