Planning for pregnancy?

If you’re trying for a baby, chances are you’ve read about ovulation trackers, fertility diets, or maybe IVF. But what’s often missed in all the noise is a simple truth: your general health plays a hugely important role. As a GP, I often meet couples who are understandably anxious about their fertility, and I always aim to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Why general health matters

Fertility isn’t just about reproductive organs – it’s deeply connected to your nutritional status, metabolism, immune health, and even low-grade inflammation in your body. For example:

• Vitamin D – from sunlight and food – plays a key role in ovulation and healthy implantation. Low levels are common here in Singapore due to indoor lifestyles
• Iron – measured through something called ferritin – needs to be strong to support ovulation and a developing pregnancy
• Thyroid function affects everything from energy levels to menstrual regularity, with even a small imbalance impacting fertility
• These aren’t rare issues – they’re things we often see in general practice and are usually straightforward to test and treat.

More than just hormones

Many people think fertility testing is all about hormone levels, but they’re only one part of the story. These also need to be looked at:

• Blood sugar and insulin levels
• Subtle signs of inflammation in the body
• Vitamin and mineral levels that support egg and sperm health
• Early indicators of thyroid or immune system issues
• These factors often go unnoticed until someone starts trying for a baby, but picking them up early can make all the difference.

It’s a team effort

One of the most important things I tell patients is this: fertility is a shared journey. While female fertility is often the focus, male health matters just as much. Indeed, around 40% of fertility issues involve the male partner.

That’s why I encourage both partners to come to the first consultation. We can check for simple but important factors such as sperm health, hormone balance, and lifestyle exposures that may be interfering. Also, having these conversations as a couple makes the process more supportive and less stressful.

What can a GP do?

You don’t have to go straight to a fertility clinic. GP’s can play a huge role in spotting early warning signs. They can:

• Run a comprehensive panel of blood tests
• Review your diet, supplements, and lifestyle
• Talk through timing and cycle awareness
• Identify health issues that may be affecting your chances

In fact, a 2022 study in Human Reproduction highlighted that addressing metabolic health, mild inflammation, and nutrient levels could improve natural conception rates, and even reduce the need for IVF. If you’re planning for pregnancy, or things aren’t going as expected, start with your GP. A personalised, whole-body approach – taken together as a couple – can truly make all the difference.

Dr.Sital Khistriya is a UK trained family doctor with extensive experience in women’s health, fertility, contraception and post-natal care. Dr.Sital is based at Osler’s Star Vista clinic, near Holland Village.
 osler-health.com